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Southern Israel Bridging Fund (SIBF) is a venture capital organization founded to support visionary founders in Israel. Established to assist companies transitioning from Seed to Series A funding, SIBF provides both financial and strategic assistance to help these companies scale effectively. The fund has a total AUM of approximately $450 million and has invested in 38 tech companies to date.
SIBF has expanded its focus beyond southern Israel to support war-affected founders across northern Israel and the Gaza Envelope following the October 7, 2023 conflict. This evolution reflects the fund's commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by startups in these regions. The organization operates with a hands-on approach, leveraging its expertise and connections to optimize management, finance, and market targeting for its portfolio companies.
SIBF invests in technology companies with unique potential and breakthrough innovations, primarily targeting sectors such as agtech, fintech, AI, healthcare, biotech, energy, medical devices, and gaming. The fund focuses on companies that are experiencing challenges in transitioning from early-stage funding to larger rounds of investment, specifically in the Seed and Series A stages. Check sizes typically range from $300,000 to $10 million, with a sweet spot around $1 million, and the fund can scale investments up to $20 million.
The organization emphasizes a hands-on approach, combining financial support with strategic guidance to help companies create value and develop effective business models. SIBF's investment thesis centers on backing innovative companies at critical early stages and providing the necessary support to navigate the path to subsequent funding rounds.
SIBF's portfolio includes a diverse range of companies across various sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
Aviv Cohen — General Partner. Aviv has extensive experience in venture capital and has led numerous successful investments in technology startups. His expertise spans various sectors, including healthcare and fintech.
Hodaya Cohen — PA to GP. Hodaya supports the general partner in managing operations and investor relations, ensuring smooth communication within the firm.
Hezi Kalo — Advisory Board Member. Hezi brings a wealth of knowledge in strategic planning and business development, contributing to SIBF's investment decisions and portfolio management.
To pitch to SIBF, founders should use the preferred channel available on their website at sibf.vc. It is important to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and financial projections. SIBF typically reviews submissions promptly, and founders are encouraged to seek warm introductions when possible to enhance their chances of engagement.
In November 2022, SIBF announced a strategic partnership with A2A, an Italian utility and energy company, to enhance Israeli innovation activities. This partnership aims to foster collaboration between Israeli startups and the Italian market.
In 2024, SIBF launched a joint social impact fund with the Rashi Foundation and the Israel Innovation Authority, raising $4 million to invest in early-stage companies addressing social challenges. This initiative specifically targets war-affected founders in northern Israel and the Gaza Envelope.
What are SIBF's investment criteria?
SIBF focuses on technology companies with unique potential and breakthrough innovations, primarily in sectors like agtech, fintech, AI, healthcare, biotech, energy, medical devices, and gaming. The fund targets companies transitioning from Seed to Series A funding.
How can I apply or pitch to SIBF?
Founders can pitch their startups through the SIBF website at sibf.vc. It is recommended to include a detailed business plan and financial projections in the pitch deck.
What makes SIBF different from other venture capital firms?
SIBF employs a hands-on approach, providing not only financial backing but also strategic guidance to optimize management, finance, and market targeting for its portfolio companies.
What is the geographic scope of SIBF's investments?
SIBF primarily invests in companies based in North America, Europe, and Asia, with a strong focus on supporting startups in Israel.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Check sizes typically range from $300,000 to $10 million, with a sweet spot around $1 million, and the fund can scale investments up to $20 million.
What kind of post-investment involvement does SIBF have?
SIBF provides ongoing support to its portfolio companies, assisting with management, finance, and market strategies to help them scale effectively.
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