Summary:
Aviv Kohavi joins Awz Ventures, focusing on deep-tech investment.
The deep-tech market is booming due to recent conflicts, shifting defense budgets towards startups.
Awz Ventures manages approximately 2.5 billion shekels and invests in notable firms like Pentera and Classiq.
The fund has attracted several prominent figures from the defense sector, enhancing its credibility.
Kohavi is expected to leverage his military experience to drive innovation in deep-tech projects.
Aviv Kohavi's New Venture
Former IDF Chief of the General Staff, Aviv Kohavi, has ventured into the private sector by joining Awz Ventures, an Israeli-Canadian investment firm specializing in deep-tech. Kohavi, who stepped down in January 2023, has been relatively low-profile since then but is now poised to leverage his extensive experience in technology and military applications.
Growing Market for Defense Technologies
The deep-tech market has significantly expanded following the recent conflicts in Ukraine and Israel, leading to a shift in defense spending towards startups and innovative technologies. This has prompted several high-profile military leaders to enter the investment space. For instance, former Israeli Air Force commander Amikam Norkin is also launching a fund focused on defense technologies.
Awz Ventures: A Powerhouse in Tech Investment
Awz Ventures manages approximately 2.5 billion shekels and boasts a portfolio that includes notable firms like the Israeli cyber unicorn Pentera and the quantum computing startup Classiq. The firm has attracted a number of prominent figures from the defense sector, including Tamir Pardo (former head of the Mossad) and Ehud Schneerson (former commander of Unit 8200).
Leadership and Vision
The founders of Awz, Yaron Ashkenazi and Canadian Edward Sonshine, have been instrumental in the fund's direction, which expanded to include a security investment division in 2021. The advisory committee features former intelligence leaders from the U.S., Canada, and the UK, as well as former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
Ashkenazi stated, "Aviv will contribute his abilities and experience to advancing our revolutionary deep-tech projects and groundbreaking portfolio companies."
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