The tech industry is abuzz with the news of Google’s potential acquisition of cybersecurity startup Wiz for an unprecedented $23 billion. This deal is not only a massive milestone for Wiz but also a significant windfall for several key figures in the Israeli tech and investment community. From established tech entrepreneurs to former NBA players turned venture capitalists, the list of beneficiaries highlights the interconnected and collaborative nature of Israel’s cybersecurity sector.
Key Beneficiaries and Their Backgrounds
Nir Zuk
One of the most surprising beneficiaries is Nir Zuk, the founder of Palo Alto Networks. Known for leading the largest cybersecurity company globally, Zuk is a limited partner in Gili Raanan’s Cyberstarts venture capital fund, which was an early investor in Wiz. Cyberstarts reportedly owns 4% of Wiz, translating to a $900 million stake in the anticipated Google deal. This windfall is particularly ironic given that Palo Alto Networks is one of Wiz’s main competitors. This deal not only enriches Zuk personally but also eliminates a rising competitor, as Google’s acquisition integrates Wiz into its cloud services, indirectly benefiting Palo Alto Networks by reducing competitive pressure.
Shlomo Kramer
Shlomo Kramer, another heavyweight in the Israeli cybersecurity community, stands to gain significantly from the Wiz deal. Kramer, who co-founded Check Point and later established Cato Networks, is also an investor in Cyberstarts. His involvement ensures a quick return on his investment, despite Cato Networks not directly competing with Wiz. The deal sets new valuation benchmarks in the cybersecurity market, potentially enhancing the valuation and attractiveness of Cato Networks in its future IPO endeavors.
Mickey Boodaei
Mickey Boodaei, co-founder of Trusteer and Transmit Security, is another major winner. Known for his successful investments and entrepreneurial ventures in cybersecurity, Boodaei’s stake in Cyberstarts positions him to profit handsomely from the Wiz acquisition. Interestingly, Boodaei, alongside his partners, has also launched Picture Capital, a new fund aimed at early-stage cyber investments, further highlighting his deep ties and ongoing influence in the sector.
Yevgeny Dibrov
Yevgeny Dibrov, co-founder and CEO of Armis, also emerges as a key beneficiary. Dibrov, who has a longstanding professional relationship with Wiz’s CEO Assaf Rappaport from their days in the IDF’s Unit 81, invested directly in Wiz during one of its fundraising rounds and through Cyberstarts. This dual investment strategy ensures that Dibrov capitalizes significantly from the deal, reinforcing the strong professional networks within the Israeli cybersecurity landscape.
Marius Nacht
Marius Nacht, a co-founder of Check Point, has diversified his investments into life sciences and digital banking through his venture fund aMoon. Despite moving away from cybersecurity, Nacht’s private investment in Cyberstarts secures him a substantial gain from the Wiz acquisition. His continued involvement in venture capital, albeit in different sectors, demonstrates the fluidity and interconnectedness of investment opportunities within Israel’s tech ecosystem.
Omri Casspi
Former NBA player Omri Casspi has transitioned into a successful venture capitalist, establishing his own fund, Sheva, which raised $50 million. Casspi’s early investment in Cyberstarts has positioned him as a beneficiary of the Wiz deal, showcasing his ability to leverage his sports fame into substantial financial acumen and influence in the tech investment arena.
Other Notable Beneficiaries
The deal also benefits several other prominent figures, including Merav Bahat, founder and CEO of Dazz; Nadir Izrael and Michael Shaulov, leading names in the cyber community; and Amichai Shulman, co-founder of Imperva. Each of these individuals has invested in Wiz either directly or through Cyberstarts, underscoring the collaborative investment strategies prevalent among Israel’s tech leaders.
The Broader Impact on Israel’s Cybersecurity Ecosystem
This historic deal illustrates the cohesive and supportive nature of Israel’s cybersecurity industry. Many of the startups and entrepreneurs in this sector share roots in elite IDF units like 8200 and 81, fostering a tightly-knit community. The success of Wiz, bolstered by the significant financial gains of its investors, sets a new benchmark for valuations in the cybersecurity market. It also highlights the increasing dominance of Israeli tech companies on the global stage.
Conclusion
The anticipated $23 billion acquisition of Wiz by Google is a landmark event with far-reaching implications. It enriches a diverse group of investors and entrepreneurs, many o
