Held up by clients as a ‘best in class‘ firm, Amit, Pollak, Matalon & Co. Advocates and Notary houses a full-service fund formation and transaction practice. The team brings to bear an enviable track record in the sphere, acting on 35 fund formations over the past year alone, and currently represents about half of all tech incubators and innovation labs in Israel. Among the names to note, Maya Issacharov heads the fund formation practice and is widely regarded as a market leader. Other sought-after specialists include Ian Rostowsky, who co-heads both the IP and the hi-tech and venture capital departments, fellow hi-tech co-head Yoav Etzyon, as well as firm chairman Yonatan Altman. Efrat Shpizaizen and capable associate Tal Tsarfati-Doron are also noted.
Investment and venture capital funds in Israel
Amit, Pollak, Matalon & Co. Advocates and Notary
Practice head(s):
Ian Rostowsky; Yoav Etzyon; Maya Issacharov
Other key lawyers:
Yonatan Altman; Stephen Barak Rozen; Efrat Sphizaizen; Ran Cohen; Assaf Baruch; Tal Tsarfati-Doron; Aaron Victor
Testimonials
‘We value the team’s dedication and its availability even in challenging times.’
‘We worked with Maya Issacharov, Efrat Shpizaizen and associate Aaron Victor. We recommend them for their team collaboration, open mind and drive to get a better result.’
‘An exceptional team, super experienced and knowledgeable on the market.’
‘The two partners we worked with are absolutely cutting-edge. The practice is best in class.’
‘An excellent firm. Very experienced partners and team.‘
Key clients
12.64 Fund
Alto Fund
aMoon Growth Fund
And Ventures
Bayit Ve Gag Fund
Canaan Partners Israel
CanNegev
Deep Insight Ventures
F2 Capital
FinTLV Ventures
Firstime Ventures
Forma Fund
Genesis Partners
Grove Ventures
Glilot Capital Partners
IFF-Frutarom-FoodNxt
IL Ventures
Inimiti Ventures
Israel Infrastructure Fund- IIF
Klirmark Opportunity Fund
LionBird
Marathon Real Estate Fund
Merlin Fund
MindUp Ltd.
Mobilion Ventures
Moneta Capital and Moneta Seeds
Nextleap Ventures
NGT3 (Israeli-Arab incubator located in Nazareth)
Nielsen Innovate Fund
RMGP Biopharma Fund
Shaked Partners
Sparks Foodtech Food Technologies Limited Partnership
StageOne Ventures
Sweetwood Ventures
Terra Venture Partners, TerraLab
The Kitchen Hub
The Time Innovations
Timora Real Estate Fund
Vitalife I, SCP Vitalife II
Work highlights
- Representing Israel Infrastructure Fund in the $500m fundraising and formation of its fourth fund, Israel Infrastructure Fund IV.
- Advising on the formation of aMoon Growth II, which targeted raising $750m.
- Acting for F2 Capital on a $375m mandate for the formation of its third venture capital fund, F2 Capital III LP, and another new fund, F2 VC Select Fund, to invest in the portfolio companies of the first three funds.
Herzog Fox & Neeman
Housing a dedicated investment funds department, Herzog Fox & Neeman is widely recognised for its expertise across all the full scope of related matters, from fund formation through to advising on exit strategies. Well weighted between private equity and venture capital work, the team acts for many of the leading domestic and foreign funds operating in Israel. Firm chairman and sought-after tax specialist Meir Linzen is the name to note for complex tax structuring of funds. Tal Dror Schwimmer fronts the investment funds department and counts VC funds, private equity funds, debt funds, real estate funds and hedge funds among her clients. Fund formation specialist Michal Lavi and associate Gal Sasson are also noted.
Practice head(s):
Meir Linzen; Tal Dror Schwimmer
Other key lawyers:
Michal Lavi; Gal Sasson; Dan Eshed
Testimonials
‘Highly professional team, with knowledge on all relevant sectors and segments. Partners are committed, accessible and very responsive. Capabilities in relevant fields. The firm is highly knowledgeable on many subjects and has the ability to work with, or find, international associates and correspondents.’
‘Highly intelligent and experienced individuals, very responsive; in particular Tal Dror Schwimmer and Michal Lavi.’
‘The team is very professional with a broad view of the industry. The partner I worked with was very reactive.’
‘Smart people with deep knowledge of the industry. I always enjoy working with Michal Lavi and consulting with her if needed. The team gives the sentiment that I’m covered from the legal perspective.’
