Our Team

30 years of senior management experience in the high-tech & fundraising sectors, with extensive understanding of the HLS arena. In 2016, launched Awz Ventures Inc. Proven track record of investing, scaling, and exiting from startup technology companies. Served for a decade in the Israeli Security Agency (ISA) VIP Protection Division, leading teams that protected several Israeli prime ministers. LL.B. in England; Registered lawyer in Israel.

Founder & Chairman of RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust, one of Canada’s largest REITs, and former Director of the Royal Bank of Canada. Oversaw RioCan’s growth from an enterprise value of less than CA$100M when it went public in January of 1994, to approx. CA$14B, currently. Invested into the Order of Ontario in 2011; named Canada’s Outstanding CEO of the Year in 2013.

Served as Canada’s 22nd Prime Minister for nearly ten years, winning three successive national elections. Chairman and CEO of Harper & Associates, a global strategic advisory firm. He is also the author of “Right Here Right Now: Politics and Leadership in the Age of Disruption”. Chairs the International Democrat Union, the global alliance of conservative political parties, as well as the Friends of Israel Initiative.

Former Director-General of MI5. Served in counter-espionage, counter-subversion, and counter-terrorism divisions. She was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the Bath (DCB) in 1996. Is an accomplished author and has served as a non-executive director for several multinational corporations.

Former National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of Canada, former Deputy Minister of National Defence and former Director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS).

Former Director of the CIA. Former litigator, venture capitalist and Partner at Booz Allen. Has chaired major boards and commissions in the fields of energy and national security. Rhodes Scholar and former managing editor of The Yale Law Journal.

Former Director of the Mossad, Israel’s national intelligence agency; joining the organization in 1979 and serving through all levels of command before assuming leadership from 2011-2016. Since then, has held executive & advisory roles in cyber security, medtech, & energy, including as co-founder and President of the recently-acquired XM Cyber. Lamont Lecturer at Harvard University.

Former Associate Deputy Director of the FBI, in charge of the investigative, intelligence, counter-terrorism and international programs of the Bureau. Retired Captain in U.S. Marine Corps. Holds director and advisory roles with several prominent public and private organizations.

London, UK-based Chair of the “The Inclusion Initiative at LSE” research institute at the London School of Economics. Former COO of CIBC, CEO of TMX Group, and CEO of the Global Risk Institute in Financial Services. Co-author of The Technological Revolution in Financial Services (UTP 2020) and Results at the Top (Wiley 2017). Currently an Adjunct Professor of the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto.

Chairman of Israel’s National Council for Civilian R&D. Served as 15th President of the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology from 2009-2019, positioning the university as a top global institute of science & technology; including establishing sister associations in both China and the US. Professor Emeritus, Faculty of Medicine, Technion. Founded Israel’s first sleep lab; author of 8 books on the subject. Ph.D., physiological psychology, University of Florida.

Active investor in the technology sector, with a focus on semiconductors, SaaS and AI enterprise solutions. Early-stage investor in AI, IoT, AR and Robotics. Advisor to multiple start-up entrepreneurs. Experience increasing value of small & mid-size enterprise service organizations. University of Toronto Honours graduate, Economics and Geography.

Head of investor relations, global operations, and review of fund technologies since the firm’s inception. Mechanical Engineering graduate from the University of Toronto.

Responsible for the monitoring of Fund and portfolio companies’ budgets, finances, and performance since the firm's inception. Graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in Mathematics from Yeshiva University. CFA Level III Candidate.

Bridging the gap between business needs, technology, people, and strategic growth for Fortune 500 companies for over 25 years, most recently as Division President, North America at Amdocs. BSc. Tel Aviv University and MBA Capella University.

Former Israel Aerospace Industry (IAI) CTO & EVP Technology Innovation and R&D; 24-year veteran of IAI, managing engineers & system development in technology, avionics, and robotics. Led R&D and innovation for accelerator programs like Starburst. Holds three engineering degrees from the Technion, including a PhD in Information Management Engineering.

