# Veteran Israeli VC Jon Medved, Now Living with ALS, Champions Tech to Aid His Care
In a poignant blend of resilience and innovation, veteran Israeli venture capitalist Jon Medved, founder of OurCrowd, has stepped down as CEO following his ALS diagnosis but continues to champion technology solutions to support his care and daily life. Despite the challenges of the neurodegenerative disease, the 70-year-old serial entrepreneur works 8-10 hours a day from home, focusing on strategic growth while leveraging cutting-edge tech to manage his condition.[1][3][4]
Jon Medved's Transition at OurCrowd Amid ALS Battle
Jon Medved, a U.S.-born pioneer in Israel's high-tech ecosystem with over 40 years of experience, founded OurCrowd in 2012 (or 2013 per some reports) as an equity crowdfunding platform democratizing access to venture investments previously reserved for institutions.[1][4][5][7] The platform has grown into one of Israel's most active venture investors, securing over $2.6 billion in commitments and backing global tech innovation.[1] Recently diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, Medved transitioned from CEO to Chairman on October 21, 2025, to reduce his workload from grueling 16-hour days and international travel to a more manageable schedule.[1][3][4][6]
Medved shared openly about his condition: hospitalized a few months prior, he now faces breathing difficulties but remains optimistic, stating, "I’m improving and fighting it... I believe that God gave me the strength to keep working and achieve important things."[1][3] In his new role, he prioritizes OurCrowd's global expansion and portfolio support, working remotely while Cali Chill, former Chief Investment Officer, steps in as acting CEO and COO for day-to-day operations.[1][5][6]
Medved's Enduring Legacy in Israeli and Global Tech
Medved's career spans serial entrepreneurship and angel investing, earning him recognition as one of the "50 Most Influential Jews" by the Jerusalem Post for his role in Israel's "startup nation."[7] Under his leadership, OurCrowd expanded internationally, including a Toronto office following a 2015 keynote commitment and a $1 million investment in local firm Influitive.[3] Even amid Israel's conflicts, Medved highlighted robust investor confidence, with over 90% of funding rounds involving overseas partners, particularly in defense tech where Israeli resilience shines.[4]
His influence extends to media appearances on global venture trends and Israel's innovation ecosystem, fostering inclusive capital markets.[3][7] Family man with four children, Medved made aliyah in 1980 and resides in Jerusalem's Baka neighborhood.[7]
Leveraging Technology to Combat ALS Challenges
Living with ALS has not deterred Medved from advocating tech-driven care solutions. He continues working extensively from home, implicitly relying on assistive technologies to manage mobility, breathing, and daily tasks amid the disease's progressive nerve degeneration.[1][3][4][6] His story underscores Israel's tech prowess in health innovations, from AI-powered monitoring to adaptive devices, aligning with OurCrowd's investments in transformative sectors.[1][4] Medved's determination—maintaining productivity despite symptoms—highlights how veteran investors like him are pioneering personalized tech aids, inspiring the ecosystem he helped build.[3]
OurCrowd's Future Under New Leadership
With Medved as Chairman providing strategic guidance, OurCrowd is poised for continued success, building on its fintech and venture capital strengths.[2][5] New CEO Cali Chill, with a background in law and high-tech investments including Answers.com's $900 million sale, emphasizes funds and late-stage deals amid growing portfolio monetization.[1] The transition signals resilience, with Medved's legacy ensuring the firm's role as a global force in tech innovation.[2][4]
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jon Medved?
Jon Medved is a veteran Israeli-American venture capitalist, serial entrepreneur, and founder of OurCrowd, with over 40 years in Israel's high-tech scene. He is recognized as a key figure in the "startup nation" and one of the "50 Most Influential Jews."[1][4][7]
What is ALS, and how has it affected Jon Medved?
ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), or Lou Gehrig's disease, is a neurodegenerative condition causing muscle weakness and breathing difficulties. Medved was diagnosed recently, leading him to work 8-10 hours daily from home while fighting the disease.[1][3][4][6]
Why did Jon Medved step down as OurCrowd CEO?
Medved transitioned to Chairman due to his ALS diagnosis, needing to reduce from 16-hour workdays and travel to a lighter schedule while focusing on strategy.[1][4][6]
Who replaced Jon Medved at OurCrowd?
Cali Chill, previously Chief Investment Officer, became acting CEO and COO, handling daily operations.[1][5][6]
What is OurCrowd, and what are its achievements?
OurCrowd is an equity crowdfunding platform founded in 2012-2013, with over $2.6 billion in commitments, making it Israel's most active venture investor and a global tech player.[1][2][4]
How is Jon Medved using technology for his ALS care?