‘Michal Lavi and Tal Dror Schwimmer are rock stars! Really the best lawyers in Israel in this field. Their team is always available and also provide a top-notch service. Would highly recommend them for any aspect.’
‘Michal Lavi is one of the best. Having worked with her for over four years, and other lawyers in the market, I can absolutely say she’s one of the best. The legal knowledge, availability and service is always top.’
‘Michal Lavi and Tal Dror Schwimmer, who lead the fund formation practice, are well versed in all fund formation matters and lead complex deals with ease. They always deliver in a timely matter and are a pleasure to work with, always putting the client first.’
Key clients
Altshuler Shaham
Alon Medtech
Amitim Pension Funds
Apexus
Arkin
Argis
Awz Ventures
Ben Simon Sussman Capital Ltd
Blackstone
Bridges Israel
Clal Insurance Company
Cogito Capital
Eden-Alpha
Eden Discovery
Greenfield Partners
Grove Ventures
Hanavah Macro
Hyperwise Ventures
Leumi Bank
Lahav Funds
Meitav Dash
Menora Insurance
NFX Capital
NGT Ventures
Northwind Group
Oryx
Phoenix
Poalim Equity
Psagot
Quantum
Rakia Capital
Reality Investment Funds
Reality Germany Funds
Roligo
Sphera
Stardom Ventures
Sweetwood Ventures
Value Base
Viola Group
Vgames
Work highlights
- Leading the formation of Northwind Debt Fund II and Northwind Healthcare Debt Fund I, each a debt fund backed by real estate assets.
- Leading the formation of Hyperwise Ventures II, a venture capital fund.
- Leading the formation of Rakia Capital Fund, a private equity fund.
Meitar Law Offices
Combining corporate and fund formation expertise with a formidable tax offering, Meitar Law Offices is well positioned to advise on all aspects of funds work, on behalf of both managers and investors. The team’s sector coverage is equally comprehensive, with its recent experience demonstrating a particular emphasis on investors in the hi-tech and life sciences spheres. Corporate and securities specialist Dan Shamgar is noted for his advice to domestic and foreign investment funds on a range of transactional and fund formation matters. David Chertok is distinguished by his focus on funds in the hi-tech and life science segments. The group also draws expertise from Hodiya Schnider and tax specialist, Eldar Ben-Ruby.
Practice head(s):
Dan Shamgar; David Chertok; Eldar Ben-Ruby; Hodiya Schnider
Other key lawyers:
Efrat Ziv
Testimonials
‘Highly knowledgeable and experienced in a wide range of deals.’
‘The counsel we work with is a great lawyer, with deep understanding of the law helping us to focus on important issues.’
Key clients
Pitango Group
Vintage Group of Funds
New Era Capital
Team8 Fintech fund
Scale-Up Venture Capital
MizMaa Ventures
Synthesis Capital
ION Asset Management
10D Ventures
Disruptive Ventures
MoreVC
Maverick Group
Work highlights
- Representing Pitango Group on an ongoing basis, including in the formation of Pitango Growth II, Pitango VIII and Pitango Healthcare Fund.
- Representing Scale-Up Venture Capital in the formation of Scale-Up Unicorn Fund, a venture capital fund.
- Representing New Era Capital in the formation of New Era Capital Partners II and in the formation of New Era Capital III.
Raveh Haber & Co.
A boutique firm specialising in funds and taxation, Raveh Haber & Co. is uniquely positioned to advise funds and managers on fund formation and related tax structuring. The group acts for a range of private equity, infrastructure, energy, real estate and VC funds, including a raft of internationally oriented funds, where it brings to bear strong cross-border, particularly US-related, experience. Gil Raveh is highly regarded for his strong combination of taxation and funds expertise, with a focus on representing Israeli institutions on offshore real estate investments. Miriam Haber advises a broad range of investment funds, including many of Israel’s leading private equity funds. Private equity partner Yuval Arad is also noted.
Practice head(s):
Gil Raveh; Miriam Haber
Other key lawyers:
Yuval Arad; Rachel Arnin; Chaim Tekuzener; Karin Zemach; Gal Naffusy
Key clients
Electra America Inc., American Landmark
Buligo Capital Partners
Hamilton Lane
Faropoint Ventures LLC t
Israel Growth Partners
Noy Infrastructure and Energy Investments Group
Jal Ventures Group
Israel Legacy Partners
Kedma Capital Group
Green Lantern Group
Tal Capital
Tene Investment Funds
JTLV Partners
Work highlights
- Represented Electra America and American Landmark in the formation of American Landmark Electra Multifamily Investment Fund III LP; their third fund for investments in multifamily apartment complexes in the Southeastern US.
