Aurelius Capital is a newly launched defense and dual-use technology fund headquartered across Tel Aviv, New York, and London. Established in 2025, the firm aims to become a global force in defense innovation, combining venture capital agility with private equity depth. Its mission is to fund technologies that strengthen national security, enhance civilian resilience, and redefine the intersection of defense and deep tech. Aurelius Capital emerged from stealth with an initial $50 million raise, targeting a total fund size of $150 million.
The firm invests in early- and growth-stage companies developing non-lethal defense technologies, cybersecurity systems, drone detection, AI-driven defense tools, and other dual-use innovations applicable across both security and civilian markets.
Its approach is centered on “shields, not swords,” focusing on protection, prevention, and digital defense rather than offensive weapons. Aurelius targets startups building scalable solutions that serve both government and enterprise sectors.
Aurelius Capital launched in 2025 with an initial close of $50 million, with the goal of scaling to $150 million. The fund is designed to respond to a global surge in demand for advanced defense technologies amid rising geopolitical instability.
Its model blends the speed and flexibility of venture capital with the strategic depth of private equity, allowing it to fund both early-stage innovations and scale-up opportunities in defense and national security.
The fund’s partners bring an unparalleled mix of military, intelligence, and investment experience, ensuring disciplined evaluation and hands-on mentorship for founders. Aurelius will prioritize companies that deliver operational readiness, intelligence superiority, and cybersecurity resilience, while maintaining a focus on ethical and dual-use applications.
Leadership
Aurelius Capital is led by Alon Lifshitz and Tomer Jacob, partners at Hanaco Ventures, alongside a distinguished leadership team that includes Admiral (Ret.) Michael Rogers, former director of the U.S. National Security Agency; Maj.-Gen. (Res.) Amir Eshel, former commander of the Israeli Air Force; and Udi Lavi, former deputy director of the Mossad.
Together, the leadership team combines over three decades of strategic expertise across defense planning, cyber operations, and intelligence innovation, giving Aurelius a unique advantage in identifying and scaling critical technologies.
Investment Strategy
The firm’s strategy centers on dual-use defense innovation, investing in technologies that serve both national security and civilian infrastructure needs. Aurelius seeks founders developing “shield technologies” that protect lives, data, and critical systems, rather than offensive platforms.
The fund targets sectors such as cybersecurity, autonomous systems, AI-based defense analytics, and infrastructure protection. Its investment philosophy blends financial rigor with mission-driven purpose, ensuring both impact and returns. Aurelius leverages its partners’ extensive global networks across defense agencies and governments to accelerate go-to-market opportunities for portfolio companies.
Notable Investments
As a newly launched fund, Aurelius Capital has not yet disclosed its initial portfolio companies. Early investments are expected to focus on Israeli and international startups developing cybersecurity, detection, and AI-integrated defense systems with commercial scalability.
Notable Exits
There are no exits yet, as the fund began deploying capital in late 2025.
Other
Aurelius Capital positions itself as part of a new wave of defense-focused funds bridging innovation and security at a time of geopolitical change. The fund’s model of combining private capital with deep operational knowledge provides founders with access to unparalleled mentorship, international partnerships, and funding continuity from prototype to deployment. Aurelius emphasizes collaboration with both Israeli and U.S. defense ecosystems to accelerate technology adoption and scale.
