Bold Raises $40 Million: Israeli AI Takes on Iran

Bold: A Fundraising Round Amid Crisis

The Israeli cybersecurity startup Bold has raised $40 million, solidifying its presence on the global tech scene. This fundraising comes at a time when AI and the war in Iran are identified as two of the most disruptive forces for businesses in 2026. Bold's CEO, Nati Hazut, emphasizes that the company has continued to grow despite the looming threat of war in Iran, illustrating the resilience of the Israeli tech sector.

Based in Tel Aviv, Bold has developed artificial intelligence software to protect enterprise devices from cyberattacks. These devices, known as endpoints, are often targeted by hackers. Hazut claims that AI has radically changed the perception of risks associated with these endpoints.

Since the onset of the conflict, Israel has been affected by retaliatory Iranian strikes, leading some companies to seek refuge in bomb shelters. Despite these disruptions, Hazut indicates that the team has continued to operate and develop new features. "Living without this would be better, and that's what we all wish for," he added.

Innovative Technology for Enhanced Security

The AI agents developed by Bold are installed directly on enterprise devices, such as laptops. They monitor unusual activity and, upon detecting abnormal behaviors, interact with the user to suggest actions and explain the risks. This approach helps reduce latency and privacy risks, as the AI operates locally without requiring an Internet connection. Bold uses smaller AI models, meaning that devices do not need powerful AI chips to function.

Expansion and Investor Support

Hazut, who previously founded two other cybersecurity companies, co-founded Bold with Hadar Krasner and Omri Mallis. Bold counts American companies like Shutterfly and Tekion among its clients, as well as other firms from the Fortune 500. The investment was led by Red Dot Capital Partners, with participation from Bessemer Venture Partners and Picture Capital. Bold plans to use these funds to advance its go-to-market strategy and expand internationally, with a focus on the United States.

Hazut clarifies that the fundraising process had begun before the escalation of tensions with Iran. He notes that investors remain focused on the company's technological potential, despite regional conflicts. "I feel like the market is somewhat used to us, and it's kind of indifferent to the situation," Hazut stated.

User Testimonials

Jeff Simon, CISO at Shutterfly, said: "One of the biggest challenges in endpoint security is protecting users without slowing them down. As AI becomes an integral part of daily workflows, Bold helps us implement security effectively yet discreetly, allowing teams to continue moving quickly without creating new risks."

Bold is particularly focused on highly regulated industries, which represents an important strategic axis for the company.