- Represented Buligo Capital Partners Group in the formation of 20 deals during 2021.
- Acted for JTLV Fund 3 Limited Partnership on the formation of JTLV3, with commitments of $623m, exceeding its $534m target.
Vinograd & Co
Lawyers at Vinograd & Co score highly for their ‘strong transaction management capabilities‘. The capital markets, finance and investment-focused boutique packs a particular punch in structuring open-ended funds, where it is widely recognised as a market leader. That being said, the practice has experience in establishing a wide range of funds, including hedge funds, debt funds, real estate funds and P2P funds, among others. Firm founder Ronen Vinograd is noted for his broad industry experience and is highlighted, together with senior associate Shy Tzvia, as ‘smart, proactive and very responsive’. Sharon Friedman, who handles a mix of capital markets, regulatory, investment and finance matters, is also noted.
Practice head(s):
Ronen Vinograd
Other key lawyers:
Sharon Friedman; Shy Tzvia; Aviram Grumer
Testimonials
‘Very down-to-earth, accessible and reachable whenever you need a solid advice or an urgent matter fixed. Very knowledgeable and skilled team with good network of professionals.’
‘Ronen Vinograd and Shy Tsvia are both true professionals and genuine people, which makes them a pleasure to work with.’
‘The firm is very strong in the investment and venture capital funds space generally, with a strong bench in that area. This customer-focussed team has a wealth of knowledge and expertise across all sectors, and their practical approach to transactions make them a pleasure to work with.’
‘From my perspective, the key areas we look out for will always be: quality of work product; strong transaction management capabilities; and responsiveness and efficiency, and (in my experience) these have all been met by Vinograd. I consistently feel looked after by their receptive lawyers.’
‘During the past twelve months, I have primarily worked with Ronen Vinograd and Shy Tsvia. They are a pleasure to work with. They are both smart, proactive and very responsive.’
Key clients
Amitim Pension Funds
Excellence Investment House
Menorah Insurance and Pension
Phoenix Insurance
Psagot Investment House
Poalim Capital Markets / Poalim Equity
IBI Investment House group
Migdal Capital Markets
More Investment House
Yalin Lapidot Investment House
Meitav Dash Investment House
Bank Leumi Provident Funds
Phoenix Value Advanced Investments – feeder funds
Ayalon Insurance
Hachshara Insurance
Gilad Pension Fund
Israel Electricity Company Pension Fund
IDI (Bituach Yashir)
First International Bank of Israel (FIBI) Nostro
Teachers Educationary Fund
Shlomo Insurance
Analyst Investment House
Harel Insurance
Tel Aviv University
Bar Ilan University
Beer Sheeva University
Haifa University
4 IBI alternative investment funds we established
Migdal Capital markets – hedge funds and feeder funds
Excellence – hedge funds, feeder funds
Psagot – hedge funds, PE fund
Halman Aldobi – feeder funds
BSP Fund of Hedge Funds
Heptagon Funds
Golden Bridge Fund (Tandem Capital)
Pi Opportunities
Atlantic real estate fund
Gilboa – FOFs and feeders
Barkai – FOFs
Hud Fund
Work highlights
- Acted for Optimus Algo in the launch of a sustainable hedge fund.
- Advised on the establishment of publicly traded infrastructure REIT fund, Aluma.
- Represented IBI in setting up an open-ended Cayman mutual fund to act as a fund of funds, investing mainly in other open-ended funds.
Arnon, Tadmor-Levy
In a significant coup, Arnon, Tadmor-Levy recently boosted its investment funds practice with the hire of Ram Spektor, formerly department co-head at Shibolet & Co.. He joins a team best known for its record in advising venture capital and private equity clients on fund formation and investment activity, which also houses niche expertise in representing limited partners in non-Israeli investment funds. Yarom Romem, who is noted for his experience in advising general partners, fund sponsors and limited partners in fund formation, co-heads the team alongside Spektor.
Practice head(s):
Yarom Romem; Ram Spektor
Key clients
BRM
Clal Insurance Company
Gemini Israel Partners
Harel Insurance Company
HetzVentures
Ibex Israel Fund
Maple Ventures
Milk & Honey
OurCrowd
Peninsula SMB
Shefa Capital
SLS Partners
The Garage
The Griffin Fund
The Phoenix Insurance
Vintage Investment Partners
Work highlights
- Representing Hetz Ventures in the formation of Hetz Ventures III, a $125m venture capital fund.
