Merlin Ventures Overview
Merlin Ventures is the venture capital affiliate of The Merlin Group, a network of companies with more than 25 years of success bringing technologies to the U.S. Government market. Merlin Ventures rapidly scales visionary companies and introduces disruptive solutions designed to help enterprises address today's most critical cybersecurity challenges. Its unique business model combines robust infrastructure and capital, technical advisory and engineering advisory, market readiness acceleration, and deep-rooted government and industry relationships that enable its portfolio to rapidly grow and scale.
Latest News
growth-positive
פירמת ההון סיכון האמריקאית מרלין ונצ'רס הכריזה על גיוס של 75 מיליון דולר להשקעות בחברות סייבר ישראליות בשלב הסיד, התחום הפופולרי ביותר בהייטק הישראלי ■ השותף המנהל שי מישל: "גם ב-2022 שאלו אותי אם המחירים בסייבר גבוהים מדי, ומאז מכרנו שש חברות בהצלחה יפה"
Merlin Ventures, an American venture capital firm, announced the successful raising of a new $75 million fund dedicated to investing in Israeli cybersecurity startups at the seed stage. This marks the firms second fund, having previously invested $53 million in Israel. The announcement highlights the growing competition in early-stage cybersecurity investments. Merlin Ventures has already made three investments from this new fund. The firms managing partner, Shai Michel, noted the continued interest and successful exits in the cybersecurity sector, despite concerns about high valuations.
Investment
growth-positive
New fund targets growth-stage startups as AI and compliance reshape market dynamics.
Merlin Ventures, an Israeli-American venture capital firm, has raised $75 million for its second Israel-focused fund aimed at accelerating growth-stage cybersecurity startups. The fund, managed by Shay Michel, Seth Spergel, and David Phelps, seeks to help these startups penetrate U.S. and global markets. The firm has promoted Almog Golod and Tav Spector Levi to Partner and Operating Partner, respectively. Merlin Ventures has a strong track record, with six out of ten companies from its previous fund being acquired. The new fund has already made investments in partnership with Lightspeed Venture Partners and Norwest Venture Partners. The firm is also launching the Genesis Program to help portfolio companies accelerate from idea to revenue, especially as AI reshapes product development timelines.
InvestmentPartnersAcquisitionExpand
growth-positive
The fund will focus on investments in growth stage Israeli cybersecurity companies.
Merlin Ventures, an Israeli-US venture capital fund, has closed its second fund aimed at investing in growth-stage Israeli cybersecurity companies. Managed by Shay Michel, Seth Spergel, and David Phelps, the fund has attracted investments from both Israeli and US investors, including notable entrepreneurs and tech industry figures. The fund has already made investments in collaboration with Lightspeed Venture Partners and Norwest Venture Partners. Additionally, Merlin Ventures has launched the Genesis Program to support startups in its portfolio, facilitating faster growth and market penetration in the AI era. The funds focus on cybersecurity and AI positions it for significant growth.
InvestmentPartners
growth-positive
Merlin Ventures adds mentalist Lior Suchard as Venture Partner | CTech
Merlin Ventures, a venture capital fund specializing in early-stage cyber startups, announced the addition of Lior Suchard as a Venture Partner during the Tech TLV conference. Suchard, an international mentalist and entrepreneur, will leverage his expertise in creative marketing and human dynamics to enhance Merlin Ventures operations. The firm has already achieved four successful exits, including Dig and Talon. Suchard and Shay Michel, Managing Partner at Merlin Ventures, have a long-standing professional relationship, having co-founded an accelerator program for startups in 2016. This partnership is expected to bring innovative tools and strategies to Merlin Ventures, furthering its growth in the cybersecurity sector.
Partners
growth-positive
Speaking at Calcalist and Leumi Tech's Tech TLV conference, Shay Michel, Managing Partner at Merlin Ventures, a VC fund specializing in investments in early-stage cyber startups, announced that international mentalist, entrepreneur and investor Lior Suchard has joined the firm as a Venture Partner.
