Skinos Ventures Shakes Up the Cybersecurity World as It Launches $26M AI-Focused Fund in Tel Aviv, Israel, Targeting Early-Stage Startups to Disrupt Global Security Market

Tel Aviv-based venture capital firm Skinos Ventures has officially stepped into the early-stage investment landscape with the launch of its first fund, Fund I, closing at $26 million.

The new vehicle is designed to back founders building the next generation of cybersecurity companies, particularly those focused on the intersection of security and artificial intelligence.

The firm positions itself as an active partner to startups rather than a passive investor, emphasizing close collaboration with founders from the earliest stages of company building.

Focus on AI-Driven Cybersecurity Innovation

Fund I is centered on seed-stage investments in companies aiming to reshape cybersecurity in an era increasingly defined by AI.

The strategy targets startups developing technologies that can both defend against AI-enabled threats and leverage AI to strengthen security systems.

So far, the fund has already deployed capital into its first portfolio company, Spectrum, signaling an early commitment to backing applied innovation in the sector.

Hands-On Model for Startup Development

Rather than limiting involvement to financial backing, Skinos Ventures intends to take a deeply operational role in its portfolio companies.

The firm works closely with founders on core business functions including product positioning, go-to-market strategy, sales execution, channel development, and organizational design.

This approach reflects a belief that early-stage cybersecurity startups often need more than funding—they require structured guidance to navigate complex enterprise markets and scale effectively.

Leadership Built on Deep Cybersecurity Experience

The fund is led by General Partner Yishay Yovel, who previously helped shape corporate strategy and go-to-market operations at Cato Networks, where he served as chief marketing and strategy officer.

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His background also includes senior marketing roles at Imperva and Trusteer.

Strategic advisor and foundational investor Shlomo Kramer brings decades of experience in building and scaling security companies.

He co-founded Check Point Software, Imperva, and Cato Networks, guiding multiple ventures from early stage to IPO-level outcomes.

Kramer has also backed major industry players including Palo Alto Networks, Gong, and Trusteer, which was later acquired by IBM.

Investment Strategy and Deployment Plans

The firm plans to make approximately five seed-stage investments through Fund I, with the ability to continue supporting winners into Series A rounds.

This concentrated approach suggests a high-conviction strategy, prioritizing deep involvement over broad portfolio diversification.

Impact and Consequences

The launch of Skinos Ventures adds further momentum to the global cybersecurity investment landscape, particularly in the growing niche of AI-native security startups.

By focusing on early-stage companies, the firm could help accelerate the commercialization of new defensive technologies at a time when cyber threats are becoming more automated and sophisticated.

Its hands-on model may also raise expectations among other venture firms, especially in the cybersecurity sector, where operational support is increasingly seen as a competitive advantage rather than a supplementary service.

With seasoned founders and operators behind the fund, Skinos Ventures is positioned to shape not only startups but also broader investment practices in the space.

What’s Next?

Attention will now turn to how quickly the fund deploys its remaining capital and whether its early bet on Spectrum produces measurable traction.

Future investments are expected to remain tightly focused on cybersecurity startups with strong AI integration.

The firm’s next phase will likely involve expanding its portfolio while reinforcing its advisory-driven investment model, particularly as competition intensifies in early-stage deep-tech funding.

Summary

Skinos Ventures has launched a $26 million seed fund targeting AI-driven cybersecurity startups.

Backed by experienced operators and investors, the firm is taking a hands-on approach to startup building, with early investment already deployed into Spectrum.

Its strategy emphasizes concentrated, high-impact bets on companies shaping the future of cyber defense.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Skinos Ventures launched a $26M early-stage fund focused on cybersecurity and AI
• The fund will invest in roughly five seed-stage startups with follow-on support into Series A
• First portfolio company is Spectrum
• Leadership includes Yishay Yovel and advisor Shlomo Kramer
• Strategy emphasizes hands-on support in product, GTM, sales, and organizational scaling
• Strong ties to major cybersecurity firms like Check Point Software, Imperva, and Palo Alto Networks