- Representing the general partners in the formation of a new venture capital fund, sponsored by Bank Leumi and BRM Group.
- Advising SLS Partners in the formation of SLS Partners I, a special situations fund investing primarily into Israeli hi-tech companies.
FISCHER (FBC & Co.)
FISCHER (FBC & Co.)‘s increasingly prominent funds practice is equipped to advise domestic and international funds and investors on fund formation and ongoing fund activities. With experience across various types of fund, the group has recently advised on private equity, VC, real estate and credit funds, among others. The multidisciplinary team is led jointly by hi-tech co-heads, Raz Tepper and Eran Yaniv, together with project finance and energy specialist, Gilad Winkler. Other key names include Ron Sitton, who has strong cross-border expertise, and Shmulik Fried, who has an emphasis on private equity and venture capital transactions.
Practice head(s):
Raz Tepper; Eran Yaniv; Gilad Winkler
Other key lawyers:
Ron Sitton; Shmulik Fried; Alex Berman
Testimonials
‘Lawyers are very knowledgeable and experienced in their field. Additionally, they are honest and speak their minds, which makes the work more efficient and quicker.’
‘Good communication. Efficient work flow. Very professional.’
‘Shmulik Fried is super professional, always available for me and does the work fast.’
‘A great and diversified team with a lot of niche knowledge.’
‘Alex Berman is an exceptional attorney: knowledgeable, professional, timely and diligent, hands-on, fluent in the details big or small, and professional in various and diverse fields, including VC deals, fund incorporations, M&A, debt transactions, IPO, PIPE and other transactions. Highly recommended.’
Key clients
SKY Fund
Southern Israel Bridging Fund Two, L.P. (SIBF)
Helios Fund
Leumi Partners, the investment arm of Bank Leumi Le-Israel
Allied Group
Sumitomo Corporation
Harel Insurance Company Ltd.
Meitav Dash
Work highlights
- Representing the general partner and the principals of SKY in the establishment and the initial closing of SKY IV, a $350m private equity fund.
- Advising OrbiMed Advisors in matters related to the fund’s activities, including on the OrbiMed 1 and OrbiMed 2 funds.
- Advising Leumi Partners and Allied Group on their proposed partnership with Mr Shimon Eckhouse, owner the Alon MedTech accelerator.
Goldfarb Gross Seligman & Co.
Goldfarb Gross Seligman & Co.‘s expertise in real estate funds makes it a popular choice to represent funds and investors on the formation and management of international funds, particularly those designated for investment in the US and Europe. The ‘innovative and practical‘ team also routinely advises on the structuring and operation of private equity, VC, hedge, real estate and debt funds, among others. Oren Wolpin spearheads the investment funds practice and has extensive experience in real estate investment matters, whereas Sharon Gazit, who is noted for venture capital funds, and corporate and capital markets head, Dubi Zoltak, are also recommended. Ayal Shenhav is highly sought after for his track record in representing VC and private equity funds on formation, tax-structuring and operational issues, whereas Layla Chertow maintains a broad funds practice. The firm is the result of a January 2023 merger between two major players, Gross & Co and Goldfarb Seligman.
Practice head(s):
Ayal Shenhav; Ashok J. Chandrasekhar; Richard Mann; Dubi Zoltak
Other key lawyers:
Ido Gonen; Yaron Sever; Sharon Gazit; Eylon Szatmary; Layla Chertow; Amir Raz; Aviad Feldman; Oren Wolpin
Testimonials
‘With a vast knowledge of the business and the industry, this team is able to produce a cost-efficient and superb product one can rely on.’
‘Oren Wolpin and Eylon Szatmary are both highly professional and work perfectly; either separately, or together as a team. With extreme availability, professionalism and fresh ideas, they provide great service whether on a transaction or ongoing basis.’
‘Brilliant attorneys with outstanding expertise and in-depth market knowledge that provide innovative and practical solutions. They are highly efficient, super professional, provide impeccable service and are available 24/7, making them the go-to team for complex matters in both local and foreign markets.’
‘A candid and trusted partner. They provide everything a VC needs, from the formation and operations of the management company and funds, to helping with negotiations and closing investments in start-ups. They possess all the experience, capabilities, and professional knowledge under one roof.’
‘Layla Chertow is super experienced. Ayal Shenhav is a good support’
‘Aviad Feldman is one of the best corporate and VC lawyers in Israel. He is smart, considerate and practical, which helps him and our company to deal with negotiations and reduce the efforts and tension that might be associated with closing deals no matter their complexity.’
