Gili Raanan Overview
Gili Raanan is a seasoned cybersecurity investor and the founder of Cyberstarts, a venture capital fund established in 2018 to support early-stage cyber innovators. With a portfolio that includes Wiz, Armis, Island, Fireblocks, and Cyera, Cyberstarts has become a key player in advancing the cybersecurity ecosystem. Gili’s career began in Israel’s elite Unit 8200, where he served for a decade and received the Israel Defense Presidential Prize and the Innovation Award. An engineer by training, he is known for inventing CAPTCHA and co-developing the first web application firewall (WAF), and he holds more than 10 U.S. patents in cybersecurity and enterprise software. After founding and exiting two enterprise software companies acquired by EMC and IBM, Gili joined Sequoia Capital in 2009. As a General Partner, he led investments in cybersecurity and infrastructure across Israel’s tech landscape for nearly a decade before launching Cyberstarts. Under his leadership, Cyberstarts has raised over $720 million across five funds and invested in 28 companies now valued at a combined $55 billion. Gili Raanan remains actively involved in guiding founders and currently sits on the boards of 10 companies. He is based in Mikhmoret, Israel, and is also a minority owner of Hapoel Tel Aviv’s basketball team.
Latest News
Cyberstarts' New Fund Is a Bet on Cybersecurity M&A
growth-positive
Cyberstarts Closes Second $380M Opportunity Fund to Back the Next Stage of Cybersecurity Breakouts
Cyberstarts, a leading early-stage cybersecurity venture firm, announced the closing of its second Opportunity Fund, a $380 million investment vehicle aimed at supporting its portfolio companies as they scale. The fund is part of Cyberstarts strategy to provide focused support to visionary founders at critical growth stages. The firm has a track record of backing successful companies like Wiz, Fireblocks, and Cyera, which have achieved significant valuations and growth. The announcement also includes the appointment of Pete Chronis as an Operating Partner, enhancing the firms leadership team. Cyberstarts has raised over $1.4 billion across seven funds, reinforcing its position as a key player in the cybersecurity investment landscape.
InvestmentPartnersManagement Changes
growth-positive
Cyberstarts launches $380M fund to double down on cybersecurity scale-ups | CTech
Cyberstarts, a cybersecurity venture capital firm, has raised a new $380 million Opportunity Fund II to support its portfolio companies as they scale. This fund is part of a record fundraising year for Cyberstarts, which has secured over $700 million in commitments and manages $1.4 billion across seven funds. The firm, founded by Gili Raanan, is known for investing at the seed stage and has seen significant success with companies like Wiz, Fireblocks, Island, and Cyera. Cyberstarts has also expanded its leadership team with the appointment of Pete Chronis as an operating partner. The firm continues to make strategic investments and acquisitions, contributing to its growth and influence in the cybersecurity sector.
InvestmentPartnersAcquisitionManagement Changes
growth-positive
Cyberstarts Closes Second $380M Opportunity Fund to Back the Next Stage of Cybersecurity Breakouts
Cyberstarts, a prominent early-stage cybersecurity venture firm, announced the closing of its second Opportunity Fund, valued at $380 million. This fund is aimed at supporting portfolio companies as they transition from startups to global businesses. Cyberstarts has a successful track record, with companies like Wiz, Fireblocks, Island, and Cyera achieving significant valuations and growth. The fund will enable Cyberstarts to provide focused support to its portfolio companies at critical growth stages, including capital raises and talent recruitment. The firm also welcomed Pete Chronis as an Operating Partner to strengthen its leadership team.
Investment
growth-positive
Wiz Backer Raises $300 Million to Help Startup Employees Cash Out
Cyberstarts, an Israeli venture capital firm, has raised $300 million to purchase shares from employees of its portfolio companies. This initiative, led by co-founder Gili Raanan, aims to provide long-tenured employees with consistent opportunities to cash out their vested shares. The move is part of a broader strategy to adapt the venture capital model to the evolving landscape where startups remain private for longer periods and encounter new challenges.
