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Fresh Fund is a pre-seed investment fund founded in 2016 in Israel. It has established itself as one of the largest and most active pre-seed investors in the country, focusing on providing capital and support to early-stage startups. The fund aims to be the first institutional investor in the companies it supports, often collaborating with other investors to enhance their portfolio's potential.
Over the years, Fresh Fund has evolved from its origins as Israel's first university-focused venture fund into a prominent player in the pre-seed investment space. The firm has a diverse portfolio of 45 active companies, primarily based in Israel, but also considers startups with teams located elsewhere. Fresh Fund's commitment to supporting innovative founders has positioned it as a key player in the Israeli startup ecosystem.
Fresh Fund specializes in pre-seed investments, typically writing checks between $500,000 and $1,000,000. The fund is sector-agnostic, investing in a variety of domains including B2B SaaS, Climate, Compliance, Defense, Devtools, Fintech, and Healthcare. This broad focus allows Fresh Fund to tap into multiple industries and support a diverse range of startups.
While most of their portfolio companies are based in Israel, Fresh Fund is open to considering startups with teams located elsewhere, provided they have at least one Israeli founder. The fund's investment strategy emphasizes being the first institutional investor in the companies it backs, which often leads to strong partnerships and collaborative opportunities with other investors.
Fresh Fund has invested in a diverse range of companies across various sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
This portfolio reflects Fresh Fund's commitment to supporting innovative solutions across multiple sectors, showcasing its adaptability and foresight in the investment landscape.
Zaki Djemal: Founder & Managing Partner. Djemal founded Fresh Fund in 2016 and has been instrumental in its growth as a leading pre-seed investor in Israel. His background includes extensive experience in venture capital and startup development.
Hidai Goldsmith: Founding Partner. Goldsmith has played a key role in shaping the fund's investment strategy and portfolio management, leveraging his expertise in early-stage investments.
Eleora Moche: COO & Investor Relations. Moche oversees operations and investor relations, ensuring effective communication and support for portfolio companies.
Gila Halleli Weiss: CFO. Halleli Weiss manages the fund's financial operations, contributing to its strategic planning and fiscal health.
Avia Vayner Chen: Investor. Chen focuses on sourcing and evaluating new investment opportunities, bringing a keen eye for promising startups.
Oded Barel-Sabag: Investor. Barel-Sabag is involved in deal sourcing and portfolio management, contributing to the fund's active investment strategy.
Todd Kesselman: Venture Partner. Kesselman provides strategic insights and support to portfolio companies, leveraging his extensive network.
Yoav Anaki: Venture Partner. Anaki works closely with startups in the fund's portfolio, offering mentorship and guidance.
Gina LaVersa: Venture Partner. LaVersa focuses on supporting portfolio companies in scaling their operations and market presence.
Naor Caspi: Partner, Defense. Caspi specializes in defense-related investments, guiding startups in this critical sector.
Yael Kinar: Project Manager. Kinar manages various projects within the fund, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
To pitch Fresh Fund, founders should use the email address hi@fresh.fund. It is recommended to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the startup's vision, market opportunity, and team qualifications. Founders should expect a response within a few weeks, and warm introductions can enhance the chances of a favorable review.
Fresh Fund has recently raised a new investment vehicle dedicated exclusively to defense and dual-use startups, which is actively being deployed. This strategic expansion aligns with the growing momentum in Israel's defense-tech ecosystem.
In 2023, Fresh Fund has continued to be recognized as one of the most active early-stage investors in Israel, consistently making new investments across various sectors.
What are Fresh Fund's investment criteria?
Fresh Fund focuses on pre-seed investments, typically requiring at least one Israeli founder in the startup. The fund invests between $500,000 and $1,000,000 and is open to various sectors including SaaS, Climate, Defence, Fintech, and Healthcare.
How can I apply or pitch to Fresh Fund?
Founders can pitch to Fresh Fund by reaching out via email at hi@fresh.fund. It is advisable to include a detailed pitch deck outlining the business model, market opportunity, and team background.
What makes Fresh Fund different from other investors?
Fresh Fund aims to be the first institutional investor in the companies it supports, providing not only capital but also strategic support and access to an extensive network within the startup ecosystem.
What is the geographic scope of Fresh Fund's investments?
While most of Fresh Fund's portfolio companies are based in Israel, the fund also considers startups with teams located outside of Israel, provided they have at least one Israeli founder.
What is the typical follow-on investment behavior of Fresh Fund?
Fresh Fund continues to invest in follow-on rounds for its portfolio companies, demonstrating a commitment to supporting their growth beyond the initial investment.
How many investments does Fresh Fund make each year?
Fresh Fund typically makes around 10 new investments per year, maintaining a consistent pace in the venture capital space.
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