TAU Ventures: 

Co-founded by Mr. Kianmahd and Tel Aviv University (“TAU”; general partner), TAU Ventures is the first venture capital fund established by Tel Aviv University to invest in early stage, cutting-edge technologies. TAU Ventures enjoys substantial support across the University’s entire interdisciplinary structure.

MIT-related Fund:

Originating deal flow from MIT and managed by MIT graduates, the Fund provides patient, experienced early-stage capital to support deep tech entrepreneurs globally and across all sectors.

Founding Partners

Behzad Kianmahd
Managing Member 

  • Entrepreneur, angel and seed investor since 1982

  • Diversified investment portfolio across wide-ranging sectors in Israel and the U.S.

  • Founding investor in the first fund to partner with Tel Aviv University to invest in startup companies emerging from the university

  • Founded and managed companies in the apparel industry with international reach

  • Co-founded and managed a water purification and bottling plant off the coast of Kona, Hawaii

  • Co-founded and current Chairman and CEO of Maxim Commercial Capital, LLC

  • Currently and previously served as an advisor to or board member of numerous privately-held companies in the U.S. and Israel

 

Daniel Nazarian, DMD
Managing Member 

  • Angel and seed investor since 2003

  • Diversified investment portfolio in sectors including high technology, healthcare, cyberspace and financial services, in Israel and the U.S.

  • Lead investor in the first fund to partner with Tel Aviv University to invest in startup companies emerging from the university

  • Co-founded or instrumental in founding companies including Essia Health (formerly Scribes-stat) and Maxim Commercial Capital

  • Currently and previously served as an advisor to or board member of numerous privately held companies in the U.S. and Israel

  • Current member and past Chair of The Health and Safety Commission for the City of Beverly Hills and Beverly Hills Strategic planning committee

  • Retired Periodontist: practiced for 23 years in Southern California