Responsible for advancing strategic partnerships for Awz portfolio companies. 20+ years senior management experience in the fundraising and financial sectors. Former Spokesperson of the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE) marketing head at the TASE and Bank Leumi Group’s leading managed funds company. MBA from The College of Management and Academic Studies, Tel Aviv.

Lawyer, financier, domestic & international real estate developer and art collector. Former director and officer of Warren Paving and Materials Group Ltd. Currently a director of Allstate Insurance Company of Canada; also serves on several community and charitable organizations’ boards.

President and Chief Executive Officer of Knight’s Bridge Capital Partners, an opportunistic and diversified private equity manager, dedicated to building portfolio companies into market leaders and industry stars. Mr. Finkelstein has a long and successful history of investing in, providing ongoing management, guidance and mentoring of portfolio entities, and delivering effective exit strategies.

President and CEO of Sterling Silver Development Corporation, with residential and commercial land holdings and venture funds. Investment committee member for Whitecastle New Urban Fund real estate development. Sits on several corporate boards and is Investment Committee Chair for Beth Tzedec Synagogue and former advisory board member for MBA students at the University of Toronto Rotman School of Business.

As a 60-year real estate development veteran and Founder of the Goldman Group, Murray has led the way in the successful gentrification of old industrial & neglected areas into vibrant new neighbourhoods, with numerous award-winning projects such as Toronto’s Picasso condominiums. Seasoned investor in a diverse array of sectors including technology, indoor shrimp farming, and medical marijuana.

Founder and CEO of Metropia, one of Canada’s largest private real estate developers with over 14,000 units under development. Former Co-Founder and CEO of Tribute Communities where he oversaw over 25,000 homes constructed. Named to the Order of Ontario in 2011 for his contribution to philanthropy and community building in the province.

President and CEO of Phaze 3 Management. Real Estate, Venture Capital and Private Equity expertise, and founded the Together We Stand foundation to support Canadian military families. Conducted business in over 40 countries, with participation on various boards, including the C.D. Howe Institute

President of Gertex. Extensive investment and management experience across a diverse range of sectors including consumer products, real estate, and private equity.

Former ISA Cyber Security Authority Director. Former Director of National Cyber Security Agency, under the ISA, defending critical entities and assets and developing Israel’s cyber defense capabilities. Holds Computer Engineering degree from Technion University, and a Master’s degree in National Security. Served in the IDF as a Navy SEAL.

Responsible for oversight of Ventures III & Resilience Fund portfolio companies in Israel; Previously created a new division within the Israeli MOD (MAFAT) focused on strategic cooperation with venture capital funds, civilian accelerators, global corporations, bilateral efforts and international institutions to support and foster dual-use R&D activities across the entire Israeli defense establishment.

A 30-year veteran of the Israeli Intelligence community, most recently as the commander of the IDF’s Unit 8200, responsible for cyber operations, collecting signal intelligence and code decryption. Previously headed the cryptanalysis center of Unit 8200 as well as overseeing the development and deployment of leading cybersecurity, big data and IoT capabilities. Co-founder of NASH Cybersecurity Consultancy, and co-founder and chairman at Paragon.

Chief Commissioner of the Israeli Police between 2015 and 2018. Prior to that, served as Deputy Director of the Israel Security Agency. MA in political science from Tel Aviv University. Graduate of Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania Senior Management program..

Lt. Col. (Ret.) elite Israeli intelligence special forces with 28 years of service to the Prime Minister’s office, including as Chief Innovation Officer. As Managing Director of “The Garage” innovation hub, incubated & accelerated over 75 early-stage, multi-use startups for applications in Israel and worldwide. Advisor and keynote speaker to global HLS organizations. MBA from the University of Haifa.