‘The team is professional, trustworthy, gives smart advice and not only legal service. Lawyers are well-connected experts in high-tech including: start-ups, VCs, accelerators, etc’
‘The lawyers I had the honour to work with were highly professional and gave unparalleled service.’
Key clients
Profimex Real Estate Management Ltd.
Electra Real Estate Ltd.
IBI Investment House Ltd.
IBI PILLAR
Altshuler Shaham Properties
Alto Real Estate Funds LLC
Amitim
Menora Mivtachim Holdings Ltd. (“Menora”)
Meitav Dash Investments Ltd.
The Phoenix Insurance Company Ltd.
Psagot Value Properties Ltd.
Value Fund for Non-Bank Financing Limited Partnership
Temasek Holdings Private Limited
iArgento
Walden International
I Squared Capital
Israel Secondary Fund (“ISF”)
Agate Medical Investments L.P.
Thoma Bravo
Koch Disruptive Technologies
Balderton Capital (UK) LLP
K Fund
BayernLB Capital Partner
Bessemer Venture Partners
TPG Growth
YL Ventures
Hasso Plattner Ventures
Khosla Ventures
Dynamics Ventures
Technology Crossover Ventures
Pagaya Technologies Ltd.
Catalyst-CEL China-Israel Fund
Medica Venture Partners
Munich Venture Partners
Shasta Ventures
Battery Ventures L.P
K1 Fund
Unorthodox Ventures
Makers Fund
Cardumen Capital SGEIC, S.A
The Crossroads FCP-FIS fund
Scale Venture Partners
BIT Enterprises Ltd.
WRVI Global Capital Managers LLC
Glilot Capital Partners
Rio Ventures Inc.
Finance Differently management Ltd.
Goldman Investments
Storm Ventures
Shaked Partners Ltd.
Sorenson Ventures
Ruby Capital
Aluma Infrastructure Fund (2020) Ltd.
83 North
Accelmed Partners II
Almeda Ventures
AMoon
Arava Power
Arbor Ventures
Aristagora Ventures
Aviv Venture Capital
Battery Ventures
Bessemer Venture Partners
Blumberg Capital
Canaan Partners
Cedar Ventures
Clear Future
Compit Now
Cyberstarts
Deutsche Telekom
E44
eHealth Ventures
Emerge
Exigent HP Fund
F2
FinTLV
FXP
Giza
Glilot Growth Fund
Hanaco Venture Capital
IWI
Insight Partners
Khosla Ventures
Lenovo Capital
Lightspeed
Magenta
Magma
Mehadrin
Next Gear
Nili Capital Partners
Norwest Venture Partners (NVP)
Oryzn
Profits for Growth (PFG)
REV (Reed Elsevier Ventures)
RU Ventures
Saban Ventures
S-Capital
Sequoia Capital Israel
Shamrock
Sheva Ventures fund
Silver Lake
Starfund Ventures
State of Mind I, State of Mind II, State of Mind III, State of Mind Momentum
Strips
Symbol Fund
Tadiran
Tenaya
TLV Partners
TPY Capital
Tulip Fund
UP West Ventures
Verizon Inc. and its Israeli subsidiaries
Vertex
Vintage
WTI
YL Ventures
York Capital
Work highlights
- Representing IBI Investment House Funds on its alternative investment funds activity, including real estate arm IBI Pillar, various financial and debt funds and other active investment funds.
- Representing Alto Real Estate Funds in the formation of a new investment structure that will invest in commercial real estate assets in the US.
- Represented Insight Partners as lead investor in financing rounds totalling over $2bn.
Shibolet & Co.
The well-rounded fund formation practice at Shibolet & Co. maintains a broad sector focus, with strong recent experience in real estate, debt, venture capital and hedge funds, among other asset classes. The team acts for a varied mix of international and domestic fund managers, investors and financial institutions, with growing activity in special purpose and bespoke investment vehicles. Department head Orit Sternhell-Zaltzman has strong experience in representing private equity clients on fund formation.
Practice head(s):
Orit Sternhell-Zaltzman
Key clients
IBI Investment House Ltd.
IBI Capital
Takwin Venture Partners II L.P.
Fu-Gen SA
Leader Top Capital – Funding Purchase Groups, Limited Partnership
Spice VC VCC
theDock Innovation
Meitav Dash Investments – Investment in MIF III (Cayman) LP
Harel Insurance Company
Schestowitz Holdings Ltd. & Schestowitz Holdings Ltd.
Axon Partners S.A – Investment in Red Dot Capital Partners II, L.P.
