From Meta to Market Maker: A New Gateway for Israeli Investment

HOLON, Israel – May 14, 2026 – In a significant move signaling confidence in the Israeli market, former Meta senior executive Bar Clara Mendez McConnon has been appointed CEO and Managing Partner of Value Gateway Capital Partners. The new venture is the international arm of Value Advanced Investments, a veteran Israeli investment house, and is tasked with creating a regulated channel for foreign capital into Israel's burgeoning private markets.

The appointment marks a notable transition for McConnon, who moves from a top-tier role at a global tech behemoth to spearheading a specialized financial firm. It also represents a strategic pivot for its parent company, which is reversing its traditional business model to attract, rather than export, investment capital.

A New Leadership Profile

Bar Clara Mendez McConnon is not a typical finance executive. Her appointment is a clear bet on the convergence of technology, global business acumen, and deep-seated local commitment. In her most recent role within Meta's Global Business Group in Ireland, she was a formidable force, leading the Mid-Market segment for Israel and managing selected industries across Europe. She oversaw annual revenue activity of approximately $450 million, a testament to her commercial and operational prowess.

Her experience extends far beyond revenue management. At Meta, McConnon was a key figure in organizational transformation, leading EMEA markets through critical platform shifts, including AI enablement and the transition to mobile-first products. She chaired the EMEA HQ Managers Committee and designed leadership development programs adopted globally, underscoring her expertise in building and scaling high-performance teams in a tech-driven environment.

McConnon’s ties to Israel are both professional and personal. Before her corporate career, she served in the Strategic Division of the IDF's Foreign Relations Unit and later founded a consulting firm advising Israeli and European tech startups. Following the events of October 7, while living in Ireland, she co-founded the Israeli Action Coalition to connect business leaders in support of Jewish communities. Her recent return to Israel with her family to lead this new venture is seen by many as a powerful statement of belief in the country's economic future.

Building an Economic Bridge

Value Gateway Capital Partners is being established to solve a specific problem that McConnon has identified through numerous discussions with global investors.

"I've had countless conversations with international investors who see the strength and resilience of the Israeli economy and want exposure to its opportunities," McConnon stated. "The challenge is not interest—it's access. Our ambition is to build a platform that enables global investors to access leading opportunities across the Israeli market in a structured and institutional way."

This mission arrives at a pivotal moment. While foreign direct investment in Israeli high-tech has seen fluctuations, the underlying fundamentals of the 'Startup Nation' remain robust. Recent data shows a rebound in private funding, with global investors participating in rounds that accounted for 93% of all capital raised in the first half of 2024, a seven-year peak. Key sectors like cybersecurity, which represented over half of all private funding recently, along with Generative AI and defense technology, continue to attract intense international interest.

The new firm will focus on curating these opportunities for its clients, concentrating on private equity funds, secondary transactions, and investment banking deals, particularly in sectors where Israel holds a distinct global advantage. Operations will commence under U.S. regulatory licensing, with a clear roadmap for expansion into Europe, aiming to create a seamless and compliant 'economic bridge' for investors.

A Strategic Reversal for a Veteran Firm

The launch of Value Gateway Capital Partners marks a profound strategic pivot for its parent company, Value Advanced Investments. For over 30 years, the firm, which manages over 3 billion NIS in assets, has carved its niche by acting as a conduit for outbound capital. It specialized in providing Israeli institutional and accredited investors with access to premier international funds from managers like Carlyle and StepStone.

With this new subsidiary, the company is effectively reversing the flow of capital. Instead of solely helping Israelis invest abroad, it is now building a major new business line dedicated to bringing foreign money into Israel. This shift is a direct response to what the firm identifies as a growing global appetite for structured exposure to Israel's innovative and resilient economy.

Rami Dror, CEO of Value Advanced Investments, praised the move and the new leadership. "We are proud to execute our expansion plan into foreign markets and welcome Bar to Value's leadership team," he said. "Her international experience, strategic relationships, and capabilities in leading large-scale negotiations with global institutional entities are a significant asset as we expand our activity."

Navigating a Competitive Landscape

Value Gateway Capital Partners enters a competitive but fragmented market. The landscape for facilitating foreign investment in Israel includes local boutique advisory firms as well as the Israeli offices of global giants like Morgan Stanley and Stifel. However, the firm aims to differentiate itself through its unique leadership and focused mission.

McConnon’s high-profile background at the intersection of technology and large-scale business operations is a core part of this differentiation strategy. Her network and understanding of the global tech ecosystem are seen as invaluable assets in identifying and vetting opportunities within Israel's most dynamic sectors. The firm’s explicit goal is not just to broker deals, but to serve as a trusted, institutional-grade partner for international investors who may be enthusiastic about Israel's potential but lack the on-the-ground access and expertise to navigate its complexities. By focusing on creating a regulated, transparent, and curated platform, Value Gateway is betting it can become the premier entry point for a new wave of strategic investment into the nation’s innovation economy.