Glilot Capital, one of Israel’s largest venture capital firms, has closed $500 million across two new funds dedicated to early-stage startups. Despite geopolitical tensions and global criticism over Israel’s actions in Gaza, Glilot drew strong backing from international investors, including U.S. and European pension funds and financial institutions.
The funds, namely Glilot’s fifth seed fund and its latest early-stage vehicle, Glilot Plus, will collectively invest in around 24 startups over the coming years. According to co-founder and managing partner Kobi Samboursky, Glilot is prioritising ventures that develop security systems for AI platforms and tools to defend against AI-powered attacks. In an era when both opportunity and risk are magnified by rapid advances in AI, this dual focus positions the fund at the centre of one of technology’s most pressing challenges.
Proven track record of attracting investors
Since its launch in 2011, Glilot Capital has built a strong reputation for identifying high-potential startups. The firm has realised 22 investments and seen its portfolio companies attract $700 million in follow-on funding just this year. It has already invested in eight startups in 2025, reflecting an aggressive pace that mirrors the momentum of Israel’s broader tech sector.
For investors, Glilot’s proven ability to generate exits and nurture globally competitive companies adds weight to its latest fundraising success. The capital is expected to not only support founders with financial resources but also provide the strategic guidance needed to scale globally in sectors where timing and innovation speed are critical. By combining deep industry expertise with access to international networks, Glilot is reinforcing its position as one of the most influential backers in Israeli tech.
Israel’s cybersecurity edge on display
Glilot’s focus areas also align with Israel’s growing dominance in cybersecurity. The country is home to some of the world’s most innovative companies in the field, accounting for nearly half of all investment in Israeli startups. Recent mega-deals highlight the scale of opportunity. These include Palo Alto Networks’ $25 billion acquisition of Israeli cybersecurity firm CyberArk Software in July, while Alphabet completed its $32 billion purchase of Wiz earlier this year.
With AI reshaping both the nature of attacks and the tools to defend against them, Glilot’s targeted strategy could help fuel the next generation of billion-dollar companies. By backing founders at the seed and early stages, the firm is ensuring Israel remains at the cutting edge of two industries that are set to define the coming decade.
Our thoughts
Glilot’s $500 million raise is a vote of confidence in Israel’s enduring role as a global innovation powerhouse. For startups tackling the future of AI and cybersecurity, the capital injection offers a launchpad to transform cutting-edge ideas into world-changing solutions.
“This raise reflects the confidence global financial institutions have in our unique investment model and track record of performance,” said Kobi Samboursky, co-founder and managing partner. He added that the fresh capital “empowers us to continue and grow our Cyber and AI philosophy,” with a particular emphasis on sustaining Israel’s role as a hub for early innovation.
