Maniv, a venture firm based in Israel, has experienced significant growth since its inception eight years ago. From expanding its investor base and startup portfolio to establishing a presence in new locations and growing the size of its funds, the firm has come a long way.
Despite recently closing a $140 million fund and opening a new office in New York City, founder Michael Granoff emphasizes that Maniv remains a seed-stage fund at its core, occasionally deviating from its own rules.
The firm’s early-stage investment strategy focuses on the intersection of mobility, transportation, and energy, a mission that has remained consistent since its founding in 2016.
With its latest fund, known as Maniv III, the firm has evolved its investment strategy. Initially focused on Israeli startups, Maniv now actively invests in companies across nine countries, demonstrating a broader geographic focus.
Maniv has also shifted its language from solely using the term “mobility” to emphasizing deep tech, decarbonization, and digitization within the transportation sector, reflecting its evolving investment priorities.
The $140 million fund represents new goals for Maniv, including a more diverse group of investors and a focus on decarbonization and digitization trends across all forms of transportation.
By attracting investors from various industries related to transportation and mobility, such as leasing, fintech, and energy, Maniv has diversified its investor base beyond traditional automakers.
Notable investors in the fund include companies like BNP Paribas Personal Finance, Shell, and Enterprise Mobility, reflecting the wide range of industries impacted by transportation changes.
Maniv’s investment strategy has also expanded to include climate tech, particularly in areas that intersect with transportation. The firm has made investments in companies like Celadyne, Neologic, Vammo, and Circular, showcasing its interest in green technologies.