Retired IDF Colonel who served as commander of several elite units of the Israel Defense Intelligence (IDI) and in senior roles in a variety of special ops and technology units in North America and in Israel. Co-founder of a cyber security software and advisory firm. MBA from Ben Gurion University.

30 years of experience in business development, financial investments, large-scale infrastructure, and real estate. Former CEO of the Rothschild Caesarea Foundation. Lt. Col. (Ret.) IDF, armed forces, former commander of Mercava Tank Battalion, current Liaison Officer for POWs and missing soldiers.

Immediate Past Director General of the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Served as the head of the Public Diplomacy Division at the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Former Israeli Ambassador to Australia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and New Zealand. MA in Political Science and International Relations from Hebrew University. Graduate of NYU’s American Politics, Political Science and Government program.

Former Head of Mossad Intelligence Division, Mossad Counter-Terrorism Division and Mossad International Division. Served for more than 30 years in Mossad. MA in National Security.

Successful private equity and venture capital fund manager across the healthcare, financial services, artificial intelligence/cyber, fintech, cleantech, digital assets and ecommerce sectors and has been a Chairman, Board Director, and Investment Committee Member of many entities.

25 years of direct investment experience in Private Equity, Venture Capital and Real Estate. Founding Partner & Director of HIN Global Limited, a London-based cyber security advisory company. Formerly Managing Partner of an international law firm.

Former Director of ISA Protection & Security Division. Former Deputy Director of Mossad Special Operations Division. Served for more than 30 years in Mossad and ISA. MA in National Security.

Former Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Special Operations Forces Commander, CAF senior Military Officer in the Defense Policy Group, and Chief Strategic Planner for the future of the CAF.

Former Manager of Cognigo, an AI data protection company acquired by NetApp (NASDAQ: NTAP) in 2019. Previously was VP of R&D and EVP of The Fifth Dimension, a big data & AI company. Former combat helicopter pilot.

Former President and CEO of Luscar Ltd. International business executive and corporate director who currently serves as a director for Glencore PLC and other leading multinational corporations.

Infrastructure security and contingency planning professional. Served for 24 years in the Canadian Armed Forces as an infantry and intelligence officer (rank of Major).

Over 17 years in engineering design & project management in mining and transportation industries. Led business development in Toronto for two leading engineering consulting firms. Oxford MBA.

Chairman and Managing Director of Cedarpoint Investments Inc., a private equity and alternative investments management firm. Co-Founder and Chairman of T4G Limited, an IT professional services firm.

President of Peter Holdings Inc. Third generation real estate developer with a focus on residential and commercial properties. Extensive private equity experience in various North American markets.

Managing Partner of Four Cornerstones Capital Inc., an investment firm and family office focused on alternative asset classes and strategies. Entrepreneurial experience includes the building and sale of one of Canada’s leading wood product companies. Served on several boards, and was the youngest person ever appointed to the globally active National Hardwood Lumber Association.

Managing Director of The Goldman Group, a diversified real estate development and investment company. Advises early-stage companies in areas of finance, business development, strategy, and IPO transactions. Has lived in New York & Tel Aviv, and currently resides in Toronto.

Has strategic interests in petrochemicals, homeland security, AI, and cyber security sectors. Recruited and assembled teams comprised of world-renowned intelligence & law-enforcement leaders. Visionary who repeatedly foresees ideal nexuses between technologies, applications and people.

Served as VP Business Development at ADAMA Holding, a leading international development company, and founded DeHabitat and Amalthea Real Estate, German real estate investment companies. Former commercial lawyer and IDF Special Operations intelligence officer (Captain, Res.).

Oversees HR activities for Awz globally; coordinates the Awz X-Seed mentorship program & supports talent acquisition for Awz portfolio companies. 10 years global HR & recruitment experience in Israeli & global multinational technology companies. MBA from The Open University, Israel

Responsible for marketing, communications & strategic messaging for Awz; supporting portfolio company sales, marketing, and investment efforts. Over 25 years of experience writing for media, businesses, and brands. Journalism and Communications graduate of Concordia University, Montreal.

