Lioncrest Ventures, a newly established venture firm, has announced its debut with an initial capital raise of $30 million towards a $100 million multi-strategy platform that includes both equity and credit funds.
Founded by Leib Bolel, a venture investor with over a decade of experience, including roles as a Partner at Grayhawk Capital and formerly as CEO of the Arizona Israel Technology Alliance, Lioncrest aims to address a core challenge for founders: securing capital aligned with their business models and growth timelines. “Our mandate is simple: to provide the right capital to the right companies,” stated Leib Bolel, Managing Partner at Lioncrest Ventures. “For some companies, equity is the rocket fuel that drives breakout success. For others, private credit is a better aligned path to scale. Lioncrest is built to deliver both, with discipline, speed, and conviction.”
Lioncrest’s equity fund focuses on early growth-stage software companies that are solving complex challenges within highly regulated industries. Key verticals for investment include Cybersecurity, FinTech, Digital Health, LegalTech, Supply Chain & Logistics, and Government/Defense. These sectors require innovation that meets rigorous standards for compliance, security, and scalability, areas where Lioncrest seeks to apply its sector knowledge and operational insight.
The firm’s credit strategy is overseen by Managing Partner Ryan Edwards through the Lioncrest-Prospeq Fund. This fund is designed to provide structured financing to high-performing technology companies seeking growth capital without the requirement of an institutional sponsor. Edwards, a veteran in private credit with over 20 years of experience—including 13 years as Managing Director at Silicon Valley Bank and subsequently as founder of Prospeq—brings expertise in venture debt and capital structuring to the fund. “The Lioncrest-Prospeq Fund provides founders with capital, enabling them to fund strategic growth and increase valuation,” said Ryan Edwards, Managing Partner and Head of the Prospeq Fund. “By offering credit, we can support more companies in more ways, without forcing a one-size-fits-all solution.”
Supported by a diverse network of limited partners, including family offices, founders, and strategic operators, Lioncrest is currently deploying capital from both funds. The firm primarily targets U.S. investments while also accessing deal flow from Israeli-founded companies, reflecting Bolel’s experience and investment background across both ecosystems. The dual-fund platform positions Lioncrest Ventures as a venture model designed for long-term partnership with emerging companies.