Lion Investment Partners
Aviv Funds Management
Israel Investment Fund Group (IIFG)
The Trendlines Group Ltd.
NevaTeam Ventures
Elevate Urban Renewal Fund
Work highlights
- Advised on the formation of EVO Hospitality Fund, an Israeli investment fund focused on hospitality and lodging real estate assets, with NIS1.2bn in assets under management.
- Advised on the formation of Leader Top Capital’s NIS250m real estate fund.
- Advised Fu-Gen on the formation of a €320m renewable energy investment fund, with a focus on wind power renewable projects in Scandinavia.
Arnon Segev & Co.
‘A boutique firm with exceptional service orientation‘, Arnon Segev & Co. is noted for its representation of financial institutions as cornerstone investors in funds matters. Department head Nira Bahat is highlighted for her ‘vast experience in private equity and private debt‘ and counts major Israeli pension funds, provident funds and insurance companies among her clients. Senior associate Roy Gil provides capable support.
Practice head(s):
Nira Bahat
Other key lawyers:
Roy Gil
Testimonials
The team at Arnon Segev is extremely professional and responsive. Most of my work is performed with Nira Bahat, who is highly motivated and experienced. The pricing is good, when comparing to other offices with high working standards.’
‘The practice feels like a family. We use it for almost all of our deals because we know that it is reliable, credible and will work for our best interests. The service we receive is always all-encompassing, from aiding us to filling out forms to explaining complex agreements. The team is highly intelligent and motivated.’
‘Nira Bahat is very experienced, deal oriented and provides both legal and commercial advice.’
Key clients
Amitim Pension Funds
Ayalon Insurance Company Ltd.
Bituahch haklai central cooperative
Clal Insurance Company LTD.
First International Bank of Israel (FIBI)
Harel Insurance Company Ltd.
Israel Electric Corporation
Kranot Hishtalmut Le Morim
Leumi Partners Ltd.
Meitav Dash Provident Funds and Pension Ltd.
Menora Mivtachim Pensions and Gemel Ltd
Migdal Insurance Company LTD.
More Provident Funds Ltd.
Work highlights
- Advised a cornerstone investor, in the agreements, fund formation and closing of the fundraising of the Brookfield Premier Real Estate Partners Europe fund.
- Represented Migdal in the agreements, fund formation and closings of the fundraising of MICL SONNEDIX SOLAR CIV LP fund.
- Advised a collection of institutional investors on $267.5m worth of investments and the fund formation, agreements and fundraising of SH SKY 4 Limited Partnership.
Barnea Jaffa Lande & Co.
Barnea Jaffa Lande & Co. leverages the firm’s multi-jurisdictional prowess to routinely advise on funds matters concerning the US and Israel. In a recent example, it advised Menora Mivtachim Group on the implementation of its investment plan, which included investments in more than 50 US private equity funds and Israeli venture capital funds. New York- and Israel-qualified department co-head Roy Engel led the aforementioned matter and has a strong record in fund formation. Regulatory specialist Zvi Gabbay co-heads the department.
Practice head(s):
Zvi Gabbay; Roy Engel
Other key lawyers:
Andrey Yanai
Testimonials
‘Very good law firm specializing in private equity investments. Roy Engel is very good and experienced.’
‘Thorough knowledge in its fields of expertise. Demonstrates a very high service orientation. Very good client communication.’
‘Roy Engel is very professional with high awareness of sensitive issues and “red flags”. Exceptional service orientation and availability and great client communication and consultation.’
Key clients
The Menora Mivtachim Group
Migdal Group
Johnson & Johnson Development Corporation
Doral
TAU Ventures
Liquidity Capital M.C, backed by Mitsubishi UFJ Fund Services and Meitav Dash Ltd.
Amitim
Fair Financial Technologies
Work highlights
- Advising Menora Mivtachim Group on investments in various funds and JVs in Israel and abroad.
- Representing Migdal in various investments in Israel and abroad.
- Representing JJDC, the venture capital fund of Johnson & Johnson, in its investments in Israeli medical and biotechnology companies, medical-related funds, and JVs.
BFP & Co Attorneys & Notary
Specialising in hi-tech and venture capital work, boutique firm BFP & Co Attorneys & Notary is ‘very savvy in finding creative solutions in non-vanilla transactions‘. The team routinely advises on the formation and management of venture capital funds, with supplementary experience in private equity and real estate funds. Co-founding partner Haleli Barath has broad funds expertise, with a focus on the venture capital sphere.
Practice head(s):
Haleli Barath
Other key lawyers:
Meiran Sandelson
Testimonials
‘Expertise in both commercial and people due diligence, on top of the legal due diligence.’
