First U.s. Secretary Of Homeland Security Tom Ridge Announces Unique Investment Firm

Sept. 13, 2015 - PRLog -- TEL AVIV, ISRAEL (Sept. 11, 2015) – Tom Ridge, the first U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security and 43rd Governor of Pennsylvania, today announced the creation of Ridge Global Capital Group, an international investment firm focused on addressing one of the greatest security challenges of modern times – and among the most exciting investment opportunities today – cyber and homeland security technology.

“In a global age, geographic borders become transparent, hostile actors become invisible and no boundaries exist between physical and virtual threats. That is why there is a growing demand for innovative security solutions,” said Gov. Ridge, who made the announcement during a Keynote Address to Israel’s International Institute for Counter- Terrorism (ICT), one of the leading academic institutes for counter-terrorism in the world. “The best way to prevent future cyber attacks is to promote the growth of companies that are developing today the technologies that will protect us tomorrow. That’s what Ridge Global Capital Group is all about.”

Ridge Global Capital Group, co-founded with Israeli high-tech entrepreneur Ben Harel, will focus on growth stage Israeli, U.S and European technology companies in the field of cyber security, homeland security and public safety.

“As the ‘Internet of Things’ expands, it brings online volumes of new information from the millions of new sensors and devices being connected each day,” said Harel. “The scope of components connected to the web, the distribution of these components, and the extent to which they pervade people’s private lives, have led to the emergence of cyber vulnerability on a whole new order of magnitude and, subsequently, creating a growing demand for cyber security technologies. Ridge Global Capital Group is uniquely positioned in the world’s leading innovation hubs to identify and nurture exactly such companies.”

Ridge Global Capital Group will provide added value such as global knowledge and experience, strong international business development network, active support in sales process, brand recognition, validation and references, cross company synergies and a top global leadership advisory board. As part of the Ridge Global Capital Group, participating companies will enjoy access to the Group’s network and market reach and will leverage its ecosystem.

“Through the firm’s wide global network, world-class advisory board and association with academic institutions such as ICT, we can identify industry and market needs and work together to fill these gaps with innovative solutions,” added Harel.

The Ridge Global Capital Group Professional Advisory Board providing guidance and support, includes:

General Stanley McChrystal (US Army Retired) – Former Commander, International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and former Commander, U.S. Forces Afghanistan

Dr. Jared L. Cohon - Former president of Carnegie Mellon University and member of the U.S. Homeland Security Advisory Council

Baroness Pauline Neville-Jones - Former UK Minister of State for Security and Counter- Terrorism and Prime Minister David Cameron’s special representative to business on cybersecurity (2011-2014), Chairman of the British Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC)

Prof. Boaz Ganor - Dean and the Ronald Lauder Chair for Counter-Terrorism at the Lauder School of Government, diplomacy and strategy at the IDC

Mr. Daniel Reisner, Esq - A leading public international law expert focused on technology regulatory laws and defense technology transfer

Following the tragic events of September 11th, 2001, Tom Ridge became the first Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and, on January 24, 2003, became the first Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The creation of the country’s 15th Cabinet Department marked the largest reorganization of government since the Truman administration and another call to service for the former soldier, congressman and governor of Pennsylvania. Today, Gov. Ridge leads Ridge Global, a team of international experts that help businesses and governments address a range of security and resiliency challenges throughout their organizations, with a strong focus on cyber security strategy, policies, capacity building, education and insurance.

Mr. Ben Harel brings with him a strong track record of success spanning over 20 years of building, nurturing, and capitalizing innovative technology companies. Mr. Harel was the founder and managing partner of Delta Ventures – a leading Israeli venture capital firm that successfully generated favorable returns to its limited partners.

Ridge Global Capital Group will have offices in Washington, D.C. and in Tel Aviv, Israel. To learn more, please visit www.RidgeGlobal.com/ridge-capital.