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Web & Social Links
| Website | cyberstarts.com/ |
Locations
Mikhmoret, Israel
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Gili Raanan News
16 articlesCyberstarts' New Fund Is a Bet on Cybersecurity M&A
growth-positive
Cyberstarts Closes Second $380M Opportunity Fund to Back the Next Stage of Cybersecurity Breakouts
Cyberstarts, a leading early-stage cybersecurity venture firm, announced the closing of its second Opportunity Fund, a $380 million investment vehicle aimed at supporting its portfolio companies as they scale. The fund is part of Cyberstarts strategy to provide focused support to visionary founders at critical growth stages. The firm has a track record of backing successful companies like Wiz, Fireblocks, and Cyera, which have achieved significant valuations and growth. The announcement also includes the appointment of Pete Chronis as an Operating Partner, enhancing the firms leadership team. Cyberstarts has raised over $1.4 billion across seven funds, reinforcing its position as a key player in the cybersecurity investment landscape.
InvestmentPartnersManagement Changes
growth-positive
Cyberstarts launches $380M fund to double down on cybersecurity scale-ups | CTech
Cyberstarts, a cybersecurity venture capital firm, has raised a new $380 million Opportunity Fund II to support its portfolio companies as they scale. This fund is part of a record fundraising year for Cyberstarts, which has secured over $700 million in commitments and manages $1.4 billion across seven funds. The firm, founded by Gili Raanan, is known for investing at the seed stage and has seen significant success with companies like Wiz, Fireblocks, Island, and Cyera. Cyberstarts has also expanded its leadership team with the appointment of Pete Chronis as an operating partner. The firm continues to make strategic investments and acquisitions, contributing to its growth and influence in the cybersecurity sector.
InvestmentPartnersAcquisitionManagement Changes
growth-positive
Cyberstarts Closes Second $380M Opportunity Fund to Back the Next Stage of Cybersecurity Breakouts
Cyberstarts, a prominent early-stage cybersecurity venture firm, announced the closing of its second Opportunity Fund, valued at $380 million. This fund is aimed at supporting portfolio companies as they transition from startups to global businesses. Cyberstarts has a successful track record, with companies like Wiz, Fireblocks, Island, and Cyera achieving significant valuations and growth. The fund will enable Cyberstarts to provide focused support to its portfolio companies at critical growth stages, including capital raises and talent recruitment. The firm also welcomed Pete Chronis as an Operating Partner to strengthen its leadership team.
Investment
growth-positive
Wiz Backer Raises $300 Million to Help Startup Employees Cash Out
Cyberstarts, an Israeli venture capital firm, has raised $300 million to purchase shares from employees of its portfolio companies. This initiative, led by co-founder Gili Raanan, aims to provide long-tenured employees with consistent opportunities to cash out their vested shares. The move is part of a broader strategy to adapt the venture capital model to the evolving landscape where startups remain private for longer periods and encounter new challenges.
Investment
Cyberstarts Launches $300 Million Employee Liquidity Fund to Power the Next Stage of Cybersecurity Startup Growth
Israel's Cyberstarts launches $300 million fund to help startups retain talent
מיקי מלכה רוכש 15% מהפועל תל אביב בכדורסל
growth-positive
Forbes 2025 Midas Seed List - Seed Investors Ranked
The article discusses the Midas Seed List, highlighting top seed-stage investors globally. Notably, Gili Raanans early investment in cloud security startup Wiz has propelled him to third place on the list, as Google has made a $32 billion offer to acquire Wiz, marking it as Googles largest acquisition. The list also features new entrants like Sarah Guo and Ali Partovi, recognized for their investments in AI startups. The Midas Seed List ranks investors based on their backing of startups that have gone public or been acquired for significant amounts, emphasizing the importance of early-stage investments in shaping the future of technology.
Acquired-by
growth-positive
Gili Ranan named #24 on the 2025 Forbes Midas List.
In 2025, Google made a $32 billion takeover offer for Wiz, a cloud security startup based in Tel Aviv. This acquisition would mark Googles largest buyout and the largest-ever deal for a venture-backed startup. Wiz, which was initially backed by Raanan, a former Sequoia Israel partner, has been a significant player in the cybersecurity sector. Raanans firm, Cyberstarts, led a seed round for Wiz in 2020. The acquisition highlights the growing importance of cybersecurity and cloud security solutions, with Wiz being a key player in this domain.
Acquired-by
growth-positive
Cybersecurity Investment Playbook - Colossus
The article features Gili Raanan, founder of Cyberstarts, a venture capital firm focused on cybersecurity. Cyberstarts has seen significant growth, with its first fund growing from $50 million to nearly $2 billion in three years. The firm employs a unique Sunrise methodology to identify customer pain points before developing solutions. The discussion touches on the evolving cybersecurity landscape, driven by global conflicts and AI advancements. Cyberstarts was an early investor in Wiz, a company recently acquired by Google, highlighting the firms successful investment strategy. The conversation also covers the importance of finding resilient talent and overcoming personal adversity.