‘Very savvy in finding creative solutions in non-vanilla transactions. Client-friendly billing practices at the completion of the transaction (even if its a prolonged process), particularly Haleli Barath and Meiran Sandelson.’
Key clients
Triventures
Cerca Partners
Secret Chord Ventures
Homeward Ventures
Mensch Capital Partners
Alicorn
Work highlights
- Representing Triventures in the formation of all its funds.
- Representing Cerca Partners in its formation, ongoing fund management and investments in portfolio companies.
- Advising Homeward Ventures on its internal fund management and investments in its portfolio companies.
Gornitzky & Co.
Held up for its ‘broad practice across all investment fund asset classes’, Gornitzky & Co. is particularly recognised for its focus on venture capital and private equity funds. Eyal Raz and Gila Ponte-Shlush co-head a practice which handles the full life cycle of funds work, from formation and fundraising, through to fund management and secondary transactions. The team also draws on the wider firm to provide cross-practice support on regulatory, securities and tax matters.
Practice head(s):
Eyal Raz; Gila Ponte-Shlush
Other key lawyers:
Itamar Mei-Zahav
Testimonials
‘Gila Ponte-Shlush is incredible to work with. She has seen everything from both sides, and is wonderful at being practical and not just looking to bill hours. An amazing lady to work with.’
‘The firm is very strong in investment and venture capital funds generally, with a strong bench in that area. This customer-focussed team has a wealth of knowledge and expertise across all sectors and their practical approach to transactions make them a pleasure to work with.’
‘During the past twelve months, I have primarily worked with Gila Ponte-Shlush. She is a pleasure to work with. She is smart, proactive and very responsive.’
‘The Gornitzky investment funds team has a broad practice across all investment fund asset classes, which gives them the know-how to find solutions for funds which do not fit into one of the mainstream moulds. In our view, this gives them an edge in the market.’
‘We work a lot with Gila Ponte-Shlush, who we find to be particularly collaborative. As such, advice is always commercial and relevant.’
Key clients
Fattal European Partnership 2 GP Ltd.
Community US Fund Management, Inc
Migdalor Alternative Products Ltd.
Leumi Partners Ltd.
Migdal Insurance Company Ltd.
The Phoenix Insurance Company Ltd.
The Phoenix Pension and Provident Fund Ltd.
Group 11
Catalyst Group
Keystone Reit Ltd.
Value Base Ltd.
Altshuler Shaham Provident Funds and Pension Funds Ltd.
Clal Insurance Ltd.
Clal Provident Funds and Pension Funds Ltd.
Meitav Dash Investment Ltd.
Menora Mivtachim Investments in P.E. Funds Limited. Partnership
Menora Mivtachim Insurance Ltd.
Tal Ventures
Beyond Family Office
Work highlights
- Represented Fattal Hotels Group in the formation of Fattal European Partnership II LP.
- Represented Tal Ventures in the formation of its venture capital fund, Tal Seed Ventures I LP.
- Represented three of Israel’s largest institutional investors in an undisclosable, high-value investment in Faropoint Industrial Value Fund III.
Lipa Meir & Co
Demonstrating an orientation towards the tech and life sciences sectors, Lipa Meir & Co acts for a range of entrepreneurs, investment institutions and funds on fund formation and management matters. The team is particularly prominent in the VC space, though also provides ongoing advice to private equity, insurance and pension funds, among others. Corporate, technology and M&A co-head Ziv Preis jointly leads the department alongside the ‘very attentive‘ Gary Copelovitz.
Practice head(s):
Ziv Preis; Gary Copelovitz
Testimonials
‘Gary Copelovitz and his team are attentive and easy to communicate with. They assisted in a cross-border deal, where it was difficult for us to bridge the language and geographical distance. Always available and easy to reach out to via VC, it was easy for us to feel comfortable closing a deal in Israel.’
‘Gary Copelovitz’s team is practical. It is good in situations where there is no black or white, explaining clearly where we can give concessions in exchange for important wins. This is important because it manages the relationship with the counterpart lawyer in a way that does not affect the relationship between principals.’
Key clients
Amitim Senior Pension Funds
Charme Capital Partners
Cogito Capital
Beresheit Fund
Tene Investment Fund
Miskai Hakibitzuim and Bituch Haklai
Harel Insurance Investments & Financial Services LTD.
Migdal Insurance and Financial Holdings Ltd.
