Ex-NSA director and Israeli defense leaders raise $50M to launch dual-use tech fund
The Aurelius Capital fund targets AI, cybersecurity, and space startups, aiming for a $150M raise.
Aurelius Capital, a new investment fund focused on defense and dual-use technologies, has completed an initial fundraising round of approximately $50 million, with plans to raise up to $150 million. The fund is led by Alon Lifshitz and Tomer Jacob, partners at Hanaco Ventures, who will be joined by former U.S. National Security Agency director Michael Rogers, former Israeli Air Force commander Maj. Gen. (res.) Amir Eshel, and former Mossad deputy director Udi Lavi.
Alongside Aurelius, Lifshitz and Jacob will continue managing investments at Hanaco, maintaining continuity with their prior venture capital experience.
The group said Aurelius will invest in early- and growth-stage companies developing artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum computing, and space technologies with both commercial and defense applications.
“Our aim is to connect deep operational experience with entrepreneurs working on technologies that matter for national resilience,” said Rogers, who served as director of the NSA and commander of U.S. Cyber Command until 2018.
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Lavi and Eshel described the initiative as part of an effort to create structured investment channels for Israel’s growing defense-tech sector, which has drawn increasing global attention. The fund will operate out of Israel, New York, and London.
