Media Coverage

In this opinion article, Dawn Zoldi, renowned drone industry thought leader, makes a rousing call to action to urgently confront the rising rogue drone threat. She emphasizes that rapid adoption of safe and viable C-UAS technologies is essential, and EnforceAir is the only system named as a relevant solution:

“Precision and cyber-based solutions, such as D-Fend Solutions’ EnforceAir, which can safely take over rogue drones and land them in a predefined zone with pinpoint accuracy, can safely work in these situations, and have been proven with hundreds of deployments globally.”

‘Fuerte Mendizábal’ has started testing this week the new fixed anti-drone detection and mitigation system (EnforceAir), making Ceuta prison the second penitentiary center in Spain to install a system with these features, since this same system was installed in the Penitentiary Center of Málaga I in Alhaurín de la Torre at the end of December 2022. This innovative system will prevent the use of drones from the outside from bringing in drugs, money, cell phones, alcohol and medicine.

This article reviews recent drone incidents at critical infrastructure sites, explores the heightened risks in such scenarios, and discusses recent legislative proposals to address the threat with more widespread detection and mitigation authority as well as technology innovation and adoption.

D-Fend’s EnforceAir will integrate with Securiton’s SecuriDrone Fortress perimeter management system to create a comprehensive solution for drone detection and defense. This RF-based protection method can reliably detect and defend against drones from either stationary or mobile positions. The multi-layered solution employs several EnforceAir capabilities, including drone detection and tracking, controlled takeover, and early detection of potential drone threats without false alarms.

Constructive collaboration between
Securiton and D-Fend –

D-Fend Solutions and Securiton Germany have announced their collaboration to deliver drone detection and defense solutions in Germany. The collaboration will leverage Securiton’s expertise in security systems and D-Fend Solutions’ advanced RF cyber-takeover technology. The innovative solutions resulting from this partnership will provide comprehensive coverage from ground to air to mitigate drone threats in German airspace.

Securiton Germany and D-Fend Solutions signed a partner agreement in 2022: D-Fend will be used as a technology supplier for Securiton’s award-winning drone security CUAS solutions.

Securiton takes over direct sales and marketing for Germany as well as conception, planning, technology and support of the drone security systems. D-Fend focuses on research, development and innovation of the state-of-the-art market-leading drone takeover product EnforceAir.

Partnership improves UAE ability to counter threats in sensitive airspace.

D-Fend Solutions and Resource Industries announced their partnership to provide United Arab Emirates’ security agencies with current C-UAS technology. The partnership will address the need for tiered methods of safe drone mitigation in the UAE. It will also provide versatile options to security services to protect surrounding sensitive environments from rogue drones.

D-Fend Solutions and Resource Industries have announced a collaboration to provide advanced C-UAS technology to security agencies in the UAE.
The partnership aims to meet the urgent need for safe drone mitigation methods in the UAE and provide security services with versatile options for protecting sensitive environments from rogue drones while minimizing operational disruption and collateral damage. Both organizations will work closely together to analyze end-user needs and deliver C-UAS solutions for various sectors and scenarios.

Securiton and D-Fend Solutions signed a partner agreement to form an alliance for Next-Gen drone detection and countermeasures.
Excellent Securiton products thanks to high-tech from D-Fend – Through this partnership, innovative solutions will provide comprehensive ground-to-air coverage to mitigate drone threats in German airspace.

D-Fend Solutions’ flagship product, EnforceAir, was recognized as the 2023 Intersec Homeland Security/Service of the Year Award at the Intersec Expo on January 18, in Dubai, UAE. The company is a leader in radio frequency cyber-based counter-drone takeover technology and a Double ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award Winner in the AST 2022 Homeland Security Awards Program.

EnforceAir from D-Fend Solutions was selected as the recipient of the 2023 Intersec Homeland Security Product/Service of the Year Award.

EnforceAir Checked The Boxes for Jurors –
EnforceAir was selected by a rigorous panel of jurors, joining four other finalists within the Homeland Security and Defense Sector.

D-Fend’s CMO commented that “We are immensely honored that EnforceAir’s innovative technology has been objectively recognized on the global stage by such a highly qualified, prestigious and independent jury of expert security leaders at the 2023 Intersec Awards. The criteria, competitiveness, and rigorous selection process, combined with the specific mention of our capture, control, and safety attributes, represents tremendous validation for our performance in the growing and demanding counter-drone space.”

