External Threat Landscape Management Co CYFIRMA Raises $5.5 Mn in Pre-Series B Funding from Larsen & Toubro and Israel-based OurCrowd

• CYFIRMA, a leading external threat landscape management co, with this Pre-Series B round, has raised USD 18 million to-date.
• Funds raised to be used for product innovation, global market expansion and brand building.
• To help customers navigate the increasingly complex threat landscape, CYFIRMA has redefined threat intelligence beyond static data feeds to encompass predictive, contextualized, and actionable insights that enable organizations to gain full visibility of their digital assets, attack surface, and vulnerabilities.
• Company has built a platform that analyzes threat indicators from multiple sources, including dark net to give actionable insights on imminent attacks, enterprises use the intelligence to mitigate risks across both technology and non-technology domains and stay one step ahead of cyber criminals.

CYFIRMA, a leading external threat landscape management company has raised $5.5mn in a Pre-Series B round funding from Israel’s most active venture fund OurCrowd and India’s multinational conglomerate Larsen & Toubro’s L&T Innovation Fund. With this, these firms join CYFIRMA’s existing investors Goldman Sachs, Zodius Capital, and Z3 Partners. With the closing of this round, CYFIRMA has raised nearly USD18M to date.

The funds raised will be used for product innovation and entering new global markets in North America, Europe and MENA region in addition to growing the existing markets in SEA, including India, Singapore and Japan. The funds will also be utilized for hiring across verticals and in brand building.

Kumar Ritesh, Founder and CEO, CYFIRMA says, “Adding OurCrowd and L&T Innovation Fund to our capital table is exactly what we need to take our company to the next level. We recognize the critical role that Israel plays in the cybersecurity market in delivering groundbreaking technology and OurCrowd has been at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation, with a rich history of making markets and helping create some of the most successful startups in the industry. By partnering with them, CYFIRMA will benefit from an unparalleled wealth of knowledge and experience, allowing us to continue advancing our platforms.”

“Larsen & Toubro represents one of the most forward-thinking technology and infrastructure companies. It holds deep expertise in engineering, industrial, construction and IT industries, and is known for delivering innovative products and solutions that include platforms for AI, 5G, smart buildings, and much more. L&T brings strategic value to CYFIRMA and will accelerate our business growth through its market and segment reach as well as domain expertise,” he added.

To deter the ever-increasing sophisticated cyberattacks, businesses must gain deep insights into the environment to better understand their unique external threat landscape. By combining cyber intelligence with attack surface discovery and digital risk protection, CYFIRMA’s cloud native, non-intrusive SaaS platform gives customers predictive, personalized, contextual, outside-in, and multi-layered insights in a single pane of glass.

Commenting on the fund raise, Mr R Shankar Raman, CFO & Whole-time Director, L&T, says: “At L&T, we harness technology to address pressing challenges facing various industries in their digital transformation journey and we recognize the critical role cybersecurity plays in this. CYFIRMA has a proven record of helping businesses mitigate potentially crippling attacks so that digital innovation can flourish. It is an excellent example of the type of company our fund was built to support. We are now here to accelerate CYFIRMA’s global reach and bring their platform to businesses around the world.”

Eli Nir, Senior Investment Partner, OurCrowd, says: “At OurCrowd, we are always on the lookout for exciting startups that push the boundaries and pave the way towards a better future for all. We believe in investing in solutions that solve difficult problems, and CYFIRMA has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to this mission. We firmly believe that the team at CYFIRMA has the talent and vision to revolutionize the cybersecurity landscape, and we are eager to provide our support, resources, and funding to help them reach their goals. We are thrilled to be part of this exciting journey, and we look forward to contributing to their growth and success in the years to come.”

CYFIRMA is an external threat landscape management platform company. We combine cyber intelligence with attack surface discovery and digital risk protection to deliver early warning, personalized, contextual, outside-in, and multi-layered insights. Our cloud-based AI and ML-powered analytics platforms provide the hacker’s view with deep insights into the external cyber landscape, helping clients prepare for impending attacks. CYFIRMA is headquartered in Singapore with offices in Japan, India, the US, and the EU. Customers include both government as well as Fortune 500 companies across manufacturing, financial services, retail, industrial products, natural resources and pharmaceutical industries. 

