Assaf Jacobi

Assaf Jacobi stands as a prominent figure in the Israeli venture capital landscape, serving as a Partner at Viola Ventures, one of the nation's leading technology investment firms. At Viola Ventures, Assaf plays a pivotal role in identifying and nurturing early-stage technology companies with high growth potential. His investment thesis primarily centers on disruptive innovations within the B2B software sector, encompassing areas such as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), FinTech, artificial intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity. He is particularly drawn to companies that offer robust enterprise solutions, leveraging cutting-edge technology to solve complex business challenges.

Before transitioning into venture capital, Assaf Jacobi built a distinguished career as a serial entrepreneur and operator, providing him with a unique perspective that greatly benefits his portfolio companies. His entrepreneurial journey includes co-founding ClarityRay, an ad-tech company that developed innovative solutions for online advertising fraud and ad blocking. ClarityRay's success culminated in its acquisition by Yahoo, a testament to Assaf's ability to build and scale impactful technology ventures. This hands-on experience in founding, growing, and exiting companies equips him with an intimate understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by early-stage founders. He leverages this operational insight to provide strategic guidance, mentorship, and practical support to the entrepreneurs he partners with.

Assaf joined Viola Ventures in 2017, bringing his wealth of experience to the firm's investment team. His contributions have been instrumental in several successful investments, helping to propel promising startups from their initial stages to significant market presence. Notable companies in his investment portfolio include Granulate, an AI-driven optimization platform acquired by Intel; Lightrun, a real-time debugging and observability platform; Cyberpion, a leader in external attack surface management; Pecan AI, an AI-driven predictive analytics platform; and Verbit, a comprehensive AI-powered transcription and captioning solution. These investments underscore his keen eye for innovative technologies and strong leadership teams.

Beyond capital, Assaf Jacobi is known for his deep engagement with founders, acting as a trusted advisor who understands the intricacies of product development, market fit, and scaling operations. His commitment to fostering the next generation of tech leaders reinforces Viola Ventures' mission to empower entrepreneurs and drive technological advancement. Through his strategic investments and active involvement, Assaf continues to make a significant impact on the vibrant Israeli tech ecosystem, contributing to its reputation as a global hub for innovation.