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Founded in 2019, 18.ventures is a venture capital organization headquartered in Santa Monica and San Francisco, California, with a registered entity in London, UK. The firm specializes in supporting startups that have strong connections to Israel, whether through their founders, technology origins, or intellectual property. This focus allows 18.ventures to leverage its extensive network within the Israeli tech ecosystem to provide both capital and hands-on support to emerging companies.
As of now, 18.ventures has not disclosed specific details regarding its assets under management (AUM), fund sizes, or the total number of funds raised. The firm operates with a small team, emphasizing a close-knit approach to working with portfolio companies. Notable milestones include their participation in an $850K pre-seed round for MeliBio, a synthetic biology startup based in Berkeley, California.
18.ventures primarily targets seed and Series A investments, concentrating on mission-driven companies that demonstrate a significant nexus to Israel. The firm seeks to partner with founders who have strong ties to the Israeli tech ecosystem, which can include connections through their backgrounds, technology origins, or intellectual property. This focus on Israeli connections is a cornerstone of their investment strategy, allowing them to provide tailored support to their portfolio companies.
Investment check sizes and specific fund sizes remain undisclosed, but the firm emphasizes a hands-on approach, working closely with its portfolio companies to enhance their chances of success in a competitive startup landscape. 18.ventures aims to facilitate introductions to mission-driven investors and provide strategic guidance, ensuring that their portfolio companies are well-prepared for subsequent funding stages.
18.ventures has a notable portfolio company, MeliBio, which is a Berkeley-based synthetic biology startup that produces vegan honey alternatives. The firm participated in an $850K pre-seed round for MeliBio, highlighting its commitment to supporting innovative companies with a strong Israeli nexus. While MeliBio is the only explicitly mentioned portfolio company, the firm also tracks investments in the crypto and blockchain sectors, indicating a potential interest in diverse technology areas.
Although the full portfolio list is not available, the focus on mission-driven companies with ties to Israel suggests that 18.ventures is likely to invest in startups that align with these criteria across various sectors, including biotech and web3.
Nik Talreja - Founding Partner. Nik co-founded 18.ventures in 2019 and later left to co-found Sydecar, a private markets infrastructure platform. His experience in venture capital and startup ecosystems is significant.
Tal Shub - CEO and key team member. Tal plays a crucial role in guiding the firm's investment strategy and operations, leveraging his expertise in the tech sector.
As of March 2026, 18.ventures has been noted for its participation in the $850K pre-seed round for MeliBio, a synthetic biology startup focused on producing vegan honey alternatives. This investment highlights the firm's commitment to supporting innovative companies with strong ties to Israel.
There have been no recent announcements regarding fund raises, exits, or leadership changes, indicating that the firm may still be in the process of establishing its online presence and expanding its portfolio.
What are the investment criteria for 18.ventures?
18.ventures focuses on seed and Series A investments in mission-driven companies that have significant ties to Israel. This can include connections through founders, technology origins, or intellectual property.
How can startups apply or pitch to 18.ventures?
While specific application procedures are not disclosed, startups are encouraged to demonstrate their connection to Israel and their mission-driven focus when reaching out to the firm.
What makes 18.ventures different from other venture capital firms?
The firm leverages its extensive network within the Israeli tech ecosystem to provide both capital and hands-on support, enhancing the chances of success for its portfolio companies.
What is the geographic scope of 18.ventures' investments?
18.ventures primarily invests in companies based in the United States, particularly those with strong connections to Israel. The firm operates from California and has a registered entity in London, UK.
What is the typical check size for investments made by 18.ventures?
Specific check sizes have not been disclosed, but the firm participates in seed and Series A funding rounds, indicating a focus on early-stage investments.
What kind of post-investment involvement can portfolio companies expect?
18.ventures works closely with its portfolio companies, providing strategic guidance and facilitating introductions to mission-driven investors to help them navigate their growth and prepare for subsequent funding stages.
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