GILAD ENGEL

Gilad Engel stands as a prominent figure in the Israeli venture capital landscape, serving as a Co-Founder and Managing Partner at PICO Venture Partners. In this pivotal role, Gilad is instrumental in shaping the firm's investment strategy and leading its efforts to identify and back groundbreaking early-stage technology companies emerging from Israel.

PICO Venture Partners, under Gilad Engel's leadership, is dedicated to investing in the next generation of Israeli innovation. The firm's investment thesis centers on early-stage opportunities, with a keen focus on sectors that are driving the future of enterprise technology. These include B2B SaaS (Software as a Service), artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and other forms of deep technology and enterprise software. Gilad's approach emphasizes not just capital injection, but also providing strategic guidance and hands-on support to help founders scale their visions into global market leaders.

Gilad Engel brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the tech ecosystem to his role. Prior to co-founding PICO Venture Partners, he honed his expertise at Jerusalem Venture Partners (JVP), one of Israel's most established and successful venture capital firms. His tenure at JVP provided him with invaluable insights into the intricacies of venture investing, company building, and navigating the unique challenges and opportunities within the Israeli startup scene. This background has equipped him with a comprehensive perspective on what it takes for early-stage companies to achieve significant growth and market penetration.

Throughout his career, Gilad Engel has been recognized for his ability to spot promising technologies and entrepreneurs. While specific individual investments are often attributed to the firm, PICO Venture Partners' portfolio reflects Gilad's strategic vision. Notable investments from PICO's portfolio include companies like Authomize, a leader in identity threat detection and response; Aquant, which leverages AI to transform service intelligence; and Sayata, an innovative platform streamlining insurance distribution. These investments underscore Gilad's commitment to backing companies that offer disruptive solutions and possess strong potential for global impact.

Gilad Engel's dedication extends beyond financial investment; he is deeply committed to fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial community in Israel. His work at PICO Venture Partners continues to play a crucial role in empowering Israeli startups to develop cutting-edge technologies and establish a strong presence on the international stage.