Apply to be considered for investment and strategic partnership with HiCenter Ventures
HiCenter Ventures invests in early-stage technology companies, providing capital and strategic support to accelerate startup growth.
We focus on high-potential early-stage companies developing differentiated technologies, while anchoring innovation in Haifa and Northern Israel.
HiCenter works closely with its portfolio companies to build meaningful, long-term value.
We offer a tailored strategic support platform that includes business, marketing, and operational assistance, alongside hands-on management guidance.
Our portfolio companies gain direct access to senior advisors and industry leaders, enabling clarity, focus, and disciplined, data-driven decision-making.
In 2026, we are strengthening our focus on DeepTech and BlueTech, while expanding into DefenseTech, supporting companies developing mission-critical technologies for security and advanced industrial applications.
Selected companies will be eligible for an investment of up to NIS 300,000 under a phantom equity model (FAQ), as well as additional grants of up to approximately NIS 100,000, subject to the decision of the Investment Committee.
What we look for?
Advantages
- An investment of up to 300,000 NIS (subject to the decision of the Investment Committee)
- Additional grants of up to 100,000 NIS
- Connect to a diverse ecosystem with collaboration opportunities
- Proximity to entertainment centers, restaurants, and cafes
- Only 4 minutes’ walk from local train station!
- Optional access to subsidized office rent in downtown Haifa for the program's duration
- Connections to investors, partners, and clients in Israel & abroad
- Support in business development, finance & marketing
HiCenter Ventures is the engine that connects the program's companies with the city's main institutions and partners to create partnerships and building a thriving innovation district ecosystem.
The companies commit to establishing their main operations in Haifa for a period of five years from the date of joining the program.
Specializes in innovation leading clusters:
FAQ - About Phantom Units
What are Phantom Units
Phantom units are a type of financial instrument that allows someone—typically an employee, advisor, or investor—to benefit from the future value of your startup without receiving actual equity.
They work like a bonus tied to company valuation: the holder gets a cash payout based on the value of the company at a future liquidation event (like an acquisition or IPO), but they don’t own shares, have voting rights, or appear on your cap table.
What’s the difference between phantom units and traditional equity
Phantom units are contractual rights that mimic the value of equity but don’t confer ownership. Investors receive a payout based on company valuation at a future event (like an acquisition), but they don’t get voting rights or shares. This can simplify governance and protect founder control
How do the phantom units granted to HiCenter Ventures work ?
HiCenter Ventures provides finance to the Company based on the same terms as a SAFE, but instead of receiving equity upon conversion (at a trigger event), it received the economic rights of such shares (had it been converted to equity) and such economic rights will be paid upon an exit event
What should I watch out for when offering phantom units to investors
Make sure the terms are clearly defined: payout triggers, valuation methodology, caps or multipliers, and legal enforceability. Also, consider the cash flow impact at exit, since phantom units require cash payouts. Work with legal and financial advisors to structure it properly