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Israel’s technology sector has attained world prominence, thanks to its capacity for innovation. But for investors deciding where to put their money, this presents a challenge.
That’s where the Giza Venture Capital comes in. As one of Israel’s most prominent and respected venture capital funds, Giza, backed by its expert and experienced staff, a broad research database, and an international network of contacts, gives foreign investors access to investment opportunities that minimize risk and maximize returns.
"In its 15 years of operation, Giza has built a reputation as one of the leading investment institutions in Israel," says Ze’ev Holtzman, founder and CEO. We have very substantial exposure to Israel’s innovative technology sector through our proprietary database, and by networking with domestic and international players, and we maintain strong relationships with technology companies and other market players."
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Holtzman himself has 29 years of experience in private-equity markets, and has held positions in Lehman Brothers’ corporate finance department. He holds an MBA from Columbia University. "We’re a cohesive team," he says, "and we’re one of the top-performing investment managers in the Israeli market."
Among the enterprises in which Giza has previous made investments are prominent technology companies, including DSP Communications, the DSP Group, Zoran, M-Systems, Magic Software, Libit, Precise Software, and Compugen.
In September, the firm expects to close its third venture capital fund, which is raising $200 million. That figure reflects Giza’s success with its first two funds: the first, formed in 1993, raised $45 million, while the second fund, formed in January 1998, raised $60 million. The second fund is fully committed to a total of 22 companies.
The lead investors in the third fund include multinationals like GE Capital, Deutsche Bank, Alpinvest, Credit Suisse Asset Management, and the Hontung venture-capital affiliate of Acer.
The third fund will focus on communications, the Internet, and software companies that have an Israeli connection, and global operations. The fund seeks early-stage companies with potential for some follow-on investment.
Holtzman says the Fund’s investments range from $3 million to $8 million, in one or more financing rounds; the typical holding is 5% to 25%. The Fund aims to have a portfolio of 30 companies.
Giza seeks to be the lead or sole investor, and requests board representation in its portfolio companies. And it is anything but passive. "We provide strong support for our portfolio companies in business development, strategic relationships and exit implementation," Holtzman says.
Giza’s successes and continuing flow of deals also stem from diligent research; the company’s proprietary database includes more than 2,000 private-equity funds. A key connection for Giza is Zion, a technological incubator and accelerator for pre-seed and seed-stage Internet and communications companies. Giza’s venture-capital arm is the only VC firm working with Zinook.
Giza works through offices in San Francisco and Tel Aviv, and it plans to open offices in Europe and Asia.
The firm welcomes inquiries from international investors at (972) 3 640-2318.
Or visit its website at www.giza.co.il and e-mail Giza at info@giza.co.il.