After completing my undergraduate studies in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at the Technion, I joined the Ministry of Defense, where I honed my skills in research and development. This experience sparked my interest in the intersection of technology and business, leading me to pursue an MBA and an additional, ongoing, bachelor's degree in Computer Science at Tel Aviv University.

My career transition began with a role as an investment analyst at Lucid Capital, a Tel Aviv-based hedge fund, followed by joining the Key1 team. These opportunities continue to solidify my passion for the investment world as I realize that my diverse background in technology and the business world is an asset in this field.

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My career has been driven by a passion for the intersection of technology and business, and how I could be part of creating a positive impact within Israel’s tech ecosystem.

After completing my degrees in Law and Accounting from Tel Aviv University, I worked as an M&A Investment Banker at Rothschild & Co. for nearly three years, taking part in various cross-border transactions. This experience sharpened my financial acumen and market understanding, driving my decision to transition from advising on deals to taking a more active role in the tech ecosystem.

As a growth investor, I focus on building strong partnerships with entrepreneurs who are ready to scale. My goal is to support their journey, leveraging my experience to help them navigate challenges and seize opportunities, contributing to the evolution of Israel's tech landscape in a meaningful way.

Major General (Ret.) Amikam Norkin, former Commander of the Israeli Air Force (2017-2022), brings unparalleled strategic and operational experience in aerospace technologies and industry, spanning both commercial and defense domains.

Amikam is currently a Managing Partner at ACE, an early-stage defense tech investment firm in partnership with Key1, as well as Co-founder and Chairman of Aerospace Spirit.

During his tenure in the airforce, Norkin spearheaded the IAF's transformation to fifth-generation capabilities, overseeing all aviation operations. His nearly four-decade military career includes commanding F-15 and F-16 squadrons, serving as Head of the IDF Planning Directorate, and overseeing highly complex projects while leading thousands.

Norkin's leadership drove significant advancements in digital transformation and forged strategic international collaborations. As a Venture Partner to Key1, he brings a rich global network in the aerospace and defense domains, as well as decades of project management experience, and strategic planning.

Shimon Tsentsiper, former Head of the IAF Technology Sector, is a seasoned expert in translating military innovations into commercial solutions. With an extensive network and deep experience in aerospace technologies across commercial and defense domains, Shimon brings unparalleled technical expertise and vision.

Currently, Shimon serves as a Managing Partner at ACE, an early-stage defense tech investment firm partnered with Key1, and Co-founder and CEO of Aerospace Spirit. His 28-year military career, culminating in the rank of Brigadier General, saw him leading complex organizations and managing hundreds of tech development projects.

As a Venture Partner to Key1, Shimon's unique background bridges the gap between military innovation and commercial viability. His expertise in identifying and nurturing groundbreaking technologies and global networks makes him an invaluable asset in the aerospace and defense sectors.

Dr. Sanjiv Sobti brings over 35 years of Wall Street expertise to Key1 Capital. 

As a seasoned Board Member and former Financial Institutions M&A leader at Bear Stearns, JP Morgan, and Lehman Brothers, and as co-founder and former Chairman of FIRE Capital Funds, Sanjiv offers exceptional insights into business model design, entrepreneurship, and risk management.

His role as a Venture Partner at a seed stage fintech venture fund, experience as a senior advisor to Credit Suisse, and pivotal role in financial institutions' M&A, provide the strategic edge needed to navigate the complex fintech landscape.

Itzik Parnafes brings over 20 years of experience leading technology investments and mentoring entrepreneurs, particularly in infrastructure software, application software, and consumer technology, Itzik offers founders a comprehensive perspective that spans the entire entrepreneurial journey. 

Prior to joining Key1, Itzik served as a General Partner at Battery Ventures, before which he was an entrepreneur. His unique blend of operational expertise and investment acumen makes him an invaluable asset to growth-stage founders.

Eran Liron was formerly EVP of Corporate Development and marketing at NICE Systems, having personally led close to 50 M&A transactions. 

His extensive experience in strategic acquisitions and post-merger integrations positions him as an invaluable asset for those entrepreneurs looking to navigate complex growth scenarios and dominate their markets. 

Before NICE, Eran held strategic corporate development, marketing, and product roles at Mercury and Tower Semiconductor, and was a co-founder of digiGroups. Currently, Eran is the CSO of Next Insurance. Eran holds a doctorate from Stanford Business School and a BSc from the Technion.

Boaz Chalamish is the executor every executive needs in their network. 