Clal Insurance Enterprises Holdings Ltd
Menora Mivtachim Holdings Ltd
AP Partners Fund Limited Partnership
Pharmakon Advisors
Ayalon Insurance Company
Work highlights
- Representing Ayalon Insurance Company on a NIS125m investment in a venture for loans for projects in the real estate field.
- Representing AP Partners Fund in several acquisitions, including Nirit Seeds.
- Advising fund, Pharmakon Advisors, on a $100m financing facility to UroGen.
M. Firon & Co Advocates and Notaries
M. Firon & Co Advocates and Notaries houses niche expertise in the mutual funds sphere, including advising on the registration of foreign funds under the Joint Investment Trust Law. The team is also noted for its representation of institutional investors managing VC funds, private equity funds and hedge funds, among others. Oded Ofek, who is particularly noted for his strength in regulatory matters, co-heads the practice together with Jacob Sarov and Gail Etzion.
Practice head(s):
Gail Etzion; Oded Ofek; Jacob Sarov
Testimonials
‘The capital markets: investment & institutional team gives us all-around advice in the fields of mutual funds and portfolio management; as well in such areas as financial services provision, credit provision, hedge funds and more. It includes ongoing legal advice on day-to-day legal issues as well as special transactions.’
‘Oded Ofek, head of department, is a brilliant one-stop-shop expert in his fields of practice. He integrates a wide variety of know-how in diverse legal fields, not only the legal scope of the capital markets, giving him a mature, integrated and enlightening look at any legal issue at hand.’
‘The capital markets “forte” (and leading practice in the market) is the mutual fund team, representing I think around 25% of the market including the Association of Mutual Funds Managers. M. Firon assisted us in the establishment of a unique hi-tech traded fund in Israel.’
‘We use the firm for ongoing legal services for the management of mutual funds and portfolio management, hedge funds, legal consult in capital markets and any special transactions we may have. I think their performance is excellent and fulfilled all of our needs and then some.’
‘We find in M. Firon a comfortable service provider and a brilliant lawyer in the field (Oded Ofek). Firon gives us service in the field of mutual funds and transactions of investment in companies/entities.)
‘Oded Ofek is in essence all you would like to find in a business lawyer in investments and regulation in capital markets and financing. He knows his way through regulation blindfolded.’
‘Highly professional lawyers, very experienced, excellent service and work habits, well-backed by firm’s colleagues.’
‘Oded Ofek is a very talented professional who provides advice at the highest level. He is intelligent, possesses deep cross-border understanding, is a very hard worker, and is a well-known name in the capital markets arena in Israel.’
Key clients
Excellence Group
Sigma City – management Ltd.
Peninsula Group Ltd.
Kessem Mutual Funds Ltd.
Ayalon Mutual Funds Ltd.
Yelin Lapidot – Asset Management
Noy Fund
Ubank Trust Company Ltd.
Guangzhou Sino-Israel Bio-industry Venture Capital Investment Fund
Altshuler Shaham
Epsilon
MadanessTech
The Association of Mutual Fund Managers in Israel;
Work highlights
- Advising Ayalon Mutual Funds on the formation of several funds, including a fund focused on exposure to blockchain.
- Advising The Association of Mutual Fund Managers on various regulatory matters.
- Representing a private equity fund on the NIS107m acquisition of a real estate project.
Pearl Cohen Zedek Latzer Baratz
With a focus on representing angel investors and venture capitalists, Pearl Cohen Zedek Latzer Baratz is equipped to advise on all aspects of the establishment and operation of VC and private equity funds. Atir Jaffe co-chairs the hi-tech group and specialises in technology work, including representing funds and investors in the technology sphere. Inbar Friedman, who was recently promoted to partner, is also noted for her record in fund formation, hi-tech and venture capital.
Practice head(s):
Atir Jaffe
Other key lawyers:
Inbar Friedman
Key clients
COPIA Agro & Food Technologies Fund
Benson Oak Ventures
2B Angels
Beyond Mobility Ventures
IN Venture SCIL L.P.
aMoon Velocity
Fundit (2016) Ltd
Medi-Tate
A.P. Partners Fund L.P.
Mideal Management limited partnership
VS Partners
Keshet International Broadcasting Ltd.
Doral Tech Ventures
JVP
SOMPO Holdings
Amplefields Alternative Investments Tech
Corporativo Bimbo, S.A. de C.V.
Work highlights
- Represented Mideal Management Limited Partnership on a €276m investment deal.
- Represented AP Partners Fund LP in a $54m three-phase acquisition deal.
- Advised VC fund Benson Oak on the formation of its first investment fund.