Former 8200 chief Yossi Sariel launches AI startup with government ambitions

Brig. Gen. (res.) Yossi Sariel, who headed Unit 8200 during the October 7 massacre, has founded a new company, Alma Labs, according to Globes. The firm was incorporated on February 3, 2026, as Sariel was transitioning to civilian life after leaving the military more than a year earlier, following roughly three decades in uniform. The company has so far operated quietly, but people familiar with the matter say it is already in contact with government bodies and could one day become an exclusive supplier to the state in its field.

Company records show Alma Labs is controlled by Sariel and his partner, Ori David Alter, who each hold 48.2% of the shares and serve as directors. The remaining shares are held by smaller shareholders. The company’s website says it develops AI learning platforms focused on middle schools, giving students tools to create and solve problems, and offering teachers and schools pedagogical support and training. Alma Labs says it is building an “AI-era learning experience” and is seeking new partners for the 2026 to 2027 school year.

The new venture is notable because Globes reported in February that Sariel had joined Decart AI as a board member, his first business role after leaving the IDF. A timeline check shows Alma Labs was incorporated before that appointment was disclosed publicly, and his move to Decart likely began earlier this year. Sariel ended his term as 8200 commander in March 2025 and was later released from reserve duty by Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir as part of accountability for the October 7 failures.

Alma Labs is also connected to other defense-tech figures. Alter previously co-founded Cyabra, sold to Palo Alto Networks in 2014 for about $200 million, and later co-founded Vdoo. Another shareholder, Michal Dovdevani Mesika, is a senior executive at Decart and holds about 250,000 shares, or 2.5% of the company. Globes said Alma Labs is speaking with public-sector contacts, but no official tenders or contracts have been published, so the scope and likelihood of any deal remain unclear. Sariel is expected to keep his Decart role while serving as Alma Labs’ CEO.