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

Ophir Shachaf, managing partner at eHealth Ventures and former CEO of Hadassit Bio Holdings, died over the weekend due to cancer at the age of 59. His funeral took place on Sunday at the Morasha Junction cemetery in Ramat Hasharon, with the shiva being held at his family home. Shachaf was widely respected for his leadership and pioneering role in Israeli biotech and venture capital.

Talor Zakash, who co-founded and managed eHealth Ventures alongside Shachaf before recently departing, shared with Globes that they worked together for a decade. Zakash highlighted Shachaf’s instrumental role in leading Hadassit Bio Holdings to a groundbreaking stock exchange listing and his visionary approach in building eHealth Ventures from the ground up. The fund successfully recruited major partners such as Maccabi, Madison, and Amgen and helped establish over 20 companies.

Zakash described Shachaf as exceptionally talented, intelligent, and possessing impeccable English skills. He emphasized Shachaf’s ability to balance professional rigor with personal warmth, managing complex negotiations and maintaining positive relationships with entrepreneurs even when rejecting proposals. Shachaf also initiated weekly team meetings featuring personalized cocktails and organized group cycling events with portfolio companies.

Shachaf was married to Yael and father to three children: Amit, Roy, and Noa. He held a law degree from Tel Aviv University and an MBA in finance and entrepreneurship from New York University. Prior to his roles at Hadassit and eHealth Ventures, he held senior positions at Primavera Investment Fund, Clal Bio Holdings, and the biotech firm Protalix. He also volunteered as a mentor and running coach for youth in hostels for over ten years.

Zakash called Shachaf’s passing a significant loss both personally and for the industry. Yael Shachaf recalled that Ophir told her in the hospital that although his life was not long enough, it was very rich and diverse. His legacy includes his contributions to Israeli biotech innovation and his dedication to nurturing startups and young talent.