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

Ophir Shachaf, co-founder of the Israeli investment fund eHealth Ventures, passed away at the age of 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 played a central role in managing deal flow, investment transactions, and supporting portfolio companies through commercialization, growth, and follow-on fundraising. Zakash recalled that the fund evaluated around 2,000 companies and invested in 35, with Shachaf responsible for business development and maintaining numerous international connections. Zakash described Shachaf as a rare professional who skillfully navigated sensitive investment negotiations to avoid conflicts.

Among the fund’s portfolio are companies like 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, which uses AI to monitor and improve diabetes care in the US market; and QLOG, automating quality control processes in hospitals across Israel and expanding in Europe.

Shachaf fell ill about a year ago and left his role at the fund to focus on his health. 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 the family sitting shiva at their home.

The eHealth Ventures team paid tribute to Shachaf’s professionalism and leadership, emphasizing his crucial role in making the fund a leading investor in Israeli medical technology.