Dr. Sabah al-Binali Joins OurCrowd as UAE-Based Venture Partner & Head of Gulf Region

Business Wire India

OurCrowd, the world’s largest global venture investing platform and Israel’s most active venture investor, today announced the appointment of Dr. Sabah al-Binali as UAE-based venture partner and head of the Gulf region.

  
 

Dr. Sabah al-Binali, Emirati investor and seasoned executive, has been appointed as UAE-based venture partner and head of the Gulf region for Jerusalem-based OurCrowd. (Photo: OurCrowd)

Dr. al-Binali will oversee the development of OurCrowd’s business in the region. OurCrowd plans to meet the growing demand for meaningful ties with Israel expressed by the investment and entrepreneurial communities in the UAE and neighboring states following the signing of the Abraham Accords.

 

Dr. al-Binali is a seasoned financial services executive with 22 years of experience in investments and an entrepreneurial leader with a track record of financing, building and exiting companies in the MENA region. He was instrumental in facilitating the sale to Credit Suisse of a Saudi investment bank and the acquisition of the Zawya news agency by Thomson Reuters.

 

OurCrowd CEO Jon Medved said: “Just two weeks after the Abraham Accords were signed, we are pleased to appoint Dr. al-Binali as head of the region for OurCrowd. Dr. al-Binali is one of the first senior Emiratis to be hired by an Israeli firm as a partner. Dr. al-Binali brings incredible energy and skills to our growing business. He will effectively build bridges between the tech and financial communities in the UAE and Israel.”

 

“I look forward to leading OurCrowd’s expansion in the UAE and the Gulf region at this historic turning-point in Middle East diplomacy,” said Dr. al-Binali, OurCrowd Venture Partner and Head of Gulf Region. “OurCrowd’s global platform provides a perfect meeting-point for startups, entrepreneurs and investors from the vibrant tech ecosystems in Israel and the UAE. There are already signs that OurCrowd’s success in Israel, the U.S. and other markets will be extended to include the Gulf region.”

 

Dr. al-Binali has rich experience in governance and company leadership at the highest levels. He previously served as Vice Chairman of the Board and Chairman of the Investment and Strategy Committee of The National Investor, Chief Investment Officer and CEO of Credit of Shuaa Capital, Director of the Board at Credit Suisse Saudi Arabia, Vice Chairman of Shuaa Capital Saudi Arabia, Vice Chairman of Gulf Finance Co., Chairman of Gulf Installments Co., Chairman of Zawya, Director of the Board at Visa International CEMA Region, founding CEO and CIO of Saffar Capital and Head of the Treasury and Investment Division at Union National Bank.

 

Dr. al-Binali received his Ph.D. from Columbia Universityand his B.S.E from Princeton University.

 

Founded by Jonathan Medved, OurCrowd, Israel’s most active venture investor, is a global leader in equity crowdfunding with $1.5B of committed funding. OurCrowd will support UAE-based startups seeking growth and development in Israel, as well as leverage its diverse portfolio to enhance business development for UAE startups seeking to collaborate on innovative solutions. OurCrowd plans to open an office in the UAE by the end of 2020.

 

Dr. al-Binali will speak at the UAE Tech Investment Landscape: Introduction for the Israeli Ecosystem on October 13, hosted by OurCrowd and Emirates Angels.

 

About OurCrowd: OurCrowd is a global venture investment platform that empowers institutions and individuals to invest and engage in emerging companies. The most active venture investor in Israel, OurCrowd vets and selects companies, invests its capital, and provides its global network with unparalleled access to co-invest and contribute connections, talent and deal flow. OurCrowd builds value for its portfolio companies throughout their lifecycles, providing mentorship, recruiting industry advisors, navigating follow-on rounds and creating growth opportunities through its network of multinational partnerships. With $1.5 billion of committed funding, and investments in 220 portfolio companies and 22 venture funds, OurCrowd offers access to its membership of 55,000 individual accredited and institutional investors, family offices, and venture capital partners from over 183 countries to invest alongside, at the same terms. OurCrowd’s portfolio is diversified across sectors and stages, ranging from seed and series A through late stage and pre-IPO firms. Since its founding in 2013, OurCrowd portfolio companies have been acquired by some of the most prestigious brands in the world, including Microsoft, Uber, Canon, Oracle, Nike, and Intel. To register and get involved, visit http://www.ourcrowd.com/.