In an interview with DroneLife.com’s Miriam McNabb, D-Fend Solutions presents its point of view on 2022 Drone Incidents & Developments, and the outlook for the counter-drone industry in 2023. The conversation reflected the incredibly dynamic and complex world of drone proliferation, the relentless rise of associated risks, and the constant technological advances needed to counter and confront the constantly changing threats!

The winners of the Intersec Awards 2023 were announced last night in a gala dinner event at the Ritz Carlton, DIFC. The Awards, which recognize the people, products and companies for exceptional performance in the fire, safety and security industries across ten categories attracted almost 1300 entries.

Homeland Security product of the year went to D-Fend Solutions for its EnforceAir counter-drone technology.

D-Fend Reveals Drone Incident Tracker
On the Tech Stage, drones were in focus as D-Fend Solutions, the leading global provider of cyber-takeover, counter-drone solutions for sensitive and challenging environments, outlined the multiple security risks now in play as a result of the growing use of drones.

By focusing on the most dangerous drones, its technology enables organizations to maintain full control, safety, and continuity during incidents, while also preparing for future threats.

This article in Japan’s The Bridge features D-Fend Solutions’ anti-drone technology, which identifies rogue drones in the airspace and neutralizes their threat by taking full control and landing the drones safely.

During the last year alone, the Civil Guard impeded more than 150 drones, most of which were destined for inmates of the prison in Ceuta. Now the trend has collapsed under exerted pressure.

The Mendizábal prison, the target of many of these attempts, will shortly implement the EnforceAir stationary mitigation system, which has already been successfully tested. One of the precise capabilities of this system is its ability to distinguish between authorized friendly drones and unauthorized hostile ones.

The Penitentiary Institutions assert that several systems are being tested in various prisons to determine which one will be installed. In the case of Alhaurín de la Torre, ‘EnforceAir’ has been chosen. It is D-Fend Solutions’ flagship product against unmanned aerial systems.

Incidents with these drones in prisons have multiplied in the past year. The department is finalizing a plan to neutralize them.

EnforceAir is being tested in different prisons. The department has tested this in the penitentiary center of Málaga I, in Alhaurín de la Torre and, given its success, will expand the use of this system to the prisons of Ceuta, Melilla and Cádiz.

In the case of the Malaga prison, the system has been placed on the roof of the main building, as can be seen in the photo.

In a fascinating article by Nicholas Pacheco, he highlights the DoD Joint C-UAS Office’s recommendation of D-Fend Solutions’ EnforceAir in the section on “The Current State of Play.”

P3 Tech Consulting’s Dawn Zoldi lists the Top 5 drone industry developments of 2022, including how  Counter-Drone Tech & Authorities Got Serious Attention. The point is made with a photo and caption mentioning how D-Fend Solutions’ EnforceAir C-UAS Ground-Level Tactical Kit provided coverage and fended off a rogue drone during an open-air Holy Mass.

Demonstrating continued growth and momentum in the U.S. market, D-Fend Solutions received $3 million in contracts in the third quarter of 2022 for its EnforceAir C-UAS system from multiple U.S. federal agencies across a range of sectors including U.S. defense, homeland security, and law enforcement.

In a tremendous tribute to D-Fend Solutions, award-winning author Mark Bowden describes the company’s counter-drone technology as “One of the most intriguing drone-swarm countermeasures” which “has been able to hack the guidance software of a small-drone swarm and redirect it harmlessly off course.”

D-Fend Solutions’ Mark Rutherford describes the threat, outlines the issues with legacy C-UAS countermeasures such as jamming, and presents an interesting path forward with cyber Counter-drone technology.

D-Fend and its C-UAS solution are featured in this insightful article by renowned drone expert Dawn Zoldi. Dawn talks to D-Fend about drone incidents across sectors, defines the EnforceAir counter-drone system, and then gives a compelling use case account of how the system was used to protect a papal visit and mass event, and fend off a rogue drone, complete with a great photo.

