Investment and Operational Excellence
Iron Nation was born from a critical necessity to protect and sustain Israeli innovation in the wake of the October 7th crisis. What began as an urgent, industry-wide emergency initiative has rapidly matured into a premier professional gateway for the next generation of Israeli scale-ups. We have evolved beyond our founding mission of safeguarding the ecosystem to build a robust, high-performance investment pipeline that prioritizes long-term economic value and disciplined financial growth.
Our mission is accelerated through a strategic bridge between Israeli ingenuity and the industrial heart of the United States. By aligning world-class technology with the U.S. market, beginning from our landmark partnership with the State of Indiana, we provide a high-conviction launchpad for expansion. We are dedicated to fostering a disciplined environment where sustainable growth and investor value take hold, ensuring that the most resilient founders are positioned to lead global markets from a foundation of American go-to-market strength.
CHAIRMAN
CHEMI PERES
Managing Partner and co Founder
Pitango Ventures
Chemi Peres is Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Pitango, one of Israel’s leading VC firms. He previously founded MOFET Israel Technology Fund and chaired the Israel Venture Association (IATI). Chemi has served on the boards of major companies, including Teva Pharmaceuticals, Koor Industries, and multiple NASDAQ-listed firms. He is Chairman of the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation and a board member of several non-profits. A former Israeli Air Force pilot, he holds a B.Sc. in Industrial Engineering and an MBA from Tel Aviv University.
MANAGING PARTNER & INVESTMENT COMMITTEE
CHEN LINCHEVSKI
Chen Linchevski is Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Iron Nation, overseeing deal flow and due diligence for over 900 startups. Previously, he co-founded Precognize, an AI analytics startup acquired by Samson AG, and represented it as a Tech Pioneer at the World Economic Forum. He also co-founded Calyx Venture Studio, supporting early-stage climate and sustainability ventures. A former corporate lawyer specializing in M&A, Chen served in an elite IDF special forces unit. His portfolio includes Algaeing, Pulsar, Cordio, and Precise Bio.
MANAGING PARTNER & INVESTMENT COMMITTEE
GIL FRIEDLANDER
Gil Friedlander is Co-Founder & Managing Partner at Iron Nation, where he leads fundraising and investment strategy. A high-tech serial entrepreneur with background in flying fighter jets for the Israeli Air Force, Gil has successfully built and exited multiple startups. He is also General Partner at Calyx Ventures, a pioneering Venture Studio in Israel. His portfolio includes Greeneye, Nurami, Ultra Sight, and Vortex. Gil has held leadership roles in global corporations and advised Fortune 500 companies. He holds a BSc in Engineering from Tel Aviv University and an MBA from McGill University.
MANAGING PARTNER & INVESTMENT COMMITTEE
JASON WOLF
Jason Wolf is Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Iron Nation, leading ecosystem development and investment strategy. A Silicon Valley veteran, he played key roles at TopTier Software (acquired by SAP), Better Place, and Veev. He co-founded Musketeer, a social safety network, and Genie, an AI-driven elder care platform. Jason also led global technology partnerships at SAP. His portfolio includes illumex, Addionics, and Covercy. A veteran of the IDF’s elite special forces - he holds a BA in Economics and Psychology from Tel Aviv University and an MBA from San Jose State University.
INVESTMENT COMMITTEE
CHARLIE FEDERMAN
Charlie Federman is a Founding Partner at Silvertech Ventures and CEO of SILVERspac, a publicly traded company. A veteran investor, he was a Partner at BRM, an early investor in Check Point, and the seed investor in Payoneer. Previously, he spent 15 years at Broadview, advising on 100+ software acquisitions and expanding its global VC network. Charlie serves on the boards of Semperis, SQream Technologies, TrackerDetect, and iGentify. He holds a B.S. in Economics from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
INVESTMENT COMMITTEE
IZHAR SHAY
Izhar Shay, former minister of science & technology, is a Venture Partner at Disruptive AI and a serial entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience. He led two VC-backed startups, Business Layers and V-Secure, to successful exits and spent 15 years as a General Partner at Canaan Partners. He serves on the investment committees of Phoenix Financial and 12Angels VC. Following the loss of his son, Yaron Oree (Noni), who fell defending Kibbutz Kerem Shalom on October 7th, he co-founded the Next October initiative, dedicated to launching a startup for every victim of the war. Izhar is a Technion graduate and an active board advisor.
US PARTNER
LUKE MESSER
Luke Messer is an Advisory Board Member of Iron Nation and Senior Vice President at Prolific, where he spearheaded the landmark collaboration linking the State of Indiana with the Israeli technology community. A former three-term member of the U.S. House of Representatives and two-term Indiana state legislator, he brings over thirty years of leadership experience in government relations and public affairs. He also serves as a Principal at Bose Public Affairs and a Commissioner on the Ports of Indiana Commission. Luke holds a law degree from Vanderbilt University and a bachelor’s degree from Wabash College.
HEAD, INVESTOR RELATIONS & STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
ARIELLA RAVIV
Ariella Raviv is Head of Investor Relations & Operations at Iron Nation, where she leads capital formation, fund operations, and strategic partnerships. She has worked across investing, SaaS, wellness, and philanthropy, including real estate and tech investments in Michigan and Israel. Ariella serves on the boards of ICAR Collective, PEF Israel Endowment Funds, and Brandeis Alumni Club of Israel and advises Israeli NGOs. Originally from Metro Detroit, she holds a BA and MA from Brandeis University and lives in Tel Aviv with her husband and three children.
