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Ben-Gurion's Cactus Capital Fund Supports 35 Startups During War

6/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Cactus Capital fund at Ben-Gurion University stayed open during the 2023-24 war, adjusting timelines while applications remained steady.
Chaired by Professor Carmel Sofer, the fund has backed 35 startups, given follow-on investment to 14, and receives about 200 student applications annually for a year-long internship.
Alumni such as Adi Azulay-Eliram and Uli Konstantino say the fund gave senior-investor access and an impact-investing track for women’s health and education.

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Story summary

The Cactus Capital fund at Ben-Gurion University stayed open during the 2023-24 war, adjusting timelines while applications remained steady.
Chaired by Professor Carmel Sofer, the fund has backed 35 startups, given follow-on investment to 14, and receives about 200 student applications annually for a year-long internship.
Alumni such as Adi Azulay-Eliram and Uli Konstantino say the fund gave senior-investor access and an impact-investing track for women’s health and education.