Tel Aviv, San Francisco
What it is: Founded 13 years ago, YL is now focused on cybersecurity companies. YL only invests in Israeli entrepreneurs, many of them from Israeli intelligence military unit 8200. It’s currently investing its fourth fund, which manages $127 million. With a current AUM of $250 million, the firm has raised a total of $270 million. It’s focused on introducing Israeli startups to U.S. markets.
Minimum Investment: $1 million
Leadership: Founded by Yoav Leitersdorf and John G. Quigley, both long-time financiers.
Investment style/track record: The firm makes seed stage investments of $4-$6 million and connects entrepreneurs to its advisory board, which includes 90 C-suite level executives, such as Edna Conway, Microsoft’s vice president and general manager of global security, risk and compliance, Azure. Last year, it had a big win with Twistlock’s acquisition by Palo Alto Networks for $410 million.
Quote: “For the past two years we haven’t even taken a pitch outside cyber,” said partner John Brennan.
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