Merlin Ventures, a venture capital fund specializing in early-stage cybersecurity startups, announced the addition of Lior Suchard as a Venture Partner at the Tech TLV conference. Suchard, an international mentalist and entrepreneur, will leverage his expertise in creative marketing and human dynamics to enhance Merlin Ventures operations. The firm has a history of successful exits, including Dig and Talon in 2024. Suchard and Shay Michel, Managing Partner at Merlin Ventures, have a long-standing professional relationship, having co-founded an accelerator program in 2016. The partnership is expected to bring innovative tools and strategies to the firm, emphasizing the importance of human creativity and belief in change.
Partners
Team Members
6
Web & Social Links
| Website | merlin.vc/ |
Locations
Derech Menachem Begin 121, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
8330 Boone Blvd, Vienna, VA, USA
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cyber-securityMerlin Ventures Financials
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Merlin Ventures News
11 articles
growth-positive
פירמת ההון סיכון האמריקאית מרלין ונצ'רס הכריזה על גיוס של 75 מיליון דולר להשקעות בחברות סייבר ישראליות בשלב הסיד, התחום הפופולרי ביותר בהייטק הישראלי ■ השותף המנהל שי מישל: "גם ב-2022 שאלו אותי אם המחירים בסייבר גבוהים מדי, ומאז מכרנו שש חברות בהצלחה יפה"
Merlin Ventures, an American venture capital firm, announced the successful raising of a new $75 million fund dedicated to investing in Israeli cybersecurity startups at the seed stage. This marks the firms second fund, having previously invested $53 million in Israel. The announcement highlights the growing competition in early-stage cybersecurity investments. Merlin Ventures has already made three investments from this new fund. The firms managing partner, Shai Michel, noted the continued interest and successful exits in the cybersecurity sector, despite concerns about high valuations.
Investment
growth-positive
New fund targets growth-stage startups as AI and compliance reshape market dynamics.
Merlin Ventures, an Israeli-American venture capital firm, has raised $75 million for its second Israel-focused fund aimed at accelerating growth-stage cybersecurity startups. The fund, managed by Shay Michel, Seth Spergel, and David Phelps, seeks to help these startups penetrate U.S. and global markets. The firm has promoted Almog Golod and Tav Spector Levi to Partner and Operating Partner, respectively. Merlin Ventures has a strong track record, with six out of ten companies from its previous fund being acquired. The new fund has already made investments in partnership with Lightspeed Venture Partners and Norwest Venture Partners. The firm is also launching the Genesis Program to help portfolio companies accelerate from idea to revenue, especially as AI reshapes product development timelines.
InvestmentPartnersAcquisitionExpand
growth-positive
The fund will focus on investments in growth stage Israeli cybersecurity companies.
Merlin Ventures, an Israeli-US venture capital fund, has closed its second fund aimed at investing in growth-stage Israeli cybersecurity companies. Managed by Shay Michel, Seth Spergel, and David Phelps, the fund has attracted investments from both Israeli and US investors, including notable entrepreneurs and tech industry figures. The fund has already made investments in collaboration with Lightspeed Venture Partners and Norwest Venture Partners. Additionally, Merlin Ventures has launched the Genesis Program to support startups in its portfolio, facilitating faster growth and market penetration in the AI era. The funds focus on cybersecurity and AI positions it for significant growth.
InvestmentPartners
growth-positive
Merlin Ventures adds mentalist Lior Suchard as Venture Partner | CTech
Merlin Ventures, a venture capital fund specializing in early-stage cyber startups, announced the addition of Lior Suchard as a Venture Partner during the Tech TLV conference. Suchard, an international mentalist and entrepreneur, will leverage his expertise in creative marketing and human dynamics to enhance Merlin Ventures operations. The firm has already achieved four successful exits, including Dig and Talon. Suchard and Shay Michel, Managing Partner at Merlin Ventures, have a long-standing professional relationship, having co-founded an accelerator program for startups in 2016. This partnership is expected to bring innovative tools and strategies to Merlin Ventures, furthering its growth in the cybersecurity sector.