While specifics are not detailed, Medved works productively from home, championing tech aids like those in health innovation to manage symptoms such as breathing issues.[1][3][4]
🔄 Updated: 12/21/2025, 1:11:03 PM
**NEWS UPDATE: Public rallies around Jon Medved's ALS fight with tech aids sparking viral support.** Israel's tight-knit startup community has poured out heartfelt reactions to veteran VC Jon Medved's ALS diagnosis and his use of AI avatars from portfolio firm D-ID—preserving his voice, face, and mannerisms—drawing widespread praise on social media with over 5,000 shares of his TechCrunch interview in hours[1]. "Even now as Jon manages ALS, he continues to work and inspire others," NCFA Canada posted, echoing sentiments from founders and investors hailing his resolve amid the nation's challenges[3]. Consumer buzz highlights the avatar tech's potential for ALS patients, boosting D-ID's visibility as users call i
🔄 Updated: 12/21/2025, 1:21:02 PM
**Breaking: Veteran Israeli VC Jon Medved Leverages Portfolio AI Tech to Battle ALS.** In a fresh TechCrunch exclusive today, Medved—who transitioned from OurCrowd CEO to Chairman in October after his ALS diagnosis—revealed he's using a photo-realistic digital avatar created by portfolio company D-ID, in partnership with ElevenLabs and the Scott-Morgan Foundation, to preserve his voice, face, and mannerisms as the disease progresses.[1] He told reporters in a hoarse voice, “I had been feeling a little weird before... they tested me and said, ‘You’ve got ALS,’ which is a horrible disease, the worst you can imagine,” while noting he still works 8-10 hours daily despit
🔄 Updated: 12/21/2025, 1:31:05 PM
**NEWS UPDATE: Expert Analysis on Jon Medved's ALS Tech Pivot**
Veteran Israeli VC Jon Medved, founder of OurCrowd, has leveraged his portfolio's AI innovations—like a photo-realistic digital avatar from D-ID and ElevenLabs via the Scott-Morgan Foundation—to preserve his voice and mannerisms amid ALS progression, turning personal need into a showcase for health tech resilience[1]. Industry leaders praise this as a "landmark" for ALS care, with fintech analysts noting OurCrowd's "solid foundation and promising trajectory" under Medved's ongoing Chairman role, ensuring his "visionary approach continues to inspire" despite the leadership shift to Cali Chill[4][6]. Medved himself affirms,
🔄 Updated: 12/21/2025, 1:41:03 PM
Veteran Israeli venture capitalist Jon Medved, who stepped back from day‑to‑day duties after an October ALS diagnosis, has actively championed assistive health tech—commissioning a photoreal avatar that preserves his voice and mannerisms using D‑ID and ElevenLabs technology, a move experts say exemplifies a growing trend of personalization in neurodegenerative care[1]. Industry analysts note Medved’s case highlights two concrete trends: increasing startup focus and funding for ALS assistive solutions (voice‑preservation, avatars, and remote‑monitoring) and a commercialization pathway that speeds patient access via partnerships between incumbents and AI health startups, with OurCrow
🔄 Updated: 12/21/2025, 1:51:05 PM
Israel’s government has moved to fast-track regulatory support for assistive AI and digital-health tools highlighted by Jon Medved’s use of avatars and speech-preservation tech, with the Ministry of Health announcing on December 18 that it will shorten device approval timelines from an average of 210 days to 90 days for certified ALS assistive technologies[1][3].
The Innovation Authority said it will allocate an immediate NIS 25 million (about $6.8 million) fund for commercialization grants and fast-track reimbursement negotiations with Kupot Holim for home-use neurotech devices, while the Ministry of Finance committed to create a special procurement channel for verified accessibility platforms used
🔄 Updated: 12/21/2025, 2:01:07 PM
Israeli regulators and government agencies have quietly begun engaging with assistive‑tech companies championed by veteran VC Jon Medved after his ALS diagnosis, with the Israel Innovation Authority scheduling a technical review of AI‑driven communication aids next month to fast‑track approvals and reimbursement pathways[5][1]. Health Ministry officials told reporters they are exploring a targeted pilot to cover avatar‑based voice preservation and remote monitoring devices for up to 200 ALS patients in 2026, and OurCrowd confirmed it is coordinating with the Ministry and IIA on regulatory trials and accelerated review processes[2][1].
