Ophir Shachaf, eHealth Ventures Co-Founder, Dies at 59 After Cancer Battle

Ophir Shachaf, co-founder of the Israeli investment fund eHealth Ventures, passed away at age 59 after a battle with cancer. Shachaf was a key figure in establishing the fund in 2016 alongside Talor Zakash, focusing on medical technology startups. He also served as CEO of Hadassit Bio Holdings, a commercialization company founded by Hadassah Hospital, which he led to a public stock exchange listing.

Shachaf was responsible for deal flow management, investment negotiations, and closely supporting portfolio companies through commercialization, growth, and follow-on funding. Zakash recalled that together they evaluated around 2,000 companies and invested in 35, with eHealth Ventures becoming a leading investor in Israeli medical technology between 2022 and 2023. Shachaf was praised for his rare professionalism and ability to focus on critical issues during complex investment negotiations.

The fund’s portfolio includes companies such as EfA Technologies, which developed a mobile blood testing system active in Brazil and the UK; IdentifAI Genetics, offering early non-invasive fetal genetic sequencing soon to launch in the US; Dreamed, using AI for diabetes care monitoring in the US market; and QLOG, which automates hospital quality control processes and operates in Israeli and European hospitals.

Shachaf fell ill about a year ago and stepped down from his role to focus on treatment. He is survived by his wife Yael and three children, all serving in the Israel Defense Forces, including a son who fought as a reserve officer in the recent Iron Swords war. His funeral was held at the Morasha Junction cemetery in Ramat Hasharon, with shiva at the family home.