Topics
Latest
AI
Amazon
Image Credits:Omri Casspi
Apps
Biotech & Health
clime
Image Credits:Omri Casspi
Cloud Computing
Commerce
Crypto
Enterprise
EVs
Fintech
Fundraising
gismo
back
Government & Policy
Hardware
layoff
Media & Entertainment
Meta
Microsoft
Privacy
Robotics
Security
societal
Space
inauguration
TikTok
Transportation
speculation
More from TechCrunch
event
Startup Battlefield
StrictlyVC
Podcasts
Videos
Partner Content
TechCrunch Brand Studio
Crunchboard
Contact Us
Former NBA jock Omri Casspi has raise $ 60 million for his latest venture fund , Swish Ventures , which will clothe in early - phase cybersecurity , cloud substructure , and AI startups . The fund plans to back 10 companies , and will invest $ 5 million to $ 7 million per deal .
Swish Ventures is Casspi ’s 2d fund following the launch of Sheva Capital , a $ 36 million monetary fund , in 2022 . Casspi said he manages Sheva ’s portfolio now that its investment period has concluded . “ I ’m fully hands - on continue the growth of our companies , but we will not be raising another fund under Sheva , ” Casspi narrate TechCrunch , explaining his function in supervise both funds .
Several founder who were back by Sheva are now investors in Swish Ventures , including EON founder Ophir Ehrlich , Upwind ’s founder Amiram Shachar , and PointFive ’s co - beginner Gal Ben - David and Alon Arvatz . They connect other institutional investor ; Sequoia Capital is an anchor investor in the fund .
Casspi say Swish Ventures will fall out a similar thesis to Sheva ’s , focalise on germ investments in “ startups led by seasoned enterpriser who have the potential to build market - defining companies . ” However , Swish Ventures is narrow its focus to cybersecurity , swarm base , and AI — a chemise from Sheva ’s broader remit , which included fintech and web3 alongside cybersecurity inauguration .
The move reflects investors ’ increasing interest in cybersecurity and AI , particularly in Israel and the U.S. , where Casspi has concentrated his investments .
Israel , in picky , is jazz for itsstrength in cybersecurity — the sector take in more than one-half of the speculation Washington stir by Israeli startups in the first six months of 2024 , grant toStartup Nation Central .
Similarly , ship’s company like Wiz , whichpopularly turned down a $ 23 billion acquisition offer from Googleand Eon , which reachedunicorn condition within a yearof its founding , show Israel ’s protrusion in cloud certificate and its affinity for 2d - metre constructor in the space . Wiz founders sell their former inauguration , Adallom , to Microsoft in 2015 , while Eon beginner sell their last startup , CloudEndure , to Amazon in 2019 .
Join us at TechCrunch Sessions: AI
Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI
Casspi has invested his own money inWiz , whileEonis a Sheva portfolio party .
Casspi , the first Israeli to play in the NBA and the former captain of Israel ’s national basketball game team , is just one of several jock who are now venture capitalists . Just last workweek , Giannis Antetokounmpobecame the latest sport figureto enter the speculation capital world . Serena Williamsnotablyruns Serena Ventures , Kevin Duranthas 35V , Stephen Curryhas Penny Jar Capital , and Andre Iguodala ownsMosaic General Partnership .
Casspi claims his firm have about $ 125 million in assets under management . Other startups in Sheva ’s portfolio include Upwind , whichtoday sustain its $ 900 million valuation(Stephen Curry ’s Penny Jar is also an investor ) and PointFive , whose founders previously betray a company to Rapid7 and raised $ 36 million .
Swish is also append Dana Alexandrovich as an operating partner . Before her current role , Alexandrovich was the COO of Microsoft in Israel from 2021 , lead sales performance across the Middle East and Africa .
