PR91114

TEL AVIV, Israel, Aug. 12, 2021 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

On July 20, Awz Ventures, a Canadian-based multi-stage venture capital firm

headed by Mr. Yaron Ashkenazi alongside Canada's 22nd Prime Minister, The Right

Honourable Stephen J. Harper as Advisory Committee President, opened the doors

to its state-of-the-art Awz X-Seed investment and accelerator hub in Tel Aviv.

Awz X-Seed, launched in partnership with MAFAT - the Israeli Ministry of

Defense's Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D) - and other

Israeli security agencies, will invest in "pre-seed" and "inception" stage

companies developing innovative security technologies with significant

commercial applications in the civilian sector.

Awz X-Seed I closed last week, raising more than US $75M - oversubscribed from

its target of $50M - and has already identified 10 potential investment

opportunities in cloud security, quantum, aerospace, deep tech, robotics,

artificial intelligence, and cyber security. Every 18 months, Awz Ventures will

raise subsequent $75M Awz X-Seed funds to invest in its next cohort of 15

companies, which will take up residence in the hub for enrichment and growth.

Each portfolio company will receive a non-dilutive business package including

office space in the Awz X-Seed hub and advanced marketing, business

development, and technology mentorship services provided by the hub's in-house

professional team. Portfolio companies will further benefit from Awz Ventures'

business development offices in Canada, the US, and UAE that will support the

companies in expanding their global client base. This strategy will also allow

Awz X-Seed to support its portfolio companies in accelerating their

commercialization and technology development to reach series A at a higher

valuation.

Awz X-Seed will initially invest an average of $3M - $5M in each portfolio

company. Additionally, the best performing companies will be considered for

follow-on investment rounds by Awz Ventures' growth-stage funds, alongside

third-party investors.

Managing Partner and Founder of Awz Ventures Mr. Yaron Ashkenazi explained,

"Awz Ventures' unique strategic partnership with MAFAT and Israel's other

security agencies will allow our hub to have the most advanced deal flow that

stems from the real recognized needs within the security industry that also

have multiple applications within the commercial sector." Ashkenazi added, "We

will address these needs and gaps in the marketplace both by investing in

existing companies and by creating companies together from scratch."

Awz X-Seed will be led by Yaron Ashkenazi, as Managing Partner, and Daniel Mak,

a seasoned Canadian high-tech investor and Awz Ventures General Partner,

alongside two Israel-based General Partners: Roni Alsheich, former Deputy

Director of the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet), and Sharon Gal, former Head

of Technology Innovation at the Israel Prime Minister's Office. In addition,

the hub will be advised by Awz Ventures' prestigious partners and advisory

committee members that include Canada's 22nd Prime Minister, The Rt. Hon.

Stephen J. Harper, former Mossad Chief of Intelligence Mr. Haim Tomer, former

Commander of Israel's elite Unit 8200 Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Ehud Schneorson, and

numerous global industry leaders as well as finance and investment experts. As

in its previous funds, Awz Ventures will leverage its advisors' expertise and

networks to identify target clients and investment entities to support the

portfolio companies' growth.  

The Rt. Hon. Stephen J. Harper added, "I am proud to be an advisor in residence

at the Awz X-Seed hub, a ground-breaking and differentiated initiative.

Together, Awz and MAFAT will uniquely evaluate and develop early-stage

technologies, creating a model that is unmatched anywhere."

Awz Ventures was founded in Canada in 2016 by Mr. Yaron Ashkenazi, a former

officer in Israel's Shin Bet, and Chairman Mr. Edward Sonshine, Founder and

Chairman of one of Canada's largest real estate investment trusts, RioCan REIT.

Sonshine explains that "Awz Ventures provides the gateway to the North American

market for its Israeli portfolio companies. To date, Awz Ventures has over US

$250M in assets under management across four funds focused on inception to

early-growth-stage Israeli start-ups in the AI, intelligence, physical

security, deep tech, and cybersecurity sectors."

MAFAT is the Israel Ministry of Defense DDR&D, responsible for supporting the

entire Israel defense infrastructure in scientific and technological projects

and finds solutions to Israel's most pressing security challenges.  

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1592991/Yaron_Ashkenazi.jpg

Source: Awz Ventures Inc.