Greylock Strengthens Israeli Focus with Mor Chen as Partner and Expands Edge Program

2025-01-22

In a strategic move to bolster its presence in Israel, renowned venture capital firm Greylock has appointed Mor Chen as a partner to lead its investments in the region. This announcement comes alongside the expansion of Greylock’s Edge program to Israel, offering tailored support to early-stage founders. With a rich history of backing groundbreaking startups, Greylock’s latest initiatives underscore its commitment to fostering innovation in one of the world’s most dynamic tech ecosystems.

Greylock’s Strategic Expansion in Israel

Mor Chen’s appointment marks a significant step in Greylock’s ongoing efforts to deepen its ties with Israel’s thriving tech scene. Chen, who will initially operate from Greylock’s San Francisco Bay Area offices before relocating to Israel in 2026, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in venture capital. Her role will focus on identifying and investing in promising Israeli startups, further solidifying Greylock’s position as a key player in the region.

In addition to Chen’s appointment, Greylock is extending its Greylock Edge program to Israel. This initiative is designed to support pre-idea and pre-Seed founders by providing them with access to Greylock’s extensive resources, expertise, and network. The program offers flexible financing options, direct collaboration with Greylock partners, and assistance with critical early-stage decisions, from product development to achieving product-market fit. This marks the first time the Edge program will be available to Israeli founders, reflecting Greylock’s confidence in the region’s potential.

Greylock’s Legacy and Portfolio

Greylock, currently investing from its $1 billion Greylock Fund 17, has a storied history of partnering with visionary founders across six key sectors: cybersecurity, infrastructure, SaaS, consumer, marketplaces and commerce, and fintech and crypto. The firm’s impressive portfolio includes industry giants such as Airbnb, Coinbase, Discord, Dropbox, Figma, Instagram, LinkedIn, Okta, Palo Alto Networks, Meta, Roblox, Rubrik, and Workday.

Israel has been a focal point for Greylock’s investments for over two decades. The firm has backed and partnered with leading Israeli startups, including 7AI, Apiiro, Cato Networks, Dazz, Imperva, Kodem Security, Palo Alto Networks, Upwind, and Wiz. Israel is Greylock’s most active investment geography outside of the San Francisco Bay Area, highlighting the region’s importance to the firm’s global strategy.

Mor Chen’s Journey to Greylock

Chen joins Greylock from Accel, where she was based in London and oversaw the firm’s Israeli portfolio. During her tenure at Accel, she led investments in startups such as Cyera, Oasis, and Finaloop, served on the boards of several companies, and established a global Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) network. Prior to Accel, Chen was a consultant at Strategy&, where she worked on high-profile projects, including Nvidia’s acquisition of Mellanox. She also served as Managing Director of the 8200 EISP, the accelerator program of the 8200 Intelligence Unit Alumni Association, where she remains a board member.

“Mor’s passion for startups, extensive network of Israeli entrepreneurs, and commitment to excellence make her an outstanding addition to our team,” said Asheem Chandna, partner at Greylock. “Her ability to work closely with founders and help them succeed aligns strongly with Greylock’s commitment to the Israeli market and its mission to partner with the very best entrepreneurs in Israel.”

A New Chapter for Israeli Innovation

“I am thrilled to join Greylock and focus on fostering further innovation and leadership in the Israeli tech ecosystem,” said Mor Chen. “With Greylock’s deep expertise and resources, I’m excited to partner with Israel-based founders to help them build tomorrow’s category-defining companies.”

Greylock’s expansion into Israel, coupled with Chen’s appointment, signals a new chapter for the region’s tech ecosystem. By providing early-stage founders with the tools and support they need to succeed, Greylock is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Israeli innovation.

What Undercode Say:

Greylock’s decision to appoint Mor Chen as a partner and expand its Edge program to Israel is a strategic masterstroke that underscores the firm’s commitment to nurturing innovation in one of the world’s most vibrant tech ecosystems. Israel, often referred to as the “Startup Nation,” has long been a hotbed of technological innovation, producing groundbreaking companies across various sectors. By deepening its focus on Israel, Greylock is positioning itself to capitalize on the region’s immense potential.

Chen’s appointment is particularly noteworthy. With her extensive experience in venture capital and a deep understanding of the Israeli tech landscape, she is well-equipped to identify and support the next generation of Israeli startups. Her previous roles at Accel and Strategy& have honed her ability to navigate complex investment landscapes and build strong relationships with founders. This makes her an invaluable asset to Greylock as it seeks to strengthen its presence in Israel.

The expansion of the Greylock Edge program to Israel is another significant development. Early-stage startups often face numerous challenges, from securing funding to building a strong team and achieving product-market fit. By offering tailored support and access to Greylock’s vast resources, the Edge program can help Israeli founders overcome these hurdles and accelerate their growth. This initiative not only benefits the startups but also reinforces Greylock’s reputation as a firm that is deeply committed to fostering innovation.

Greylock’s focus on Israel is also a reflection of the region’s growing importance in the global tech landscape. With a robust ecosystem that includes world-class talent, cutting-edge research, and a culture of entrepreneurship, Israel has become a magnet for venture capital investment. Greylock’s decision to double down on its investments in the region is a testament to the confidence it has in Israel’s ability to produce category-defining companies.

In conclusion, Greylock’s latest moves are a win-win for both the firm and the Israeli tech ecosystem. By appointing Mor Chen and expanding the Edge program, Greylock is not only strengthening its position in Israel but also contributing to the growth and success of the region’s startups. As the global tech landscape continues to evolve, Greylock’s focus on Israel is a strategic bet that is likely to yield significant returns in the years to come.