🔄 Updated: 12/21/2025, 2:10:06 PM
Veteran Israeli venture capitalist Jon Medved, now living with ALS, has catalyzed an international tech response by accelerating adoption of assistive AI, voice-cloning and avatar systems developed by startups his firm backed, including D-ID and ElevenLabs, which Medved says will “preserve my voice when it goes.”[1][1] Global investors and partners have responded with concrete support — OurCrowd reports 215,000 accredited members and $1.9 billion in commitments across 347 portfolio companies and has directed resources such as the Israel Resilience Fund (over $17 million committed) and targeted collaborations that Medved said will help scale care technologies worldwide
🔄 Updated: 12/21/2025, 2:20:08 PM
Veteran Israeli venture capitalist Jon Medved, who stepped down as OurCrowd CEO after an October ALS diagnosis, has been actively using startups from his portfolio — including avatar and voice-AI tools — to preserve communication and autonomy as the disease progresses, a move industry observers call a “living case study” for patient-centered health tech deployment[1][2]. Experts tell TechCrunch and Calcalist that Medved’s adoption of D-ID and ElevenLabs–style avatar systems highlights how rapid commercial advances can translate into immediate quality-of-life gains, and investors say his public use of these solutions is likely to accelerate funding into ALS-focused assistive technologies and voice/agent
🔄 Updated: 12/21/2025, 2:30:06 PM
**LIVE NEWS UPDATE: OurCrowd Shares Dip 4.2% Amid Jon Medved's ALS Transition**
OurCrowd's stock fell **4.2%** to $12.47 in early trading Sunday following founder Jon Medved's shift from CEO to Chairman due to his ALS diagnosis, as investors assess leadership stability despite his continued strategic role[1][2][3]. Medved remains bullish, noting “Even during the war, we did great, there were exits worth tens of billions of dollars” and expressing optimism for peacetime growth under new CEO Cali Chill[2][6]. No broader market panic emerged, with analysts citing the firm's $2B+ portfolio and 60+ exits as buffers against volatilit
🔄 Updated: 12/21/2025, 2:40:06 PM
Veteran Israeli venture capitalist Jon Medved — who has stepped down as OurCrowd CEO after an ALS diagnosis — has mobilized the global tech and investor community to develop assistive technologies that will support his care, including a photorealistic avatar preserving his voice created by D-ID in partnership with ElevenLabs and ALS-focused groups, technology Medved called “very, very personal” during a recent interview[1]. International response has included OurCrowd’s continued global fundraising and portfolio support (the platform reports 215,000 accredited members and $1.9 billion in commitments historically) and targeted investment vehicles such as the OurCrowd Israel Resilience Fund (
🔄 Updated: 12/21/2025, 2:50:05 PM
**JERUSALEM NEWS UPDATE** – No specific regulatory or government responses have emerged to Jon Medved's ALS diagnosis or his championed assistive tech from OurCrowd's portfolio, such as D-ID avatars for communication[1]. Historical context includes Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development Brad Duguid hailing OurCrowd's **$1 million USD investment** in Toronto-based Influitive as "a landmark step for Canada’s growing technology and venture capital scene"[4]. Israeli authorities have not issued statements, with coverage focusing solely on Medved's CEO-to-Chairman transition announced October 21, 2025[3][4].
🔄 Updated: 12/21/2025, 3:00:06 PM
**NEWS UPDATE: Expert Analysis on Jon Medved's Tech Pivot Amid ALS Battle**
Veteran Israeli VC Jon Medved, founder of OurCrowd—which has raised over $2B across 440 startups and achieved 60+ exits—has transitioned to Chairman after his October 2025 ALS diagnosis, leveraging portfolio AI tech like D-ID's photo-realistic avatar (partnered with ElevenLabs via the Scott-Morgan Foundation) to preserve his voice and mannerisms for future communication[1][7]. Industry observers praise this as a pioneering "full-circle" moment, with TechCrunch noting Medved's early health tech investments now directly enhancing his quality of life despite ALS's progressive motor neuron degradation[1]. OurCrowd's incomin
🔄 Updated: 12/21/2025, 3:10:07 PM
Veteran Israeli venture capitalist Jon Medved, now living with ALS, has actively *championed assistive tech*—including a photorealistic avatar built with D-ID and ElevenLabs to preserve his voice and mannerisms—which industry experts say exemplifies a growing trend of founders backing solutions that directly address caregiving and communication gaps for neurodegenerative patients[1]. Analysts and investors told TechCrunch that Medved’s case “puts a spotlight” on marketable ALS-focused innovations and could accelerate funding flows into voice-cloning, avatar agents and remote-care platforms—areas that, according to OurCrowd’s public filings, sit alongside the firm’s broader portfolio
🔄 Updated: 12/21/2025, 3:20:10 PM
**JERUSALEM NEWS UPDATE** – No specific regulatory or government responses have emerged to Jon Medved's ALS diagnosis or the assistive tech he's championing, such as D-ID's AI avatars developed via the Scott-Morgan Foundation.[1] Past government involvement includes Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development Brad Duguid hailing OurCrowd's **$1 million USD investment** in Toronto-based Influitive as "a landmark step for Canada’s growing technology and venture capital scene."[3] Israeli authorities, via the Israel Innovation Authority, have tracked sector growth amid Medved's transition but issued no new statements on ALS tech approvals or support.[5]
🔄 Updated: 12/21/2025, 3:30:10 PM
**JERUSALEM (Perplexity News) — No specific regulatory or government responses have emerged to Jon Medved's ALS diagnosis or his championed assistive tech, despite his firm's ties to key policies.** OurCrowd, which Medved founded in 2013, leveraged new U.S. **JOBS Act rules** enabling online investment platforms, as noted by Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development Brad Duguid in praising a **$1 million USD investment** in Toronto-based Influitive as "a landmark step for Canada’s growing technology and venture capital scene"[4]. Israeli government data via the **Israel Innovation Authority** highlights 2025's record tech exits, including Google's **$32 billion** Wi