Partners
growth-positive
Speaking at Calcalist and Leumi Tech's Tech TLV conference, Shay Michel, Managing Partner at Merlin Ventures, a VC fund specializing in investments in early-stage cyber startups, announced that international mentalist, entrepreneur and investor Lior Suchard has joined the firm as a Venture Partner.
Merlin Ventures, a venture capital fund specializing in early-stage cybersecurity startups, announced the addition of Lior Suchard as a Venture Partner at the Tech TLV conference. Suchard, an international mentalist and entrepreneur, will leverage his expertise in creative marketing and human dynamics to enhance Merlin Ventures operations. The firm has a history of successful exits, including Dig and Talon in 2024. Suchard and Shay Michel, Managing Partner at Merlin Ventures, have a long-standing professional relationship, having co-founded an accelerator program in 2016. The partnership is expected to bring innovative tools and strategies to the firm, emphasizing the importance of human creativity and belief in change.
Partners
growth-positive
פרויקט של חברת ההשקעות מרלין יסייע לחברות סייבר ישראליות בעבודה מול הרשויות בארה״ב | כלכליסט
Merlin Cybers project, Constellation GovCloud, has received approval from the US Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program. The project aims to assist startups, including Israeli companies, in entering and working with the US government market. The platform will help companies complete compliance processes and meet US government requirements more quickly and easily. The service will be provided through a platform that helps companies reduce most compliance-related tasks when working with US authorities. The process of the startup working with the project begins at the software development stage of the company and its integration into the platform.
Partners
growth-negative
"הקרנות האמריקאיות מנסות להיפטר מהפורטפוליו...
Shai Mishel, managing partner at Merlin Ventures TLV, warns of difficult months ahead for the tech industry. He notes that large American funds are trying to liquidate their portfolios to return money to their investors. Mishel also highlights that the political and economic instability in Israel is leading foreign investment funds to significantly reduce their investments in the country. He predicts that the third and fourth quarters of 2023 will be a critical point in the financing of many young startups in Israel, particularly those that have not reached revenue milestones and are nearing the end of their funding.
Investment
growth-positive
"US administration offers huge opportunities in cybersecurity"
Merlin Ventures TLV manager Shay Michel discussed the US administrations tougher cybersecurity stance and its impact on Israeli startups. The US administrations increased focus on cybersecurity presents a significant opportunity for the Israeli cybersecurity industry. The administration recognizes the need to work with suppliers and is interested in collaborating with Israeli startups. Michel mentioned Axonius as an example of a startup that has successfully worked with the administration. He also discussed the different approaches to cybersecurity, mentioning companies like Palo Alto Networks and Check Point that may shift towards working with other cybersecurity companies. Merlin Ventures has announced a designated fund of $50 million for Israeli cybersecurity and aims to strengthen startups from the early stages to facilitate collaboration with large organizations. The event was held in cooperation with J.P. Morgan, Microsoft Israel, and Merlin Ventures TLV.
PartnersInvestment
growth-positive
US VC Merlin Ventures forms Israeli cyber fund
Merlin TLV, managed by Shay Michels, plans to invest $50 million in Israeli cybersecurity companies over 3-4 years. US venture capital firm Merlin Ventures has set up a dedicated fund for investment in Israel called Merlin TLV. The new fund will invest $50 million in Israeli cybersecurity startups over the next 3-4 years. Merlin Ventures has in the past invested in three Israeli companies - Sepio, Cynet, and Cyber Observer - but it is now forming a special fund for Israel to be managed by Shay Michels and the Israeli VC fund toDay Ventures, of which Michels is a founder.
