Participated · Series B · Jun 2023

Upstream Bio is advancing UPB-101, a fully human IgG1 monoclonal antibody that binds the TSLP receptor to inhibit signaling in allergic and inflammatory diseases. UPB-101 has completed a first-in-human Phase 1 single-dose escalation in healthy volunteers that was considered safe and well-tolerated, and a Phase 1b multiple ascending dose study in people with asthma is underway. Preclinical data showed inhibition of cytokine production from CD4+ T cells and ILC2 and complete suppression of skin allergic reactions in a monkey model. The company’s IND has been cleared by the FDA to pursue Phase 2 programs in asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), and Upstream plans registrational Phase 2 trials in both indications. In parallel with Phase 2, Upstream will conduct translational, manufacturing and device development activities to enable a swift transition to Phase 3. The company also reported data supporting a differentiated dosing regimen of at least every 12 weeks; the new capital is intended to fund the next stage of clinical development and support regulatory, market access and commercialization preparation. Upstream Bio launched with a $200 million Series A to advance its lead program UPB-101, a clinical-stage monoclonal antibody that inhibits the TSLP receptor. UPB-101 was acquired from Astellas after completion of initial clinical and preclinical studies, and the company has selected asthma as the first indication for development. Upstream plans to pursue additional TSLP-mediated inflammatory diseases and to build a pipeline of assets addressing immune-mediated diseases. The company emphasizes that inhibiting TSLP signaling is a validated mechanism positioned upstream of targets such as IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IL-17 and IgE, which could allow a single treatment to impact multiple pathological processes. The Series A was led jointly by OrbiMed and Maruho Co., Ltd., with participation from Access Biotechnology, Decheng Capital, HBM Healthcare Investments, TCG X, Omega Funds, Samsara BioCapital and Altshuler Shaham Provident Funds Ltd., providing capital to advance clinical development. Upstream is led by an experienced executive team including CEO Samantha Truex and CMO Aaron Deykin, who will lead translational and development efforts.

Participated · Series D · Sep 2021

Lightricks develops a suite of more than a dozen subscription-based photo- and video-editing apps across iOS and Android, anchored by Facetune and newer tools like Facetune Video and Videoleap. The company serves a creator and marketing audience, offering tools for individual creators, online marketers and small businesses. Across its apps Lightricks reports 29 million monthly active users, over 5 million paid subscribers and roughly 78 million monthly exports. In 2021 the company was on track for over $200 million in revenue and planned to grow that figure by about 40% the following year. To drive that growth it is shifting strategy toward M&A to become a one-stop creator platform and is investing in in-house product and content initiatives. Lightricks planned headcount expansion from 460 employees with 60 hires in 2021 and a longer-term goal of 1,000 employees by the end of 2023, and intends to expand teams in Haifa, London and Shenzhen. Lightricks builds consumer and enterprise content-creation apps, including Facetune, the Enlight suite of photography tools, and Swish, an enterprise-focused marketing video editor. The company operates three divisions supporting six products and about 260 employees. Its apps have been downloaded roughly 180 million times and the company reports roughly 3 million total subscribers (Facetune ~1M, Enlight ~1M, plus Swish subscribers). Lightricks began offering subscription layers in 2015 and was seeing about $10 million in annual revenue that year. The team, originally founded by five PhD students and led by CEO Zeev Farbman, says it is developing more subscription-based content-creation apps and continues longer-term R&D projects slated two to three years out. The company plans product development and strategic acquisitions funded by recent financing. Lightricks designs and develops content-creation mobile apps led by co-founder and CEO Dr. Zeev Farbman, with flagship products such as Facetune and the Enlight Creativity Suite. The company’s apps have about 100 million downloads worldwide and nearly 1 million subscribers. Its most recent app, Enlight Pixaloop, reached over 6 million users and nearly 200,000 paying subscribers within two months of release. Since its first investment in 2015 the team has grown from 30 to 150 employees, and the company projects revenue to exceed $100 million in 2019. Lightricks plans to build more products and double headcount, recruiting to a total of 300 employees across its Jerusalem and London offices. The company intends to use new funding partly for a secondary transaction to acquire shares from founders, employees, and investors and partly to fund product and team expansion. Lightricks develops mobile image-processing and photo-editing apps best known for Facetune and Enlight. The Jerusalem-based company sells its apps (Facetune and Enlight priced at $3.99) and says it has sold over five million copies. It reports a yearly revenue run rate of $10 million and has been profitable using a self-described "bakery model" of directly selling paid apps. Founded in 2013, the company has about 30 employees and was bootstrapped until this financing. New capital will be used to continue improving Facetune and Enlight, launch new products, and to double the team over the next year. Co-founder and CEO Zeev Farbman says the firm focuses on bringing research-level algorithms to mobile creativity tools.

Participated · Series A · Jun 2021

Comunix is a Tel Aviv-based social gaming company founded in 2018 that builds social experiences by integrating innovative communication methods such as group video chat. Its flagship product, Pokerface, is a mobile social poker game that lets friends worldwide play Texas Hold ’em while connecting via group video chat. The company emphasizes human-centered communication features to create a social gaming experience. In Feb 2021 Comunix closed a $30M Series A to support growth. The funds are intended to grow Pokerface, further expand its gaming platform and hire new talent. At the time of the report the company had 47 employees.

Led · Series C · Apr 2021

IRP Systems develops electric powertrains for a range of electric vehicles, claiming high performance and efficiency while reducing weight, size and overall cost. The company supplies multiple EV manufacturers, including Renault. IRP has raised a $31M Series C, bringing total funding to $57M. Management says the new capital will be used to scale development, shorten the path to mass production, and expand R&D, operations and customer support. The company also plans a push on global sales and marketing. CEO and co-founder Moran Price framed IRP as positioned at the center of automotive electrification and digitalization and said the firm will continue creating disruptive solutions. IRP Systems is a Tel Aviv, Israel–based provider of innovative electric powertrain products for e-mobility. The company specializes in high-performance electric powertrain systems for a variety of e-mobility platforms, enabling electric vehicles. It counts customers among top automotive and micro-mobility manufacturers in Asia Pacific, the EU and Israel. The company is led by CEO and Co‑Founder Moran Price and CTO and Co‑Founder Paul Price. IRP Systems is headquartered in Ness Ziona, Israel.

Participated · Equity · Jun 2020

Pixellot offers an AI-as-a-Service (AIaaS) platform that removes the need for upfront camera costs by using automated production to deliver professional-quality sports broadcasts. The system generated nearly 100 million live event views and more than 2.5 million production hours in 2025. It currently operates 16,000 systems across 9,000 U.S. schools through a strategic partnership with PlayOn Sports. Led by CEO Doron Gerstel, the company is advancing an Agentic AI technology aimed at personalized content creation and new monetization opportunities. Recent hires, including Dean Anglin as Chief Commercial Officer for Australia and New Zealand, signal continued international expansion. With fresh capital secured, Pixellot plans to accelerate global growth and further develop its AI platform, underpinning its strong operational momentum.