New Israeli fund seeks $40 million to invest in mental health and longevity
Founded by Esther Barak Landes and Adi Ostry Matalon, Alma will back technologies spanning mental health, suicide prevention, digital therapeutics, brain health and dementia. Sheba Medical Center will serve as its strategic partner.
A new venture capital fund focused on mental health, brain health and longevity is in the final stages of raising $40 million, Calcalist has learned. The fund, called Alma, is being established by Esther Barak Landes, daughter of former Supreme Court President Aharon Barak, and Adi Ostry Matalon. It is expected to be the first non-philanthropic venture capital fund in Israel dedicated to these fields.
Sheba Medical Center will serve as the fund’s strategic partner. The capital has been raised primarily from Jewish investors in the United States, making Alma a privately funded investment vehicle rather than a philanthropic initiative.
The fund was established against the backdrop of its founders’ involvement in rehabilitation and mental health initiatives following the October 7 attacks, as well as growing recognition of mental health conditions that have gone unrecognized or insufficiently addressed by the medical system. The founders believe new technologies can help develop the sector in Israel and expand access to care.
Since 2024, hundreds of Israeli startups have begun developing technologies in this field. The need extends far beyond Israel. Published research cited by the founders in presentations to investors suggests that one in four people will experience a mental or cognitive health issue at some point in their lives.
Alma plans to invest in areas including mental health, suicide prevention, addiction, youth mental health, digital therapeutics, brain health, dementia and longevity.
Matalon is an investment strategist with more than 18 years of experience in finance, strategy and venture building. She previously held senior positions at Bank Leumi and Mizrahi Tefahot Bank, served as a partner at the J-Impact fund, and is a founding member of the Innovation Center for Resilience and Health in Sderot.
Barak Landes has more than 25 years of experience in venture capital and venture building. Her investment track record includes exits involving Playtika, Payoneer, Prolor, Orthospace, BioProtect and Storewize. She serves as CEO of the IMA fund and founded and leads the Nielsen Innovate fund. She has also served as an external director on Migdal’s Investment and Credit Committee and on the boards of other publicly traded companies.