 

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201005005723/en/

OurCrowd & Abdullah Saeed Al Naboodah Create Partnership to Develop Tech Investment Ties Between Gulf Region & Israel

• First announced major alliance between Israeli VC firm and top tier UAE business group
• Jonathan Medved, CEO of Israeli VC firm OurCrowd, signs first partnership MOU in OurCrowd’s UAE expansion strategy
• Abdullah S Al Naboodah, Chairman of Al Naboodah Investments LLC, to lead Phoenix Capital LLC, an entity for development and bi-directional investment

  
OurCrowd, the world’s largest global venture investing platform, today signed a memorandum of understanding with Phoenix, a business development company, to increase business and tech ties between Israel and the United Arab Emirates. This is the first announced alliance between a top-ranked UAE corporation and a major Israeli venture investment firm. 

Founded by Jonathan Medved, OurCrowd is a global leader in equity crowdfunding and Israel’s most active venture investor with $1.5B of committed funding. OurCrowd will identify and support UAE-based startups seeking growth and development in Israel, as well as leverage its diverse portfolio of 220 companies to enhance business development for UAE startups seeking to collaborate on innovative solutions. OurCrowd’s UAE expansion will be led by Dr. Sabah al-Binali, newly appointed Venture Partner and Head of the Gulf Region for OurCrowd.

Phoenix, spearheaded by Abdullah S Al Naboodah, Chairman of Al Naboodah Investments LLC, will serve as an investment platform for individuals and family offices located in the Gulf seeking opportunities to invest in the Israeli tech ecosystem. Phoenix will enable investors to access OurCrowd’s vast array of tech investment opportunities across a variety of sectors including AgriTech, EdTech, HealthTech, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and more. Phoenix will also introduce OurCrowd to Gulf-based startups with the aim of raising investment through OurCrowd’s platform. Leveraging its cross-industry reach, Phoenix will also assist Israeli-based startups with potential partners in the Gulf region.

Phoenix Chairman Abdullah S Al Naboodah said: “Phoenix will be a bridge, a two-way conduit for both Israeli and UAE investors, as well as startups seeking strategic, business and investment partners in these powerhouse tech nations. This first of its kind major alliance will pave the way for the rapid expansion of business between our two countries.”

OurCrowd CEO Jon Medved said: “OurCrowd is pleased to associate itself with Al Naboodah, a leading and well-regarded business group in the UAE. The signing of OurCrowd’s first MOU in the UAE less than a month after formal normalization between the UAE and Israel shows our deep commitment to building relationships, and growing business in the UAE and beyond.”

Phoenix Chairman Abdullah S Al Naboodah will speak Oct. 13th at OurCrowd and Emirates Angels’ online event: UAE Tech Investment Landscape: Introduction for the Israeli Ecosystem. Click here to register.

About OurCrowd: OurCrowd is a global venture investment platform that empowers institutions and individuals to invest and engage in emerging companies. The most active venture investor in Israel, OurCrowd vets and selects companies, invests its capital, and provides its global network with unparalleled access to co-invest and contribute connections, talent and deal flow. OurCrowd builds value for its portfolio companies throughout their lifecycles, providing mentorship, recruiting industry advisors, navigating follow-on rounds and creating growth opportunities through its network of multinational partnerships. With $1.5 billion of committed funding, and investments in 220 portfolio companies and 22 venture funds, OurCrowd offers access to its membership of 55,000 individual accredited and institutional investors, family offices, and venture capital partners from over 183 countries to invest alongside, at the same terms. OurCrowd’s portfolio is diversified across sectors and stages, ranging from seed and series A through late stage and pre-IPO firms. Since its founding in 2013, OurCrowd portfolio companies have been acquired by some of the most prestigious brands in the world, including Microsoft, Uber, Canon, Oracle, Nike, and Intel. To register and get involved, visit http://www.ourcrowd.com/.

