Everything You Need to Know: Steph Curry’s Investments in Israeli Military Tech
Stephen Curry is a four-time NBA champion and former NBA Social Justice Champion. But off the court, his business dealings tell a different story. Through his venture firm Penny Jar Capital, Curry has quietly invested tens of millions of dollars into Israeli tech startups. These companies were founded and staffed by Israeli military intelligence veterans.
These investments came as Israel escalated military operations in Gaza that killed tens of thousands of Palestinians. This article breaks down what Curry funded, who else is involved, and why it matters.
At a Glance: Curry’s Ties to Israeli Military Tech
- Curry has invested in two major Israeli cybersecurity startups: Zafran Security and UpWind Security
- Both firms were founded by Unit 8200 and Mamram veterans, elite Israeli intelligence divisions
- His business partner and former teammate, Omri Casspi, is central to these deals
- The companies’ staff and leadership were actively mobilized during Israel’s October 2023 assault on Gaza
- Curry has remained silent publicly, even as backlash mounts
Zafran Security: Backed by Curry, Built by Spies
Zafran is a cybersecurity firm founded by Unit 8200 and Unit 81 alumni. Its CEO, Sanaz Yashar, spent 15 years in Israeli intelligence and was active during major Gaza campaigns in 2014 and 2018. Co-founders Ben Seri and Snir Havdala also held senior cyber roles in the IDF.
Zafran raised $30 million in 2024 with Penny Jar Capital among the investors. Other funders included Sequoia Capital and Cyberstarts, both known for deep ties to Israel’s cyber military ecosystem.
UpWind Security: From Mamram to Millions
UpWind Security was founded in 2023 by veterans of Mamram, Israel’s military computing unit. Curry invested in its $50 million seed round, co-led by Omri Casspi’s fund Sheva. In late 2025, Curry joined a $250 million Series B round.
UpWind’s leadership openly supports the IDF. After the October 2023 Gaza war began, they announced that staff had been called up as IDF reservists. The company shared a photo of Curry with CEO Amiram Shachar, calling him their MVP.
The firm's backers include Bessemer Venture Partners and Greylock Partners. Both have appointed former Israeli intelligence officers to manage Israeli portfolios.
The Image Problem
Curry has long advocated for racial justice in the U.S. But his investments in companies tied to war crimes in Gaza raise stark contradictions. He has said nothing publicly about the Gaza war, even as his wife, Ayesha Curry, shared humanitarian appeals for Palestinian children.
Critics, including independent journalist Nate Bear, have called this fake progressivism. They accuse Curry of denouncing oppression at home while financing it abroad.
Omri Casspi and the NBA Israel Tech Pipeline
Casspi, the NBA’s first Israeli player, now runs Sheva, a VC firm building Israeli startups. He brought Curry into the UpWind deal and calls the movement Zionism 2.0. He also hosted Elon Musk’s 2023 visit to Israel.
Casspi has positioned himself as a bridge between Silicon Valley and Israeli military tech. He is not alone.
Other NBA Figures Tied to Israeli Tech
- Giannis Antetokounmpo invested in Antidote Health, an Israeli telehealth company, in 2022
- Other U.S. athletes have participated in funding Israeli apps, fintech, and medical startups
What sets Curry’s case apart is the direct link between his portfolio and Israeli military operations.
Why This Matters
The Israeli tech sector is built on military talent pipelines from units like 8200 and Mamram. These units design tools for surveillance, cyber warfare, and population control.
When public figures like Curry invest, they give legitimacy and capital to systems used in occupation and war.
This is not about celebrity gossip. It is about power, profit, and complicity.
Get Buycat VPN today to protect yourself online and avoid censorship and tracking. https://www.boycat.io/vpn available on all platforms.