A serial CEO with over 18 years of senior leadership experience in Israeli and international technology companies, he boasts an unparalleled track record in infrastructure and enterprise software, storage, and cybersecurity.  His deep Boaz expertise spans go-to-market strategies, organizational structure, R&D, and sales compensation.  

Boaz Chalamish is a former Senior Vice President and General Manager at VMware and HP, as well as the former Senior Vice President of R&D at Mercury Interactive (acquired by HP). He has also served as the Chairman of the Board and was previously the CEO of Clarizen.

The office manager and EA role is at the heart of any organization. They are often the first ones to interact with the stakeholders and can make or break an office atmosphere. I pride myself on shaping this role to be as impactful as possible. My journey started way back in the IDF, where I held a similar Office Manager position in the elite Paratrooper unit.

Post-service, I pursued a BA degree in Business Administration from Colorado Technical University. With over 20 years of experience in office management working alongside business leaders, I have learned how to think seven steps ahead ensuring anyone who interacts with Key1 is taken care of and their needs are met- sometimes before they even know what their needs are!

My true passion lies in fostering a sense of home within the workplace. In an investment fund that places great emphasis on cultivating relationships, I remain dedicated to upholding and nurturing this ethos.

I've been perennially captivated by the dynamics of the market, the stories of companies growing and evolving, and the complexities of the investment world.

This fascination has driven me to seek out opportunities where I could immerse myself in the growth ecosystem, eagerly dissecting market trends and company developments to hone my investment strategies and see how they can be combined with my passion for numbers.

After completing my bachelor's degree in Statistics and Economics from Tel Aviv University and my Master of Financial Mathematics at MIT, I served as a Business Management Consultant at BCG, in Tel Aviv and as an Investment Banker at JP Morgan in New York. These roles equipped me with deep expertise in financial markets, strategic decision-making, and operational efficiency, positioning me as a resource to our portfolio companies through their growth phases.

These experiences were crucial in refining my investment strategy and ability to support portfolio companies

I spent 15 years at EY as the Managing Director, where I managed over 15 accountants and provided audit, tax, and consulting services for private equity and real estate funds.

During this time, I worked with some of the largest VC funds and technology companies in Israel. As the CFO of Key1, I leverage my extensive experience and network to support both the fund and our portfolio companies, ensuring they feel empowered and supported.

This led me to Goldman Sachs’s Finance Group in New York in 2001 where I spent two decades satisfying this need to challenge and be challenged. In 2007, I relocated to Tel Aviv to open the Israel office. Here I spent the next 14 years leading and building the franchise in Israel across investment banking, securities, and asset management. In 2017, in addition to my role as the CEO of Goldman Sachs Israel, I was also tasked with the role of Head of the Growth Markets team in London where I built and managed multiple regional teams across numerous countries focused on financing and risk management solutions for the leading sovereign, corporate, and investment firms in CEEMEA.

Founding Key1 Capital alongside Danny and Amit, my trusted partners for over a decade at Goldman Sachs, is the most exhilarating challenge yet. Drawing upon our experience, we have come together to guide startups through their growth trajectories as true partners with vested interest in their success.

I spent 10 years at Goldman Sachs in its Tel Aviv office, where I initially led the company’s origination and execution of TMT investment banking advisory work and subsequently headed its investment banking practice. During my tenure, I covered hundreds of public and private companies, focusing on sell-side and capital-raising advisory work.

Prior to joining Goldman Sachs, I worked for JPMorgan and Credit Suisse in NY in their Financial Institutions Groups, leading complex advisory projects for insurance companies, banks, and specialty finance companies. On the more personal side, my upbringing as a professional athlete instilled in me invaluable qualities that helped shape my approach as a growth investor. Raised under the guidance of my gymnast coach father, I learned the values of self-discipline, goal-setting, and collaborative teamwork from an early age.

Representing Israel’s national gymnastics team further reinforced these principles.

Prior to founding Key1, I spent seventeen years in various leadership roles at Goldman Sachs both in the London and Tel Aviv offices, including Head of Consumer and Retail team at the Cross Markets Group in EMEA. I also served in the Israeli Air Force as Squadron Deputy Commander from July 1993 to January 2004, retiring as a Major.

Our combined four-plus decades at Goldman Sachs empowered me and my co-founders at Key1 to flesh out the skillset we acquired at the pinnacle of the most complex and strategic business transactions globally, working among the best in the industry. This continued exposure taught us how to be thoughtful, deliberate, and take risks with precision.