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Ben Marcus

Ben Marcus

Co-Founder and Managing Partner at UP.Partners, transforming mobility

BenMarcus
Santa Monica, California
Joined December 2025
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Summary

Ben Marcus is a serial entrepreneur and visionary in the aerospace and mobility sectors, having co-founded three significant companies: jetAVIVA (a leading business jet broker), AirMap (an airspace management platform acquired by DroneUp), and currently UP.Partners (a venture fund investing in mobility technology). His career demonstrates a consistent drive to innovate and transform the way people and goods move, from general aviation to drone technology and advanced mobility. up+3
With deep roots in aviation, Ben Marcus began his journey as a flight instructor at 18 and holds an Airline Transport Pilot certificate with thousands of flight hours across diverse aircraft types. This hands-on experience as a pilot informs his entrepreneurial ventures, giving him a unique perspective on the operational and safety aspects of air mobility and contributing to his credibility as an industry leader. dubaiairshow+1
As a managing partner at UP.Partners, Ben Marcus is actively shaping the future of mobility by investing in early-stage technology companies. His work extends to spearheading UP.Labs, which collaborates with corporations like Porsche to incubate new ventures, reflecting his commitment to fostering innovation and bringing disruptive technologies to market. He also co-created the UP.Summit, bringing together global mobility leaders. up+3

Work

Education

Writing

Partnering with Skydio

March 1, 2021

Discusses strategic partnerships for drone enablement and the collaboration with Skydio.

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Drone Enablement Through Strategic Partnerships

March 1, 2019

Explores the necessity of collaboration among strong partners to build the future of drones.

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Opening the skies for business

November 1, 2017

Details the launch of a digital airspace authorization prototype evaluation program with the FAA and industry partners.

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Switzerland and the Future of Flight

September 1, 2017

Discusses AirMap's role in opening airspace for drones in Switzerland and globally.

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A visit with President Trump

June 1, 2017

Recounts receiving an invitation to the White House as a startup founder.

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As drones go global — where does the U.S. stand?

June 1, 2017

Examines global drone regulations and the US position in opening skies to drones.

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What AirMap’s Series B Means for the Future of Drones

February 1, 2017

Announces AirMap's Series B funding round and its implications for drone technology.

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How the Unmanned Aircraft Safety Team is forging a safer future for drones

January 1, 2017

Explores the efforts of the Unmanned Aircraft Safety Team in promoting drone safety.

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Why Apple’s Drone Mapping Plan is More than a Moonshot

December 1, 2016

Analyzes Apple's ambitious plan to use drones for mapping and its feasibility.

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Four things Uber gets right about the flying car — and a few other considerations

October 1, 2016

Discusses Uber's approach to flying car technology and other considerations for the industry.

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Hobbies

An FAA-certified Airline Transport Pilot and Flight Instructor with extensive flight experience across over 100 types of aircraft, including airplanes, seaplanes, gliders, and helicopters. He soloed at 16, earned private pilot certification at 17, and commercial pilot/flight instructor certification at 18. dubaiairshow+1

He is an active volunteer for Angel Flight West, a non-profit that arranges free air transportation for people with serious medical conditions and other compelling needs. weforum+1

Co-created the UP.Summit in 2017, which has grown into the premier annual gathering of the world's leading innovators in mobility, co-hosted by the Walton Family and the Perot Family. dubaiairshow+1