Ilana Gross BA Operations Manager Responsible for overseeing operations and administration of Awz X-Seed’s Tel Aviv office. Over 20 years experience at the Israel Innovation Authority in program management, fund procurement, and other senior operational roles. Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from University of Derby, UK.

Over 20 years of startup and enterprise experience in software, infrastructure, cyber, telecom, and fintech; including as CEO of a multinational financial services brokerage firm and senior global manager with Credit Suisse Bank. Served as Captain in the IDF paratrooper special forces. B.Sc., Computer Science and Business Administration from the Hebrew University.

Advises in the field of medical and health applications for Awz portfolio technologies. An award-winning MD in Internal Medicine and former chief instructor at Biodesign Israel, a healthtech innovation leadership program. Experience founding and leading medical device and pharma startups. Inventor with medical device, pharma, and synthetic biology patents. Graduate of Tel Aviv University & Stanford Biodesign.

Advises regarding collaboration between Awz portfolio company founders and academic technologists and institutions. A former consultant at the Weizmann Institute of Science, has led PR, media management, and research efforts at a number of scientific organizations, bridging the gap between academia & commercial endeavours. PhD in Philosophy in Experimental Psychology & MA in Psychoneuroimmunology from Tel Aviv University.

Supports HR activities for Awz and Awz X-Seed portfolio companies. Sixteen years of global tech experience, in talent management, employee relations, and leadership development. Previously Head of People at FundBox. BA in Behavioral Science from Ben Gurion University.

Supports legal matters for Awz X-Seed portfolio companies. 10 years’ experience as a team leader and lawyer representing leading corporations, insurance and re-insurance companies both in Israel and abroad. Rich experience in litigation, negotiation, deal closing and complex contracts. Member of the Israeli Bar.

Responsible for analysis of portfolio company financials, investor & fund reporting, and market research. Experience at multinational firms in portfolio administration for institutional markets and transfer pricing. Master’s of financial economics from University of Western Ontario. CFA Level III Candidate.

Responsible for the monitoring of budgets and finances for Awz X-Seed and its portfolio companies. Former Financial Officer at the IDF and Ministry of Defense. BA in Actuarial Science and Commerce from The Australian National University, and an MBA from Bar Ilan University.

Supports business & market due diligence of Awz X-Seed investment targets. Led the Israeli Air Force’s Financial Planning and Analysis Team as a Major & Head of Finance & Control. MBA in Finance from Tel Aviv University.

Responsible for the operations and administration of the Managing Partner’s office. Served as a senior officer in the IDF’s special forces. Former researcher in cognitive science at The Hebrew University and in neuroimmunology at the Weizmann Institute; and consultant to the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office. BSc. In Life Sciences from the Open University.

Responsible for supporting due diligence, market research, and portfolio analysis. Previously an Investment Analyst at Hanaco Ventures & Viola Group. BA (Hons) in Economics and Data Science from Reichman University; MBA candidate at the Hebrew University.

Supports technology analysis and ongoing oversight of Awz Ventures III investment targets and portfolio companies. Served as cyber security officer and then as CTO of an elite IDF intelligence corps unit. Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Entrepreneurship Reichman University. Israel.

Responsible for supporting Awz strategic fundraising initiatives. Served in the IDF Paratroopers Brigade and as CEO of its foundation. BA in Business, Finance, and Entrepreneurship from Reichman University.

Responsible for analyzing market trends & researching strategic approaches for the inception team. Former Technion Student Union President, managing a ~10M ILS budget and 300 employees. B.Sc. in Information Systems Engineering. Technion

Responsible for supporting Awz’s investor relations efforts, including growing the firm’s relationships with existing and potential partners. Served as a Staff Sergeant Paratroopers in the IDF, Masters of Government, Counter Terrorism and Cybersecurity from Reichman University.