OpImpact's Brig. Gen. (Res.) Eden Attias and Eli Friedman hosted leading investors in New York City, together with strategic partner Al Liwan Group from Abu Dhabi. The discussion explored how AI, autonomy, and dual-use technologies are reshaping modern defense and creating new investment opportunities. As defense budgets and private capital continue to rise, investors gained firsthand insights into the trends and startups defining the next generation of DefenseTech.

We are proud to announce that Eli Friedman has joined OpImpact as a Partner. Eli brings 30 years of experience across IDF Navy command, Israeli Ministry of Defense R&D leadership, and innovation roles at Elbit Systems. He offers a rare end-to-end perspective on defense technology, from operational needs to procurement and scaling. He has also advised and served on boards of multiple deep-tech ventures. At OpImpact, he will strengthen investment strategy, partnerships, and support founders building next-generation defense technologies.

OpImpact management teams’ visit to Abu Dhabi underscored the UAE’s role as a global hub for business, capital, and innovation, supported by a national strategy investing over 2.5% of GDP in technology and future industries. The visit included engagement with regional leaders and participation with Al Liwan Group in celebrating its expanding global wealth management footprint. In the Gulf, impact is built on patience, presence, and relationships, aligning with OpImpact’s long-term, cross-border collaboration mission.

Our General Partner, BG (Res.) Eden Attias, had the privilege of addressing senior business and investment leaders at the Canada Israel Chamber of Commerce in Toronto this week. His remarks focused on the increasing convergence of defense innovation and commercially driven technologies, and how strategic cross-border collaboration can accelerate scalable impact.