Wiz Founders' $320M Charity Pledge Funds War Relief

When Assaf Rappaport and Yinon Costica pledged 1% of their cybersecurity company Wiz to charity, they had no idea it would become one of Israel's largest philanthropic gifts.

The two founders donated their stake through the Merit Spread Foundation before announcing Wiz's record-breaking $32 billion sale to Google in March 2025. That 1% is now valued at approximately $320 million.

The foundation immediately proved its worth during Israel's darkest hours. After the October 7 attack, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum needed urgent funding but lacked the tax status to accept donations directly.

Merit Spread stepped in as an operational platform. The foundation funded international advocacy missions, media campaigns, and direct family assistance while the forum secured proper registration.

In 2024 alone, the foundation spent $10 million supporting hostage families and their fight to bring loved ones home. An additional $4 million went to victims of the war.

The foundation was established in December 2021, years before the crisis. In its early days, activity remained modest as Rappaport and Costica quietly built their philanthropic infrastructure.

The Ripple Effect

The beauty of donating company shares instead of cash creates lasting impact. Once Google's acquisition closes, the $320 million will be invested for long-term growth.

Investment returns will fund social projects indefinitely, turning a one-time donation into a permanent giving engine. The founders coordinated this approach to ensure their wealth generates ongoing community support.

The foundation now employs 14 staff members and operates with eight board members. What started as a simple giving platform has evolved into a major force for social good across Israel.

The Merit Spread model demonstrates how tech entrepreneurs can structure generosity before liquidity events. By pledging shares early, founders lock in philanthropic commitments that grow alongside company value.

When the Google deal closes, this quiet 1% pledge will have generated nearly $1 billion in social impact funding.