Hi everyone,

Writing from San Francisco today, where there’s an infectious optimism around tech and AI. There’s a feeling that the future is being created right now, and that this city is at the centre of it. It’s a refreshing change of perspective.

This week also marked three years since October 7. We remember those murdered, the suffering of the hostages and their families, and the communities still rebuilding. One image from those first days stays with me: Israelis abroad searching for flights home to serve and help. That willingness to take responsibility continues to shape the founders I meet and the companies they’re building.

The business momentum continues. Capitolis announced $220 million in financing, including a $120 million Series E at a $1.9 billion valuation, to support its expansion into securities lending. Rein Security raised $25 million to help companies control their AI agents, while Phantom GI raised $5 million to develop a less invasive option for patients unable to undergo conventional bowel surgery.

One story particularly resonated this week: Fresh Start’s return to Kiryat Shmona. Rebuilding the north also means restoring places where researchers, founders and teams can work together and create opportunity.

Meanwhile, Google’s new Gemini agent and Anthropic’s dashboard and animation tools show how quickly AI is moving into everyday work. As agents become more capable, the need to test, monitor and control their actions grows too. That’s the focus of my second essay this week: the startups building the brakes for AI, and where early-stage investors might find opportunity.

Let’s dive in!

Eze

Recent articles

This week's #FIRGUN newsletter The latest founder wins, funding rounds and global AI developments, including Capitolis, Rein Security, Phantom GI and enso’s planned marketing acquisitions. Plus, a special firgun to the people rebuilding opportunity in northern Israel. Read article

How Israeli tech changed since October 7 Three years on, a reflection on how the Israeli and Jewish community came together, why defence and resilience tech could become another globally significant Israeli category, and why early-stage founders need more support than the funding headlines suggest. Read article

Building Brakes for Rogue AI Who controls an AI agent when it acts outside its intended role? A look at the startups working on agent security, testing and accountability, and the opportunities emerging as businesses give AI more access and responsibility. Read article

Quote of the week

Chart of the week

The State of AI Report 2026 by Nathan Benaich. 119 AI model makers were founded in 2025, more than in any previous year