2024 was a year that tested the world, Israel in particular, and the tech industry alike, marked by an ongoing war and global crises that reshaped the landscape. There’s a saying, “Smooth seas never made a skilled sailor,” and this perfectly captures the story of Iron Nation VC.
Founded by Chen Linchevski, Gil Friedlander, and Jason Wolf, Iron Nation demonstrated extraordinary leadership and commitment to supporting startups during one of the toughest periods in recent history.
A Mission Born in Crisis
Iron Nation was established just days after the outbreak of war, with the founders rallying to raise funds and provide crucial support to early-stage startups. For them, it was clear that while Israel would emerge victorious militarily, many startups would face immense challenges. With shrinking cash reserves and operational difficulties due to key personnel being called to prolonged military reserve service, excellent startups risked falling short of their funding goals.
The Iron Nation team used their extensive knowledge, experience, and networks to raise funds and invest it in promising startups, helping them survive and thrive in the face of adversity.
Why Iron Nation Was Awarded VC of the Year 2024
- Rapid Fundraising: Raised $20 million in record time to support Israeli startups.
- Strategic Investments: Invested in 21 Seed and Series A companies within 12 months.
- Voluntary Operations: The VC operated without management fees, ensuring that 100% of funds raised were invested in Israeli startups, and 100% of the returns would go back to the fund investors.
- Global Investor Outreach: Attracted investments from the Jewish diaspora, particularly in North America, many of whom were first-time investors in Israeli tech.
- Impactful Results: Startups funded by Iron Nation went on to collectively raise an additional $80 million, securing the resources needed to scale and succeed.
A Word from Ilan Tevet, CMO of Iron Nation
Ilan Tebet, CMO of Iron Nation and a member of Seedbiz’s Executive Social Group – Israel’s Entrepreneurship Community, reflected on the achievement:
“I’m honored to represent Iron Nation and accept this award. Building our fund’s branding during such a challenging time was no easy task, and could not have been possible without the help of our partners and the trust our investors, who shared with us the same vision. As a result, we were able to invest in exceptional Israeli startups, giving them the fuel they needed to secure their next rounds of funding.”
Looking Ahead
Iron Nation’s efforts in 2024 set a new standard for what it means to be a VC in times of crisis. By providing startups with the resources and support they needed to weather the storm, they exemplified the true spirit of resilience, innovation, and community.
Congratulations to Iron Nation on their well-deserved recognition as VC of the Year!