Gili Raanan, Founder of Cyberstarts and Chairman of Wiz, on Why He Asks Founders About Their Moms, Being Ghosted by Assaf Rappaport, and the Dark Decade Coming for Cybersecurity

Venture capitalist Gili Raanan prioritizes the character and personal history of founders over traditional business metrics, seeking individuals who have overcome significant childhood adversity. This investment philosophy treats a founder’s emotional depth and resilience as the primary indicators of long-term success. While cybersecurity remains a vital, high-growth industry, the emergence of AI introduces catastrophic risks that demand self-policing systems and urgent government adoption of new technological infrastructure. Raanan’s approach, exemplified by the historic success of Wiz, focuses on identifying unique "superpowers" in entrepreneurs and fostering non-linear personal growth. Despite the potential for AI-driven chaos, the necessity of securing digital infrastructure drives innovation toward a future of bulletproof software. Ultimately, the ability to navigate these complex, high-stakes environments defines the most successful partnerships in the venture capital landscape.