EnforceAir, D-Fend Solutions’ flagship product which features the world’s premier counter-drone, cyber, radio frequency (RF)-based takeover technology, received a recommendation by the US Department of Defense’s (DoD) Joint Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office (JCO).  It was the only named RF cyber takeover technology, recommended as a subcomponent integrated within SAIC’s Valkyrie C2 system.

A formal evaluation event held by the DoD Joint C-sUAS Office recognized D-Fend Solutions’ EnforceAir for its RF detection and mitigation, impressive effectors, and ability to force-land specific drones. EnforceAir provides a layered defense, integrated into the most advanced C-UAS systems for the nation’s defense.

D-Fend Solutions’ EnforceAir has been recommended by the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) Joint Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office (JCO) as a subcomponent integrated within SAIC’s Valkyrie C2 system. Following a rigorous evaluation and demonstration, EnforceAir was the only named RF cyber takeover technology.

Security teams are waiting for renewed U.S. legislation to enable them to safeguard stadiums from drone threats during major sporting events. The article highlights D-Fend Solutions as a counter-drone technology provider for sports events and points to its incident tracker’s coverage of drone incidents at stadiums and arenas. D-Fend Solutions comments on the proposed extension of detection authority to give broader detection capabilities to local security personnel.

As drone use by hostile militaries and non-state actors increases, defense officials search for the best tools to use against them to protect overseas and domestic bases and forward operating units. The US Army Joint Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems office issued a short list of recommended options based on demonstrations at the Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona. In the JCO demonstration, SAIC’s system used the EnforceAir system from D-Fend Solutions to force-land specific drones, as reported by Inside Unmanned Systems.

D-Fend Solutions’ EnforceAir counter-drone solution, within SAIC’s system, was recognized by the US Army Joint C-sUAS Office for its unique capabilities: RF-detection, “demonstrated impressive effectors” and special ability to “force-land” specific drones, as reported by Defense News.

The airspace above and adjacent to airports has become vulnerable and increasingly punctured by unmanned aircraft systems that endanger aircraft and passengers. However, a new, proven and highly promising C-UAS technology category, cyber-takeover, involves taking control over the rogue drone without interfering with other drones and communication signals.

Following two football game drone incidents, DroneLife.com’s Miriam McNabb contacted D-Fend Solutions to discuss counter-drone protection of stadiums for sporting events, and the clear advantages of next generation RF cyber takeover C-UAS for this sector use case.

BBI International’s UAS Magazine featured this piece from D-Fend Solutions on our analysis of the recent White House C-UAS National Action Plan and associated legislation. The article covers the core components of Devolution, Technology, Infrastructure, and Incident Tracking.

In part two of his interview for goTenna’s The Last Mile, Matthew Semovoski discusses how the partnership between D-Fend Solutions and Syzygy and goTenna will help law enforcement and military organizations detect malicious drones, enable off-grid communications, and take control of rogue drones to prevent illegal activity.

D-Fend Solutions’ Matthew Semovoski was interviewed by Ryan Schradin for goTenna’s The Last Mile about D-Fend, UAS threats to military and law enforcement, C-UAS challenges, and EnforceAir’s unique advantages.

D-Fend Solutions and Liteye Systems, Inc. announced a system integration between EnforceAir and SHIELD for a Multi-Domain Defense System called SHIELD-Cyber. This collaboration will enable the Liteye SHIELD system to use the radio frequency cyber detection and defeat capabilities of EnforceAir, to improve detection and broaden the operator response to all UAS threats.

A new partnership between D-Fend Solutions and Liteye Systems aims to improve rouge drone detection and expand operator response to threats. The combination of EnforceAir and SHIELD has resulted in a new counter-drone solution called SHIELD-Cyber, which will enable multiple detection options and in-depth defense mechanisms, tailored to specific scenarios.

With the integration of EnforceAir and SHIELD, ‘ASTORS’ Awards Winning Champions D-Fend Solutions and Liteye Systems will offer an enhanced multilayered systems solution to address today’s complex drone threats from both RF control and RF silent waypoint navigation.
The combined capability of SHIELD-Cyber will provide an in-depth defense mechanism with a coordinated response according to scenario and security considerations distinct to each area of concern or protected asset.

D-Fend Solutions and Syzygy Integration are collaborating on RF cyber-security and situational awareness sensor engineering to enhance C-UAS. The companies have integrated D-Fend’s EnforceAir C-UAS with Syzygy’s Sensor Network Access Point (SNAP).