About Abdullah Saeed Al Naboodah:

Abdullah Saeed Al Naboodah is the Chairman of Al Naboodah Investments Company and Executive Board Member of Saeed and Mohammed Al Naboodah Group. His key responsibilities are managing subsidiary companies and investment allocation in different global funds across several geographies including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Egypt, the UK, and the US. Further, he is responsible for creating the vision, strategy, and direction for the Al Naboodah group in various sectors like Construction, Transportation, Travel, and other investments. Abdullah also served on various boards such as the Board Member of the Commercial Bank of Dubai, Board Member of Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Board Member of Dar Al Takaful Insurance Company, Board member of Al Rawabi as well as the Chairman of Al Ahli Club in Dubai and the Vice Chairman of the UAE Golf Federation.

Founded in 1958 by two brothers, the Saeed & Mohammed Al Naboodah Group is among the most well-respected family company names in the UAE. Employing around 10,000 people of almost 50 different nationalities, the Al Naboodah Group’s core business focus covers civil engineering, building and MEP, in addition to representing a diverse portfolio of global brands in the automotive, transportation, travel, electrical, logistics, agriculture, smart cities, real estate and renewable energy sectors.

Saeed & Mohammed Al Naboodah Holding LLC is the parent company of the Group, and Al Naboodah Group Enterprises was established to oversee the management of the Group’s two main operating divisions – Al Naboodah Construction Group (ANCG), and Al Naboodah Commercial Group (ACG).

Al Naboodah is a trusted brand renowned for the delivery of world-class projects and services and exceeding the quality demanded by its clients. We wholeheartedly engage in sustainability at every level in our organisation, starting from the very top, and we acknowledge the vital role it has to play in any organisation looking to a successful future. For more information visit: https://www.alnaboodah.com/

Israel's OurCrowd Joins Hand With LetsVenture To Fund Startups

A global leader in equity crowdfunding, OurCrowd has signed a strategic collaboration agreement with LetsVenture, India’s marketplace for startup funding.

As part of this partnership, OurCrowd will offer curated deals to Indian investor syndicates managed by LetsVenture, as well as showcase Indian startups on OurCrowd’s platform, giving selected Indian startups access to accredited investors globally and to business development opportunities.

Commenting on the development, Shanti Mohan, Co-founder and CEO, LetsVenture said, “Having made startup funding easy, our vision is to make angel investing easy with a focus on portfolio management (startup reporting, portfolio diversification and exits). The partnership with OurCrowd aligns with our vision of offering our investors access to some of the best startups across geographies including Israel, along with giving LetsVenture portfolio companies access to global investors for their next round of funding. In this partnership with one of the largest equity crowdfunding platforms globally, we do believe this is a win-win for both of us.”

OurCrowd and LetsVenture will be also be collaborating on an ‘India Fund’ to invest in Israeli, Indian and global startups. The investment into this fund would primarily be from family funds and HNWIs in India and OurCrowd’s global network of accredited investors.

Leveraging LetsVenture’s domestic network, OurCrowd will offer Indian corporates access to the Israeli innovation ecosystem.

“India is a critical growth market for our business with a huge number of very exciting startup investment opportunities in a range of sectors. Israel and India have a great joint heritage sharing many of the same entrepreneurial qualities that are the backbone of our economies. I am excited to be entering into this collaboration with LetsVenture, which I believe will deliver great value to our investors,” said Jon Medved, OurCrowd CEO.

In addition to this, LetsVenture will facilitate ‘Take to Market’ activities for OurCrowd’s portfolio companies to access the Indian market, the activities of which are under development by LetsVenture and are targeted to commence in 2018.

Managed by a team of seasoned investment professionals and led by serial entrepreneur Jon Medved, OurCrowd vets and selects opportunities, invests its own capital, and brings companies to its accredited membership of global investors. OurCrowd provides post-investment support to its portfolio companies, assigns industry experts as mentors, and takes board seats. The OurCrowd community of almost 20,000 investors from over 112 countries has invested over $450M into 120 portfolio companies and funds. OurCrowd already has thirteen exits to date, two IPO’s and eleven acquisitions.