OurCrowd launches resilience fund to help Israeli startups

Leading global investment platform OurCrowd has launched a Resilience Fund to support its Israel-based portfolio companies that are being impacted by the war.

The Israel Resilience Fund will also will focus on Israeli pipeline companies, including incubator ones, that are negatively impacted by the ongoing crisis, and/or produce technologies relevant to addressing problems arising from the current situation.

OurCrowd, considered to be the most active tech investor in Israel, is waiving all management fees and carried interest for all investments in the fund.

Its founder and CEO Jon Medved, said: “We have launched the Israel Resilience Fund so investors can support Israel in its time of need by investing in the country’s critical tech ecosystem, strengthening startups and employment during time of crisis.”

According to the company’s website, Israel’s tech sector employs more than 14 per cent of all workers in Israel, produces over 18 per cent of Israel’s GDP and contributes about 50 per cent of Israel’s exports.

It says: “Israeli startups are impacted by the war triggered by Hamas’ murderous attacks but most are resilient and continuing operations. However, Israel’s economy both now and in the future will suffer greatly if it loses a significant number of early-stage companies, which are particularly susceptible following a challenging period in the market and a global downturn in venture funding.”

Prominent tech entrepreneur and Israel’s former science and technology minister, Izhar Shay,  whose son Yaron was killed during the 7 October terror attacks by Hamas, has joined the fund’s advisory board.

He said: “You want to invest in Israeli innovation because you want to make money. The second motivation is that we are doing the right thing. You also want to make your investments to provide for a better world. Our response to destruction and atrocities and inhumanity is building and innovating and providing solutions and opportunities for a better world.”

www.ourcrowd.com/companies/israel-resilience-fund