Investment
Merlin Ventures Unveils Public Sector Growth Program for Cybersecurity Startups
Merlin International Wins Washington Technology Government Innovation Award
Similar Companies
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Merlin Ventures Internal
Recent Updates
Tav Spector
· tspector@merlin.vc · Manual · 2022-11-24 11:06:23.000000
Tav Spector
· tspector@merlin.vc · Manual · 2022-11-24 11:06:54.000000
Tav Spector
· tspector@merlin.vc · Manual · 2022-11-24 11:04:57.000000
Jenny Sotnik-Talisman
· jenny.sotnik@sncentral.org · Manual · 2025-01-14 13:02:16.000000
Jenny Sotnik-Talisman
· jenny.sotnik@sncentral.org · Manual · 2025-01-14 13:02:15.000000
Ortal Wein
· ortalw@sncentral.org · Manual · 2023-05-10 07:48:26.000000
Ortal Wein
· ortalw@sncentral.org · Manual · 2023-05-10 07:48:20.000000
Tav Spector
· tspector@merlin.vc · Manual · 2024-09-16 09:24:41.000000
Ayelet Levi Shinebox
· ayeletlevis@sncentral.org · Automatic · 2025-06-04 15:27:42.000000
Tav Spector
· tspector@merlin.vc · Manual · 2024-09-16 09:24:42.000000
Ortal Wein
· ortalw@sncentral.org · Manual · 2023-05-10 07:43:41.000000
Ayelet Levi Shinebox
· ayeletlevis@sncentral.org · Manual · 2024-10-07 07:30:06.000000
Yanina Wainscheinker
· yanina.wainscheinker@sncentral.org · Manual · 2023-12-08 14:38:14.000000
Tav Spector
· tspector@merlin.vc · Manual · 2022-11-24 11:04:25.000000
Ayelet Levi Shinebox
· ayeletlevis@sncentral.org · Manual · 2024-10-07 07:30:06.000000
Jenny Sotnik-Talisman
· jenny.sotnik@sncentral.org · Manual · 2025-01-14 13:02:23.000000
Tav Spector
· tspector@merlin.vc · Manual · 2022-11-24 11:06:23.000000
Jenny Sotnik-Talisman
· jenny.sotnik@sncentral.org · Automatic · 2025-06-04 15:00:38.000000
Ortal Wein
· ortalw@sncentral.org · Manual · 2023-05-10 07:48:20.000000
Tav Spector
· tspector@merlin.vc · Manual · 2022-11-24 11:06:54.000000
Tav Spector
· tspector@merlin.vc · Manual · 2022-11-24 11:06:56.000000
Ayelet Levi Shinebox
· ayeletlevis@sncentral.org · Manual · 2025-06-04 15:27:41.000000
Tav Spector
· tspector@merlin.vc · Manual · 2024-09-16 09:24:41.000000
Tav Spector
· tspector@merlin.vc · Manual · 2022-11-24 11:04:57.000000
Tav Spector
· tspector@merlin.vc · Manual · 2022-11-24 10:54:51.000000
Ayelet Levi Shinebox
· ayeletlevis@sncentral.org · Manual · 2024-10-07 07:30:06.000000
Ayelet Levi Shinebox
· ayeletlevis@sncentral.org · Manual · 2024-10-07 07:30:06.000000
Yanina Wainscheinker
· yanina.wainscheinker@sncentral.org · Manual · 2023-12-08 14:38:12.000000
Maor Perlov
· maor.perlov@sncentral.org · Manual · 2024-10-10 09:40:30.000000
Tav Spector
· tspector@merlin.vc · Manual · 2022-11-24 11:04:25.000000
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Admin Info
| Confidence | 46/100 |
| Missing | product stage, sector, founding month, number of employees, tags, business model, tag line, video or image, funding rounds, markets, not claimed |
| BI Verification | Yotam Maman |
| Crunchbase | merlin-ventures |
| Phone | +97236246070 |
| Creator | Yotam Maman |
| Creator email | yotamm1988@gmail.com |
| Last updater | Ayelet Levi Shinebox |
| Updater email | ayeletlevis@sncentral.org |
| Last update | 2024-10-07T00:00:00.000Z |
| Created | 2021-04-04T00:00:00.000Z |