D-Fend Solutions, and Syzygy Integration, have integrated D-Fend’s EnforceAir C-UAS with Syzygy’s SNAP (Sensor Network Access Point). Geospatial World spoke with D-Fend for insights on this integration and related matters, including how the integration helps protect against rogue drones, associated challenges, role of geospatial technologies, beneficiaries and sectors, and plans for future integrations.

Feature article on D-Fend Solutions that covers the threat, actual case studies such as a papal mass and a G7 summit where “the system proved its mettle”, the company’s drone-positive worldview, shortcomings of traditional C-UAS technologies, how the system manages the drone incident detection and mitigation lifecycle, and deployment configurations, and the wonderful conclusion: “For D-Fend, it’s about keeping the good guys in the skies.”

D-Fend Solutions shares its views in an extensive article by Chris Teale of Morning Consult about drone delivery consumer trust and safety concerns, detailing the shortcomings of legacy C-UAS technologies and the importance of maintaining continuity.

Drone incidents are explored and D-Fend’s Drone Attack & Incident Tracker is described in fascinating coverage by DroneLife.com’s Magill Jim about the increasing number of drone incidents at airports, in military conflict zones, and around critical infrastructure, and the response by governments, and the response by governments.

D-Fend Solutions’ RF cyber-based counter-drone technology is featured in this Cybernews interview, showing the company’s increasing recognition in both the cyber and aerospace & defense worlds as a leader in a new generation C-UAS technology category. The interview covers the company vision and technology, the ever-changing threat across industries, and recent global drone incidents and attacks.

A Drone Safety Day Special Edition, this article lauds D-Fend Solutions’ commitment to protecting those who fly right by providing counter-drone technology that enables legitimate drone operations.

BNP Media’s Security Magazine recently published this piece from D-Fend Solutions on the increase in rogue drone incidents, including recent examples, underlying causes, research findings, and sector-specific notes.

Modern-day military conflicts increasingly rely on drone warfare, with DIY drones being used for asymmetrical warfare, and conventional militaries using drones to see over ridgelines, and adjust targeting and mortar fire. Controlling rogue drones and reaping the intelligence that comes with them is crucial.

In this article, Jeffrey Starr, D-Fend Solutions’ CMO explains the shortcomings of traditional C-UAS in the asymmetrical battlefield and the benefits of next-generation radio frequency-based, cyber-takeover counter-drone solutions that resolve these challenges.

D-Fend Solutions’ CEO Zohar Halachmi discusses drone technology, risks, and scenarios and tells the fascinating story behind the company. Note especially his compelling take on the company’s “Make It Happen” and “Achieve the Impossible” culture.

In this article, Michael Bruno, Sr. Business Editor at Aviation Week Network – the No.1 source for aerospace and defense intelligence – interviewed D-Fend Solutions’ CEO Zohar Halachmi, to understand the company’s history, plans, differentiators, C-UAS technology, and viewpoints on the market and the rogue drone threat.

Like the airspace it protects, counter-drone solutions are a big-sky opportunity for security integrators to expand the scope of security services they offer further into the perimeter.

In this article, SDM Magazine interviews Jeffrey Starr, D-Fend Solutions CMO, who discusses the growth drivers, market opportunities, complementary synergies for related services, and the suitability of the systems for multiple specific sectors and industries across various sensitive environments.

Jeffrey Starr, D-Fend Solutions’ CMO, explains the expanding role of cybertechnology in the drone arena and the benefits that cyber-based technology offers for comprehensive, sophisticated counter-drone defense programs for end-to-end rogue drone incident detection and mitigation. 

D-Fend Solutions was mentioned in an insightful article by Katrina Manson on how “small, cheap drones are one of the most significant threats to American forces.”

D-Fend Solutions’ C-UAS technology prevented a potential drone attack on an open-air mass in Slovakia that was officiated by Pope Francis and attended by 60,000 people.

D-Fend Solutions’ counter-drone technology protected Pope Francis and 60,000 people from a rogue drone at an outdoor Mass in Sastin, Slovakia.

Newscast in Slovakian of how D-Fend Solutions’ EnforceAir anti-drone system successfully identified and fended off a rogue drone at Pope Francis’ mass in Šaštín.

