The noise began far from the court, in the quieter corridors of global tech investing.
The verified fact is this: investment funds linked to Stephen Curry have participated in venture capital rounds that include Israeli cybersecurity startups founded by former members of the Israel Defense Forces, according to a report published Thursday.
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The Golden State Warriors star is not accused of personally selecting or directly funding these companies. The report explains that firms connected to Curry’s broader investment portfolio invested alongside established venture capital groups, which then backed startups whose founders previously served in Israeli military technology units.
This distinction is central to understanding the story. In modern venture capital, athletes often invest through pooled funds where portfolio decisions are made by managing partners, not by the athletes themselves. Forbes and CNBC have documented this model extensively as more players enter Silicon Valley-style investing.
“American basketball star Stephen Curry is investing in tech startups run by former IDF operatives who were integral to building Israel’s digital architecture of apartheid and genocide…
The Companies at the Center
Two startups were highlighted in the report. Zafran Security is led by Sanaz Yashar, described as “a former Israeli intelligence operative”. Upwind, a cloud security company, was founded by Amiram Shachar, Lavi Ferdman, and Liran Polak, who met while serving in the IDF’s Mamram, a well-known training ground for elite engineers.
This pathway is not unusual. Reuters has previously reported that Mamram veterans frequently move into Israel’s booming cybersecurity sector, which attracts significant U.S. and international capital.
Silence, Scrutiny, and the NBA Context
As of publication, Curry and his representatives have not issued an official statement. That silence has drawn attention largely because it contrasts with recent NBA seasons, where players have been far more vocal on political and social issues. Analysts have noted comparisons to figures such as Kyrie Irving, whose public positions have directly shaped league-wide debates.
No NBA investigation, sanction, or formal response has been announced. League sources indicate the situation remains outside basketball operations, as it involves indirect private investments rather than league activity.
“Curry has made these investments alongside Israeli venture capital firms which are also deeply embedded in Israel’s intelligence establishment, and American venture capital funds connected to the Zionist lobby…
A Family Link That Adds Context
The discussion has also revived interest in Curry’s family ties to Israel. His brother-in-law, Damion Lee, signed last year with Ironi Ness Ziona after leaving the NBA. While unrelated to the investments, the move has added visibility to the broader narrative.
Attention now turns to whether Curry’s camp clarifies the structure of his investments or distances itself from specific portfolio companies. In recent years, other high-profile athlete-investors have opted for transparency when business ties sparked public debate. Whether that happens here may determine how long the issue remains in the spotlight.
For now, the facts are narrow but consequential: indirect investments, no public comment, and growing scrutiny at the intersection of sports, tech, and geopolitics.
This article is based on reporting from Do Not Panic!, with additional context from Reuters, Forbes, and CNBC regarding Israeli cybersecurity startups and athlete-led venture capital structures. No direct statements from Stephen Curry, the Golden State Warriors, or the NBA had been issued at the time of publication.
