Awz Ventures Overview
Awz Ventures is a Canadian hub for investment in cybersecurity, intelligence and physical security AI-based technologies from Israel, a global leader in these sectors. Awz manages US $250M across its four venture capital funds, with seed through growth-stage investments in 18 innovative Israeli cybersecurity, intelligence and physical security AI-based technological companies. Awz management and advisors include former senior executives from global security and intelligence agencies (Mossad, ISA, CIA, FBI, MI5, CSIS, CAF), and international business and venture capital experts.
Latest News
growth-positive
אחרי שנה של שתיקה: הרמטכ"ל הקודם אביב כוכבי מצטרף לקרן ההשקעות AWZ | כלכליסט
AWZ Ventures, an Israeli-Canadian investment firm specializing in deep-tech, manages approximately 2.5 billion shekels and has invested in companies like the Israeli cybersecurity unicorn Pantera and the quantum computing startup Classiq. Former IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi has joined AWZ Ventures, bringing his expertise in military technology. The firm has previously attracted notable figures from the security establishment, including former Mossad head Tamir Pardo and former Unit 8200 commander Ehud Shaniorson. AWZ Ventures was founded in 2016 by Yaron Ashkenazi and Canadian Edward Sonshine, with a defense investment arm added in 2021. The advisory committee includes former intelligence chiefs from the US, Canada, and the UK, as well as former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Ashkenazi confirmed Kochavis appointment, highlighting his potential contributions to the firms groundbreaking deep-tech initiatives.
InvestmentManagement Changes
growth-positive
Former IDF chief joins Canadian VC fund AWZ
Aviv Kochavi, former IDF chief of staff, has joined Canadian venture capital fund AWZ Ventures. This move is part of a trend where retired Israeli security officers enter the tech sector. AWZ Ventures, founded by Yaron Ashkenazi and Edward Sonshine, focuses on dual-use technology investments in commercial and military markets. The fund has accumulated $2 billion in investments, with successful ventures like Pentera and Classiq. Kochavis appointment is timely, given the rising demand for advanced defense technologies due to conflicts in Israel and Ukraine. AWZ Ventures also collaborates with the Israeli Ministry of Defenses Directorate of Defense Research & Development through the X-Seed fund, which raised $82.5 million for defense and intelligence technologies.
Management ChangesInvestment
growth-positive
Awz Ventures to Invest Hundreds of Millions in Multi-Use Tech via New Awz X-Seed Hub Launched in Partnership with MAFAT
Awz Ventures, a Canadian venture capital firm, has launched its Awz X-Seed investment and accelerator hub in Tel Aviv, in partnership with MAFAT, the Israeli Ministry of Defenses Directorate of Defense Research and Development. The hub will invest in pre-seed and inception stage companies developing innovative security technologies with commercial applications. Awz X-Seed raised over $75M in its first round and has identified 10 potential investment opportunities in various tech sectors. The hub will provide non-dilutive business packages, including office space and mentorship services, to its portfolio companies.
InvestmentExpand
growth-positive
Former Canadian PM promotes Israel investments
Former Canadian prime minister Stephen Harper has been appointed president of the advisory committee of Awz Ventures, a venture capital fund that specialises in Israeli security and intelligence startups. The fund, which manages $100m in assets, has invested in 12 companies to date. Harper, who served three consecutive terms as prime minister from 2006 until 2015, founded Harper & Associates, a consultancy company, after leaving politics. He said he was looking for profitable opportunities that promoted the same values he had when he was prime minister.
InvestmentManagement Changes
Team Members
12
Web & Social Links
| Website | www.awzventures.com/ |
Locations
Derech Menachem Begin 121, Tel Aviv-Jaffa, Israel
20 Eglinton Ave W, Toronto, ON M4R 1K8, Canada
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