D-Fend Solutions utilized its EnforceAir anti-drone system to identify and fend off a rogue drone that threatened a mass that Pope Francis was leading with 60,000 worshippers.

D-Fend Solutions’ counter-drone technology safeguarded Pope Francis and 60,000 worshippers in Slovakia by fending off a rogue drone.

Counter-UAS technology was again on display at Xponential in 2021, although one company stood out from the rest: D-Fend Solutions…focus on continuity is what sets D-Fend Solutions apart…(it) offers the pinpoint accuracy of a sniper rifle— eliminating recognized threats while allowing other drones to continue their missions unaffected.

Coalition forces are countering adversary unmanned aerial systems with a rapidly evolving set of tools and training. Task Force Phoenix—a combat aviation brigade responsible for full-spectrum aviation operations – has a dedicated Cyberspace Electromagnetic Activities (CEMA) cell that is assisting in the counter-UAS (C-UAS) fight. The CEMA team gave participants hands-on training with the EnforceAir ground-based C-UAS system.

An interview with Assaf Monsa the CTO of D-Fend Solutions interviewed by John Nelson, vice president of UAS Magazine about counter-drone security and defense.

The demo successfully proved the compatibility of Croatia Control’s AMC Portal system, through which drone flights are approved and managed in the Republic of Croatia, with D-Fend’s EnforceAir system for detection, identification and protection against unauthorized drone flights

In an interview at the International Security Expo in London, Martin Broomhead, D-Fend Solutions’ UK General Manager, discusses the wide-ranging nature of drone threats, the limitations of traditional C-sUAS solutions and the benefits of cyber-takeover technology.

This article by CMO Jeffrey Starr covers different dimensions of the airport drone threat, explains the drawback of legacy C-UAS technologies at airports, and makes the case for a fresh approach for antidrone methods at airports.

D-Fend Solutions has deployed its non-jamming EnforceAir solution at airports globally. The system’s classification capability, designed to distinguish between authorized and rogue drones, empowers users to mitigate rogue drones.

Croatia Control and D-Fend Solutions agreed on the integration of the AMC Portal and EnforceAir systems to create a unique solution for ANSPs to provide UTM services in the immediate vicinity of airports, with demonstrated  compatibility of the two systems. The AMC Portal system has integrated services and functions for approving and managing drone flights, in  integration with the EnforceAir system, enabling the reception of real-time drone flight images.

EnforceAir’s advanced capabilities and use cases, including a photo and description about event and stadium protection, are called out in this SDM article. There is also an interview with CMO Jeffrey Starr. Be sure to open the section “Words of Wisdom: Airspace (Counter-Drone) Security.”

Jeffrey Starr, D-Fend Solutions’ Chief Marketing Officer, explains the different ways that drones threaten aircraft, how to determine which drones are actually dangerous and the advantages of cyber-takeover technology.

Whether a drone is piloted by a malicious operator or a careless hobbyist, airport safety and security staff are facing a formidable challenge that we can call “low altitude, high risk.”

RF cyber takeover is optimal to protect international borders from hostile drone incursions, regardless of the terrain. Systems can combine multiple sensors to protect borders via detection, prevention and apprehension of rogue drones and their pilots at (or near) the border by conducting surveillance from a safe position.

“D-Fend’s technology was able to hack multiple drones at the same time…the holy grail of anti-drone technology.”

With airborne security more important than ever, security personnel must be able to differentiate between drones that are a nuisance, and those that are a genuine threat. Here is advice on what to look for when assessing drones that may cause a genuine security or safety risk.

The growth and widened adoption of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) will continue as drones become more widely adopted in downstream applications. Here are six predictions for the counter-drone space race in 2021

i24NEWS feature including CEO Interview with Zohar Halachmi and Demo, with vehicular action, and special focus on avoiding collateral damage.

“ ’Exponentially’ is probably a good term to use,” Terry DiVittorio says of the growth in demand for counter-drone tech services like D-Fend, where he serves as general manager of operations for North America…The majority of people who are encountered like this are “just careless or clueless,” DiVittorio says. While security has to approach these people carefully, so they don’t panic or do something like crash the drone into the playing field, there generally is not a problem with getting them to listen. But there’s another class of offenders—those who do it on purpose.

