Breaking Update

Israeli VC Protego Ventures Backs Next Generation of Defense Tech Startups

Israeli VC Protego Ventures is investing in defense tech startups, focusing on AI and autonomous systems, amid rising global demand.

March 16, 2026 at 9:21 am Pesach Benson Business

Jerusalem, 16 March, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israeli venture capital fund Protego Ventures is investing in a new generation of defense technology startups as global demand for advanced military capabilities grows amid wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Founded by Israeli entrepreneurs Lital Leshem and Lee Moser, the fund focuses on companies developing artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, robotics and advanced sensing technologies for defense and national security applications.

Protego’s portfolio includes companies such as drone robotics firm XTEND and infrastructure monitoring company Prisma Photonics. The fund is also developing partnerships with defense and industry stakeholders in India and Gulf countries.

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