$32 billion cash acquisition of Wiz sends shockwaves through Tech and philanthropy with focus on social impact ventures, education, security awareness, and youth empowerment
In a historic moment for Israel’s tech ecosystem, Google announced the acquisition of cybersecurity firm Wiz for a staggering $32 billion in cash, making it the most significant venture capital-backed acquisition in history.
The ripple effects of the deal are being felt across the global tech industry—from Silicon Valley’s Big Tech chessboard to Tel Aviv’s vibrant startup scene—and may soon be echoed in the world of philanthropy as well.
Founded in 2020 during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic by Assaf Rappaport, Yinon Costica, Ami Luttwak, and Roy Reznik,- all graduates of the legendary Unit 8200 of the IDF, Wiz quickly became one of the most sought-after players in cloud security.
Despite its relatively short lifespan, the company scaled rapidly, attracting major clients and billions in investment, while maintaining its Israeli identity—even though its intellectual property is registered abroad.
The acquisition marks a record-breaking moment for Israeli entrepreneurship. It more than doubles the size of Intel’s $15 billion acquisition of Mobileye in 2017, and is nearly 30 times Google’s own $1.1 billion purchase of Waze in 2013. For perspective, it also surpasses Facebook’s $19 billion buyout of WhatsApp in 2014, making it the largest-ever exit for a venture-backed company globally.
At the heart of the deal is Assaf Rappaport, now the first Israeli entrepreneur to share a post-acquisition investor call stage with Google CEO Sundar Pichai. For Rappaport and his co-founders—each holding just under 10% of Wiz—the windfall is expected to top $3 billion per person before taxes.
Wiz’s 1,800 employees will also share in the success, receiving $1.5 billion in retention bonuses, in addition to their equity, which will convert to Google stock. About half of the workforce is based in Israel, with many employees now overnight millionaires.
The influx of capital into the local economy is already sparking speculation about short-term spending booms in luxury goods—but the long-term effects could be even more transformative.
Beyond the business headlines, the Wiz deal could usher in a new wave of philanthropic giving among Israel’s tech elite.
As seen in other mega-exits—such as WhatsApp co-founder Jan Koum’s $557 million donation to charitable causes or the Giving Pledge initiatives led by Bill Gates and Warren Buffett—sudden wealth often leads to a surge in private philanthropy.
Israeli tech founders, including Rappaport and Luttwak, have previously expressed serious interest in social impact ventures, particularly education, security awareness, and youth empowerment.
With newfound financial freedom, insiders expect some Wiz alumni to channel their gains into philanthropic foundations, social startups, or nonprofit initiatives focused on issues such as:
Cybersecurity education and workforce development in underserved communities
Bridging the digital divide across socio-economic and geographic lines
Supporting Israeli civil society amidst political uncertainty
Investing in STEM programs for youth, especially those from minority or peripheral backgrounds
As one investor close to the deal commented, “This kind of liquidity event isn’t just about mansions and Maseratis. It seeds the next generation—not just of startups, but of change-makers.”
Industry watchers also note that many Wiz employees—now financially independent—will likely leave their roles in the coming years to launch new startups, mentor young entrepreneurs, or join impact-driven ventures.
This pattern of post-exit innovation has long been part of Israel’s tech DNA and has helped fuel the nation’s status as a “Startup Nation.”
As Israel navigates complex economic and political terrain, the Wiz deal may serve as a reminder of its global tech leadership and a powerful trigger for social innovation.
Whether through venture creation or values-driven giving, the Wiz founders and employees now have the capital—and platform—to shape the future of cybersecurity and the broader social fabric of their country.