Surround Ventures is an Israeli-American early-stage venture capital firm investing in deep tech startups, with a focus on companies founded by alumni of Israel's elite military technology units and leading academic institutions. The firm operates at the intersection of Israeli defense and academic innovation, and supports portfolio companies globally through business development and strategic positioning. The firm manages two funds and has received backing from the Israel Innovation Authority's Deep Tech Venture Capital Program.
Surround invests in deep tech and defense tech companies, with an emphasis on Israeli companies or companies with Israeli founders. Sectors of focus include defense tech, AI infrastructure, biotechnology, quantum computing, energy, and geothermal technology. The firm targets founders emerging from IDF elite units such as Unit 81 and from institutions such as the Weizmann Institute of Science.
Surround Ventures II is a planned $50 million Israeli-American early-stage fund targeting deep tech and defense tech startups, with a first closing completed in May 2026. The fund may be increased to $81 million, as a tribute to Unit 81. LPs include successful Israeli tech entrepreneurs and private investors from the US, Europe, and Australia, including Hollywood producer Lawrence Bender. The fund has been selected for the Israel Innovation Authority's Deep Tech Venture Capital Program, which offers a grant of up to 12.5% of the fund size with no profit participation. Fund II has already deployed into Cellergy, a mitochondrial transplantation company, and Terrawave, which has developed a new geothermal energy drilling method.
Surround Ventures I targeted $35 million and included early investments in XTEND and QuamCore.
Leadership
Yaron Kniajer is a co-founder and Managing Partner who previously served as a senior executive at the Rhodium Fund and as a director in startup and industrial companies across diverse sectors. Jared Kash is a co-founder and Managing Partner who began his career as an entrepreneur in media products, founding JSwipe (acquired) and Beard Club, before serving as a partner in the Big Block Fund and founding Surround. Kash is also a TV and film producer and director. Haim Zilbershats is the third partner; he is the founder of the Unit 81 alumni association and its entrepreneurship committees, founder of mapping company Atly, and set up the Ministry of Education's remote learning system.
The advisory board includes Prof. Daniel Zajfman, former President of the Weizmann Institute of Science; Yaniv Garty, former CEO of Intel Israel; Marc Beckman; and Nir Shimoni. Peter Kash, father of Jared Kash and a veteran biomed investor in Israel, assists the fund with biomedical company selection and promotion.
Investment Strategy
Surround sources deals primarily through its network in IDF elite technology units and leading Israeli academic institutions, which it describes as providing differentiated early access to exceptional founders. Company selection is guided by the question of whether the fund has connections that can meaningfully benefit the company. The firm does not restrict itself to predefined verticals, with a stated intent to remain open to entirely new fields emerging from institutions like the Weizmann Institute or the IDF.
Notable Investments
Notable Exits (self-reported)
Email: kniajer@surround.vc
Jared Kash - Managing Partner & Co-Founder
Yaron Kniajer - Managing Partner & Co-Founder
Haim Zilbershats - Partner
United States / Israel
