A new $26 million venture capital fund named Skinos Ventures has launched in Israel to support early-stage cybersecurity startups. The fund is led by General Partner Yishay Yovel and is primarily backed by serial cybersecurity entrepreneur Shlomo Kramer, who serves as a strategic advisor. Skinos Ventures aims to combine significant capital with deep operational expertise to foster the next wave of innovation in the sector.
Veteran Leadership and a 'Builders for Builders' Philosophy
The fund is distinguished by the extensive experience of its leadership, uniting two prominent figures from the cybersecurity industry. Shlomo Kramer, a co-founder of Check Point and an early investor in Palo Alto Networks, provides foundational capital and strategic guidance. His track record as an active angel investor underscores his deep commitment to nurturing new ventures within the security landscape.
Managing the fund is Yishay Yovel, who previously served as chief marketing and strategy officer at Kramer’s Cato Networks. Yovel was instrumental in shaping the SASE category and held executive roles at Imperva and Trusteer, bringing a wealth of go-to-market expertise. This operational background forms the core of the fund's hands-on "Builders for Builders" philosophy, promising active partnership with founders.
Strategic Focus on AI-Driven Cybersecurity
Skinos Ventures will concentrate its investments at the intersection of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, a domain the firm believes is ripe for disruption. The fund plans to make five investments in companies at the Seed and Series A stages, providing crucial early-stage support. Each investment will consist of a $2.5 million check, enabling startups to accelerate their growth and product development.
The firm has already committed capital to two startups, one of which is operating in stealth mode while the other is named Spectrum. This initial activity signals the fund's readiness to deploy its resources and begin executing its strategic vision. These first investments set the stage for Skinos Ventures to build a concentrated portfolio of promising AI-native security companies.
Capitalizing on Industry Transformation
The fund's leadership believes that AI is forcing a fundamental reevaluation of attack surfaces, risk profiles, and existing business models. This industry shift creates a significant opportunity for new companies built with AI at their core to transform entire security categories. Skinos Ventures is positioned to identify and support the founders who can effectively harness this technological wave to solve urgent problems.
Beyond financial backing, the fund is committed to providing practical guidance in key areas like marketing, sales strategy, and organizational roadmaps. Yovel emphasized that the team has experienced the entrepreneurial journey firsthand, from customer wins to painful losses and navigating growth. This shared experience is intended to help founders overcome the critical challenges of scaling their ventures from inception to market leadership.
The launch of Skinos Ventures marks a notable addition to Israel's vibrant technology ecosystem, offering more than just capital. By combining a $26 million fund with the unparalleled operational experience of industry veterans like Yovel and Kramer, it provides a unique support system for entrepreneurs. The fund is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of AI-driven cybersecurity through its focused and hands-on investment approach.