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§ Venture Capital · Israel
Venture capital firm investing in early-stage Israeli startups, focused on cybersecurity, AI, and medical technology.
Cedar Fund is a venture capital firm specializing in early-stage seed and Series A investments that is based in Waltham, Massachusetts, with a significant operational presence in Tel Aviv, Israel. The firm focuses exclusively on backing Israeli startups, targeting emerging companies operating within the cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and medical technology sectors. Beyond providing initial equity financing, the organization actively assists its portfolio companies with product development, sales strategy, marketing initiatives, and subsequent fundraising efforts. The firm currently manages approximately $146 million in fully committed capital across its investment vehicles, which includes the $100 million Giza V fund under active management. The firm's investment operations and strategic guidance are directed by a senior management team that includes Motti Vaknin, Ronen Yehoshua, and Dorin Miller. Cedar Fund was founded in 1997 by co-founders Gal Israely and Amnon Shoham.
Key people at Cedar Fund.
Cedar Fund is a venture capital firm primarily focused on early-stage investments in Israeli and U.S.-based startups, with a strong emphasis on seed and pre-seed funding rounds. The firm targets high-growth technology sectors such as fintech, artificial intelligence, blockchain, data science, telecommunications, networking, and enterprise software. Cedar Fund aims to back passionate founders with disruptive ideas, providing not only capital but also strategic guidance, mentorship, and access to an extensive network to accelerate startup growth and market entry. Their investment philosophy centers on identifying exceptional entrepreneurs and supporting them to build scalable, innovative companies that can lead in their respective industries[2][3][4].
Founded in 1997, Cedar Fund has established itself as a key player in the Israeli startup ecosystem while maintaining a presence in the United States. The firm was created to leverage the burgeoning innovation landscape in Israel, often dubbed the "Startup Nation," and to connect these startups with global markets and investors. The team behind Cedar Fund includes seasoned entrepreneurs and investors with deep experience in technology and venture capital, enabling them to spot promising early-stage companies and nurture them through critical growth phases. Over time, Cedar Fund has evolved to focus more on seed and pre-seed investments, emphasizing hands-on support and long-term partnerships with founders[2][3][4].
Cedar Fund rides the global trend of early-stage venture capital fueling innovation in technology hubs, particularly Israel’s vibrant startup ecosystem. The timing is critical as Israel continues to be a leading source of cutting-edge technologies in cybersecurity, AI, and fintech, attracting international attention and capital. By focusing on seed and pre-seed stages, Cedar Fund plays a crucial role in bridging the funding gap that often limits startup growth in the earliest phases. Their active support model helps startups scale efficiently, contributing to the broader ecosystem by fostering innovation, job creation, and technological advancement. The firm’s dual presence in Israel and the U.S. also facilitates cross-border collaboration and market expansion, strengthening the global tech landscape[2][3][4].
Looking ahead, Cedar Fund is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging technology trends such as AI, blockchain, and fintech innovations, which continue to reshape industries worldwide. Their focus on early-stage investments means they will likely remain a critical enabler for the next generation of disruptive startups. As the Israeli startup ecosystem matures and integrates more deeply with global markets, Cedar Fund’s network and expertise will be increasingly valuable in helping founders navigate complex growth trajectories. The firm’s commitment to active involvement and long-term partnerships suggests it will continue to influence the startup ecosystem positively, driving innovation and delivering strong returns for investors.
In summary, Cedar Fund’s strategic focus on early-stage Israeli and U.S. startups, combined with its hands-on support and deep sector expertise, makes it a pivotal player in nurturing high-potential technology ventures and shaping the future of the global innovation landscape[2][3][4].
Key people at Cedar Fund.
Cedar Fund has more than 26 tracked investments across 16 companies. The latest tracked deal is $80.0M Series B in Lightmatter in April 2021.