InvestmentAcquisition
growth-positive
Meet the Israeli cyber investors cashing in on Google’s $32B Wiz deal
Google has acquired Israeli cybersecurity company Wiz for $33 billion, marking a significant event in the cybersecurity industry. This acquisition is expected to benefit several prominent Israeli investors, including Nir Zuk, Shlomo Kramer, and Miki Boodaei, who are part of the Cyberstarts fund. Cyberstarts, an early investor in Wiz, holds a 4% stake in the company, now valued at $900 million. The acquisition will integrate Wizs technology into Google Cloud, eliminating it as a competitor to companies like Palo Alto Networks. This deal highlights the interconnected network of Israeli cybersecurity pioneers and promises substantial returns for investors involved.
Acquired-by
growth-positive
Cyberstarts founder Gili Raanan enters sports world with minority stake in Hapoel Tel Aviv | CTech
Gili Raanan, founder of Cyberstarts, has invested in Hapoel Tel Aviv Basketball Club, acquiring a 10% stake for approximately $2.8 million. This marks the first investment in the club since its acquisition by Ofer Yanai, founder of Nofar Energy. Raanan, a seasoned venture capitalist, is known for his investments in prominent Israeli tech companies. His involvement with the basketball club is seen as a positive move, bringing his expertise in building successful organizations to the sports world. The partnership aims to promote sporting excellence and community impact, aligning with Raanans history of supporting social initiatives.
Investment
growth-positive
Trendsetters On The Midas List Europe 2024: Pioneers Of European Innovation
The article highlights the achievements of European investors recognized on the Midas List Europe for their early investments in high-growth industries. Avi Eyal, co-founder of Entrée Capital, is featured for his successful investments in companies like Coupang and Monday.com, which have gone public with significant valuations. The article discusses the consistent market landscape in 2024, with many tech startups opting to stay private and secure additional funding. Despite challenges, innovation thrives, and investors like Eyal have capitalized on early investments in resilient companies. The article also mentions other notable investors and their contributions to Europes tech ecosystem.
Investment
growth-positive
Gili Raanan’s VC fund took its assets under management to $720 million on the back of acquisitions of portfolio companies Axis Security, Bionic, and Noname Security.
Cyberstarts, a venture capital fund founded by Gili Raanan, has increased its assets under management to $720 million following the acquisition of portfolio companies Axis Security, Bionic, and Noname Security. The firm has raised $60 million for its fourth Seed fund, with notable investors including industry leaders such as Shlomo Kramer and Marius Nacht. Cyberstarts has been successful in its investments, with a total deal value crossing $1 billion. The funds growth has been accompanied by some controversy, particularly regarding its executive advisory program, which was discontinued earlier this year. The firm continues to expand its influence in the cybersecurity investment space.
InvestmentPartnersAcquisition
growth-positive
Gili Raanan: “I don't believe there is a bubble in cyber” | CTech
The article discusses the growth and development of the cybersecurity sector, particularly focusing on the Israeli startup Island. Island has recently doubled its valuation to $3 billion following a $175 million Series D investment round. The company, founded in 2020, employs around 250 people and is experiencing high demand due to the global cyber crisis. The discussions at the Journey conference, hosted by EY, highlighted the importance of innovation and strong cyber foundations in the face of geopolitical challenges. The U.S. market is emphasized as a key area for growth, with American investors playing a significant role in funding. Islands success is attributed to its strong engineering team and strategic market approach.
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Admin Info
| Confidence | 33/100 |
| Missing | funding stage, product stage, sector, founding year, founding month, number of employees, tags, business model, tag line, funding rounds, markets, not claimed |
| Creator | Jenny Sotnik-Talisman |
| Creator email | genys30@yahoo.com |
| Last updater | Doron Bobman |
| Updater email | doron.b@sncentral.org |
| Last update | 2025-06-23T00:00:00.000Z |
| Created | 2020-09-29T00:00:00.000Z |
| Status detail | Active |
Main Contact
| name | Gili Raanan |
| gili@cyberstarts.com | |
| gender | Male |
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| position | Self |
| last_name | Raanan |
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| first_name | Gili |
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| linkedinurl | https://www.linkedin.com/in/giliraanan/ |
| is_activeuser | 1 |
| claimedemaildate | 2025-06-23 15:05:44.000000 |
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| teammembertagclass | connect |
| teammembertagcontent | Connect |