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Cyrus Venture Partners is a venture capital firm based in Tel Aviv, Israel, founded in 2014 by entrepreneurs Oded Caspi and Inon Axel. The firm specializes in supporting early-stage Israeli software startups, focusing on those at the prototype-to-initial traction stage. Cyrus Venture Partners leverages the founders' extensive entrepreneurial and management experience to guide startups through their critical early phases.
Since its inception, the firm has established a reputation for being hands-on with its portfolio companies, providing not only financial backing but also strategic guidance. This approach aims to help founders validate their market presence and scale effectively. The firm has made notable strides in the Israeli startup ecosystem, with a portfolio that includes nine companies and a significant exit with TestFairy, acquired by Sauce Labs.
Cyrus Venture Partners focuses on pre-seed and seed investments, specifically targeting innovative software startups in Israel. The firm seeks to partner with entrepreneurs who have developed a prototype and are ready to take their product to market. This emphasis on early-stage investment allows Cyrus Venture Partners to be the first institutional investor for many of its portfolio companies.
The firm avoids investments in purely presentation-stage projects, requiring a minimum of a prototype before considering funding. Post-investment, Cyrus Venture Partners works closely with founders to build market traction and prepares them for future funding rounds. This hands-on involvement is designed to ensure that portfolio companies are well-positioned for growth and can attract follow-on capital from other investors.
Cyrus Venture Partners has a diverse portfolio of nine companies, primarily in the software sector. Notable companies include:
Oded Caspi — Co-founder and Managing Partner. Oded has a background in entrepreneurship and has been involved in multiple startups prior to founding Cyrus Venture Partners. His expertise lies in guiding early-stage companies through their growth phases.
Inon Axel — Co-founder and Managing Partner. Inon brings extensive experience in management and investment, having worked with various startups in the Israeli tech ecosystem. He focuses on providing strategic guidance to portfolio companies.
As of October 2023, Cyrus Venture Partners has not publicly announced any recent investments or exits beyond the notable acquisition of TestFairy by Sauce Labs. The firm continues to build its portfolio of early-stage software startups in Israel.
What are Cyrus Venture Partners' investment criteria?
The firm invests in pre-seed and seed stage software startups in Israel, focusing on companies that have developed a prototype and are ready to enter the market.
How can founders apply or pitch to Cyrus Venture Partners?
Founders should prepare a detailed pitch deck that outlines their business model, market potential, and traction. While specific application channels are not disclosed, reaching out through professional networks or direct introductions is advisable.
What makes Cyrus Venture Partners different from other VC firms?
Cyrus Venture Partners emphasizes hands-on involvement with its portfolio companies, providing not only capital but also strategic guidance and management expertise to help founders achieve market traction.
What is the geographic scope of Cyrus Venture Partners?
The firm focuses exclusively on Israeli startups, leveraging its deep understanding of the local market and startup ecosystem.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, Cyrus Venture Partners typically invests at the pre-seed and seed stages, which generally involves smaller initial investments compared to later-stage funding.
What kind of post-investment involvement can founders expect?
Cyrus Venture Partners works closely with founders post-investment, helping them validate their market presence and prepare for future funding rounds. This includes providing strategic guidance and operational support.
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