Endowment / Foundation

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BIRD Foundation

The BIRD Foundation was established in 1977 by the U.S. and Israeli governments. Jaron Lotan holds the role of Executive Director. Its mandate centers on...

BIRD Foundation logo

BIRD Foundation

The BIRD Foundation was established in 1977 by the U.S. and Israeli governments. Jaron Lotan holds the role of Executive Director. Its mandate centers on binational industrial R&D that delivers commercial outcomes for both countries. The foundation supplies non-dilutive funding and matchmaking services for joint projects. Capital supports work in software, cybersecurity, and energy technologies. Geographic reach covers Israel and multiple U.S. states through offices in New Jersey, California, and Texas. Related vehicles include BIRD Cyber, BIRD Energy, and BIRD HLS. The organization maintains an estimated $110 million under management. It operates additional offices in the United States and holds memberships in Israel Advanced Technology Industries and the Israel-America Chamber of Commerce. No dated operational events from the last 24 months appear in available records. Government board representation from the U.S. Department of Commerce and Israel Ministry of Economy and Industry creates a distinct sourcing and approval process tied directly to public mandates rather than private LP commitments.

General information

Firm type

Endowment / Foundation

Year founded

1977

Location

Region

Middle East

Country

Israel

City

Tel Aviv

Corporate office

Kiryat Atidim, Building 4, PO Box 58030, Tel Aviv 6158001, Israel

Additional offices

New Jersey, USA · California, USA · Texas, USA

Principals

Jaron Lotan

Executive Director

Sector focus

Enterprise SoftwareCybersecurityEnergy Transition & Renewables

Frequently asked questions

Who runs investment decisions at BIRD Foundation?

Jaron Lotan serves as Executive Director. The board includes representatives from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Israel Ministry of Economy and Industry, and Israel Innovation Authority.

How does BIRD Foundation source proprietary deal flow?

The foundation uses government channels and industry associations such as Israel Advanced Technology Industries to identify U.S. and Israeli company pairs for joint R&D.

Does BIRD Foundation participate in fund commitments or only direct deals?

It provides direct non-dilutive grants to specific joint R&D projects rather than committing to external funds.

Where does the underlying wealth come from?

The foundation was created and funded by the U.S. and Israeli governments in 1977.

What is BIRD Foundation's known posture on co-investments alongside external GPs?

It does not invest alongside external GPs. Capital flows only through approved binational company projects.

Profile maintained by using OSINT (open-source intelligence), regulatory filings, licensed data partners, and verified direct submissions. Read the methodology. Last updated: . Continuous refresh with full update cycles at least every 30 days.

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