Erel Margalit

Erel N. Margalit is an Israeli entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and former politician who has made significant contributions to Israel's technology and innovation ecosystem. Here are key details about his background and career:

Professional Career

Jerusalem Venture Partners (JVP)

Erel Margalit founded JVP, a leading venture capital firm, in 1993 and currently serves as its Executive Chairman.1 Under his leadership, JVP has:

• Raised over $1.4 billion across nine funds
• Invested in more than 140 companies
• Orchestrated 42 IPOs and M&As, including notable exits like CyberArk and QlikTech

Margalit Startup City

Margalit is also the founder and Executive Chairman of Margalit Startup City, an initiative that creates centers of excellence combining technology and education in various regions of Israel.12

Political Career

• Served as a Member of the Israeli Knesset (parliament) from 2013 to 2017
• Represented the Labor Party
• Member of the Security and Foreign Affairs Committee
• Ranking member on the National Finance Committee
• Led the Cybersecurity Taskforce

Entrepreneurial and Social Impact

• Founded "Bakehila" and "Israel Initiative 2020", non-profit organizations focused on education and regional development
• Established the Media Quarter in Jerusalem, fostering entrepreneurship in business, social, and cultural enterprises
• Created the Margalit Startup City Community model, which has established innovation centers in various Israeli cities1

Recognition

• Selected for the Forbes Midas list as a top non-American venture capitalist1
• Chosen by Israel's business paper "The Marker" as the venture capitalist with the "golden touch"1

Education

• Ph.D. from Columbia University in New York2
• Studied at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem2

Erel Margalit is known for his visionary approach to combining business success with social impact, and his efforts to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in Israel and beyond.