D

ozens of people 
gathered in Detroit 
for the relaunch 
of NEXTWork, NEXTGen 
Detroit and JVS’ professional 
development and network-
ing series for young Jewish 
Detroiters. 
The program kicked 
off with Jason Raznick, 
co-founder and CEO of 
Benzinga. He built the com-
pany 12 years ago during the 
Great Recession and, after 
a recent nine-figure acqui-
sition, he’s calling this new 
chapter Benzinga’s “second 
inning.” 
The event was hosted 
by NEXTGen Detroit of 
the Jewish Federation of 
Metropolitan Detroit and 
was held at Benzinga’s space 

in the Compuware World 
Headquarters Building on 
Feb. 16. 
Raznick told attendees 
about the lessons he’s learned 
as a self-proclaimed “start-up 
junkie” that can be applied 
to anyone’s professional jour-
ney. During the event, people 
networked and shared drinks 
with fellow young Jewish 
professionals. 
“It’s exciting to see the 
Jewish community so vibrant 
here in Downtown Detroit,” 
Raznick told the JN. “I think 
they all have drive and want 
to build a better Detroit for 
tomorrow — and I think 
that’s exciting.” 
During the event, people 
were able to ask Raznick for 
professional advice. “There’s 

support out there; whatev-
er they’re trying to do, the 
Detroit community is sup-
portive, and you’re never 
alone,” he said. “And there’s 
always a way to get things 
done. Just be persistent and 
don’t give up.” 

For information about 
NEXTGen Detroit and future 
events, go to jewishdetroit.
org/get-involved/nextgen. 
To contact Raznick, email 
Jason@benzinga.com or fol-
low him on twitter 
@JasonRaznick. 

TOP: Jason Raznick shares insights with NEXTGen Detroiters. 
ABOVE: NEXTGen Detroiters schmooze before the program began. 

Insights from “start-up junkie” 
Jason Raznick of Benzinga

NEXTWork: 
‘Second Inning’

RACHEL SWEET ASSOCIATE EDITOR

32 | MARCH 3 • 2022 

NEXT DOR

COURTESY OF NEXTGEN DETROIT