Jelli brings together business, technology, and creative storytelling around a simple belief: money management should feel more understandable, more human, and a lot less like homework.
Chief Executive Officer
David Smith
I’ve always loved building things and figuring out how they work. That curiosity led me to an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering, then an MBA in finance from Northwestern University. I wanted to understand not only how to build a product, but how to build a company around one.
What excites me most is the emotional connection a great product can create. With Jelli, we set out to turn a tedious, burdensome chore into something simple, useful, and maybe even fun... something that genuinely makes everyday life a little sweeter.
The sweetest parts of mine are my wife, our three sons and two daughters-in-law, writing young-adult adventure novels, and getting outdoors whenever I can... from the mountains to the ocean and everywhere in between.
Chief Technology Officer
Ben Harper
I’ve spent more than two decades building the technology behind intuitive fintech tools. At Jelli, I lead our mobile apps and backend systems, with the goal of making sophisticated money management feel simple, engaging, and genuinely useful.
I’m a builder by nature. That might mean a new mobile experience, an AI automation, a restored piece of vintage electronics, or the occasional 3D-printed contraption. I like understanding how things work... and finding ways to make them work a little better.
Outside of the code, I love live music. Nothing beats watching my daughter take the stage and sing.
Chief Creative Officer
Tom Curitore
I’m a Telly and Communicator Award-winning creative with more than 25 years of experience across industries, from fashion and skincare to fintech. Whatever the project, I’ve tried to hold on to a kid-at-heart perspective and the belief that a little playfulness can make serious things more engaging.
At Jelli, I get to combine my co-founders’ business and technical expertise with that creative instinct. Together, we’re making a budgeting tool that feels approachable, expressive, and genuinely empowering. The mission is simple: help people sweeten their lives with budgeting that sticks.
When I’m not dreaming up something for Jelli, I’m usually working on a screenplay, collaborating with my wife on her latest art installation, or watching our son rock out with his band.
Our point of view
Built with purpose. Made for real life.
We believe thoughtful technology can take some of the friction out of everyday choices... leaving more room for the things that make life good.
