Next Gear Ventures

Next Gear Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Tel Aviv, Israel, dedicated to investing in the smart, sustainable mobility ecosystem. The firm focuses on groundbreaking innovations that address significant sustainability and mobility challenges, including advancements in AI, digitization, clean electric propulsion, and efficient manufacturing processes. Their investment thesis centers on supporting ventures that contribute to smarter, more sustainable, and safer urban and transportation futures.

Founded in 2018, Next Gear Ventures was established by a team of seasoned entrepreneurs and investors, including Managing Partners Tal Cohen, Ph.D., and Omer Shachar. Dr. Cohen brings over two decades of experience in venture creation, while Omer Shachar contributes extensive financial, automotive, and early-stage investment expertise. The firm's approach emphasizes a collaborative ecosystem, notably through its partnership with Drive TLV, an innovation hub for smart mobility, which provides portfolio companies with resources and strategic connections beyond just funding.

The firm's portfolio showcases a diverse range of companies at the forefront of mobility and sustainability. Notable investments include Uveye, which has partnered with Hertz for advanced AI-driven vehicle inspection systems; SaiFlow, collaborating with Audi AG to enhance cybersecurity for EV charging hubs; and Foretellix, recognized for its Foretify Physical AI toolchain in autonomous vehicle innovation. Other key portfolio companies include NoTraffic, developing smart intersection solutions, as well as Arbe, a 4D imaging radar technology provider, and Hailo, a unicorn in the AI chip sector. The firm also supports companies like Addionics, focused on smart 3D current collectors for batteries, and Actasys, providing cooling solutions for data centers.

The Next Gear Ventures team comprises a wealth of industry experience and a global network. Key partners like Tali Rosenwaks, a seasoned tech executive, and Yoav Waizer, an expert in legal and financial due diligence, contribute to the firm's robust operational capabilities. Michel Taride, former Group President of Hertz International, and several venture partners with backgrounds from Volvo Cars, Transdev North America, and global automotive investing, further strengthen the firm's strategic advisory and industry insights, ensuring comprehensive support for their portfolio companies.