Tempting as it may be to blast drones out of the sky, a less aggressive approach may yield better data about attackers – and keep bystanders safe.

Jamming drones, or even blasting them out of the sky, might work fine over the strait of Hormuz or the desert sands of Syria, but it’s a tricker proposition in the cities where the military expects to fight. Just finding them is a big problem. Small drones are often too small for radar, too cool for thermal sensors, and too soft for sound detectors. One promising approach combines detection and defense: hijacking radio control signals.

D-Fend Solutions is becoming a counter-drone leader by employing cyber technology to take over rogue drones. D-Fend Solutions’ takeover technology aims to take over the counter-drone industry, and the early traction and validation are certainly very impressive.

Whether small regional airports or big primary hubs, the rise in hazards associated with UAVs is
something all air transport hubs need to address.

D-Fend Solutions explains the six possible steps of a rogue drone incident – detection and mitigation.

D-Fend Solutions North America is now fully staffed and equipped to perform full business lifecycle services, including sales, system demonstrations, service delivery, support, and ongoing service and maintenance.

DiVittorio will lead a team, which includes personnel in Canada, to expand the company’s presence in North America and deliver services to customers in the region.

D-Fend Solutions’ tapped industry expert and former U.S. military veteran Terry DiVittorio as General Manager to lead the North American business.

Counter-drone company D-Fend Solutions has opened its first North American office in McLean, Virginia, to expand its operations and meet the increasing demand for counter-drone products and solutions.

D-Fend announced the expansion of its North American headquarters in McLean, Virginia. This announcement follows D-Fend Solutions’ strategic focus on North America…

Zohar shares his vision for the future of the counter-drone space and offers “five things I wish someone told me before I started.”

D-Fend Solutions was profiled as part of an article about Israeli-based companies that are innovating in the counter-drone space.

On a September sunny day, as part of the iHLS AUS&R Broadcast Edition demo day, D-Fend Solutions showcased the advantages of its EnforceAir counter-drone solution in a field demonstration.

Huerta brings more than 20 years of experience in the aviation safety and security industry to contribute to the organization’s growth and market presence in the domestic counter small, unmanned aircraft security services space.

Former FAA head Michael Huerta has joined the advisory board of counter-drone company D-Fend Solutions to help rapidly grow the company. Huerta will bring his expertise in airspace management and airport safety to the counter-drone company.

D-Fend Solutions has attracted none other than former FAA Boss Michael Huerta to join its Advisory Board. The former head of the FAA will bring his aviation safety and security industry expertise to assist the company.

Huerta was the FAA Administrator from December 2011 to January 2018, where he was responsible for overseeing the safety and productivity of the world’s largest aerospace administration and a budget of $ 16 billion and more than $ 47,000 under management employees.

The previous head of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will deliver his aviation security and safety business experience to help in D-Fend’s fast progress, contributing to the corporate’s market management.

“I’m thrilled to join the D-Fend Solutions team and collaborate on solutions for a more safe and secure airspace,” said Huerta.

Michael Huerta, also currently on the board for Delta Air Lines, will bring years of industry experience in aviation safety and security to the role.

In response to drone incursions at outdoor facilities such as the September landing of an unmanned aircraft at Wrigley Field during a Chicago Cubs-Cleveland Indians game, D-Fend Solutions is touting its ability to mitigate such situations.

The former head of the FAA will bring his aviation safety and security industry expertise to assist in D-Fend’s rapid growth.

The US Department of Defense’s (DoD’s) special operations and low-intensity conflict (SO/LIC) directorate has selected D-Fend Solutions as the sole provider for RF capabilities for counter-drone operations.

EnforceAir was selected out of a field of 16 companies, who were being evaluated as potential suppliers of component technology during the Black Dart 2019 event.

חברת D-Fend Solutions (די-פנד), המפתחת פתרון לנטרול
רחפנים עוינים, הודיעה שיחידת החדשנות של משרד ההגנה
האמריקני (DIU) בחרה במערכת ה-EnforceAir מתוצרתה,
כפתרון המשולב במערכת נטרול הרחפנים של היחידה.

Israeli counter-drone solution provider for urban environments D-Fend Solutions announced today that it has raised $28 million in funding led by Claridge Israel with participation by previous investor Vertex Israel.