Former IDF chief Aviv Kohavi joins VC Awz as deep-tech market booms
The Israeli-Canadian fund manages approximately 2.5 billion shekels and has invested in the likes of Israeli cyber unicorn Pentera and the quantum computing startup Classiq.
Former IDF Chief of the General Staff, Aviv Kohavi, has largely disappeared from the public eye since ending his tenure in January 2023. However, Calcalist has now learned that Kohavi has entered the private market, joining the Israeli-Canadian investment company Awz Ventures, which specializes in deep-tech. During his tenure as Chief of Staff, the IDF significantly increased its reliance on technological systems, with a strong focus on cyber capabilities. Since the terror attacks of October 7th, Kohavi has faced criticism for prioritizing technology over the IDF's traditional security concepts.
The market for technological developments in military applications has surged since the onset of the wars in Ukraine and Israel, signaling a shift in defense budgets toward startups and innovative control systems. In August, Calcalist revealed that Amikam Norkin, the former commander of the Israeli Air Force, is establishing an investment fund focusing on defense,
Awz Ventures, which Kohavi is joining, manages a portfolio worth approximately 2.5 billion shekels. The fund has investments in notable companies, such as the Israeli cyber unicorn Pentera and the quantum computing startup Classiq. Even before Kohavi’s appointment, Awz had attracted other prominent defense figures, including Tamir Pardo, former head of the Mossad, and Ehud Schneerson, former commander of Unit 8200. Ron Lubash, who previously directed the now-defunct Prisma investment house, is also a partner in the fund.
The fund’s founders are Yaron Ashkenazi, a former senior officer in the Shin Bet's personal security unit, and Canadian Edward Sonshine. Established in 2016, Awz added a security investment division in 2021. Its advisory committee includes former intelligence chiefs from the U.S., Canada, and the UK, as well as former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
Ashkenazi confirmed Kohavi’s role, stating: "Aviv will contribute his abilities and experience to advancing our revolutionary deep-tech projects and groundbreaking portfolio companies."
