Israeli defense technology startup Kela has acquired Pelanor, an artificial intelligence company specializing in cloud cost optimization, in a deal valued at tens of millions of dollars. The acquisition, announced on September 28, 2025, marks the first for Kela since its establishment in 2024 and signals a strategic move to integrate advanced AI capabilities into its military operating system.
Key Takeaways
- Defense startup Kela has completed its first acquisition, purchasing AI firm Pelanor.
- The deal is reportedly valued in the tens of millions of dollars.
- Pelanor's team of 15 employees, including its founders, will be integrated into Kela.
- The acquisition aims to enhance Kela's military platform with Pelanor's AI-driven resource management technology.
Details of the Acquisition
Kela, a rapidly growing company in the defense sector, has finalized its purchase of Pelanor. While the exact financial terms were not disclosed, sources familiar with the matter estimate the transaction to be worth tens of millions of dollars. This strategic move will see Pelanor's entire team of approximately 15 employees join Kela's workforce of 25.
The integration of Pelanor's expertise is expected to accelerate the development of Kela's core product. Pelanor's technology, originally designed to help organizations analyze and reduce cloud computing expenses, will be repurposed to manage and optimize resources within complex military systems.
Background on Pelanor
Pelanor was founded in late 2022 by alumni of the Israeli military's elite Unit 8200: Matan Mates (CEO), Ido Kotler (CPO), and Yotam Tanay (CTO). The company developed an AI-powered platform that tracks cloud spending, identifies anomalies, and provides automated recommendations to optimize resource allocation for businesses.
Kela's Mission and Rapid Growth
Founded in July 2024, Kela has achieved significant milestones in a short period. The company has raised approximately $100 million in funding within its first year, positioning it as a major new player in the defense technology landscape. Its funding rounds include an $11 million Seed round led by Sequoia and a $28 million Series A led by Lux Capital.
Kela is developing what it calls an "operating system for militaries." This open, modular platform is designed to connect advanced commercial technologies—from sensors and drones to cyber tools and AI solutions—with existing military infrastructure. The goal is to make defense systems more adaptable and capable of integrating innovation at a much faster pace than traditional procurement cycles allow.
Kela's Founding Team
Kela's leadership team is composed of veterans from Israel's top defense and technology units. Co-founders include:
- Hamutal Meridor (President): A graduate of Unit 8200 who previously managed Palantir's Israeli operations.
- Alon Dror (CEO): A graduate of the Talpiot program with a decade of experience in the defense sector.
- Jason Manne: An aeronautical engineer with experience in the Israeli Air Force and the Intelligence Corps' elite Technology Unit (Unit 81).
- Omer Bar-Ilan: An experienced engineer and serial entrepreneur.
By processing data from various sources like cameras and radars in real time, the platform aims to provide military commanders with a clear, unified view of the operational environment, enabling quicker and more informed decision-making.
Strategic Rationale for the Acquisition
The acquisition of Pelanor aligns with Kela's strategy of rapid growth and talent acquisition. By bringing Pelanor's AI experts in-house, Kela aims to enhance its platform's ability to manage vast amounts of data and resources efficiently.
"Our strategy is to grow quickly, not just to meet demand, but to accelerate development and deliver capabilities at the pace that today’s reality requires," said Hamutal Meridor, Kela’s president and co-founder. "The addition of the Pelanor team, among the brightest in Israel, is part of that effort: bringing in top talent who share our mission and vision to become the next great defense company for Israel and the West."
The synergy between the two companies is also rooted in a shared background and mission-driven culture. Both founding teams include alumni of prestigious Israeli intelligence and technology units, fostering a common understanding of the challenges in the defense space.
A New Purpose for Cloud Technology
Pelanor's technology, which excels at identifying inefficiencies and optimizing resource allocation in cloud environments, is uniquely suited to the challenges of modern military operations. These operations involve coordinating a vast array of sensors, communication systems, and personnel, creating a complex resource management problem.
Matan Mates, Pelanor’s CEO and co-founder, commented on the cultural and mission alignment between the two companies.
"We founded Pelanor out of a passion to solve hard and meaningful problems. When Kela approached us, it felt natural, we found a home where we could pursue our mission on a larger scale, alongside people who live and breathe a deep sense of purpose," Mates stated.
Implications for the Defense Tech Industry
Kela's first acquisition highlights a growing trend of defense startups leveraging talent and technology from the commercial sector to address military needs. By acquiring a company with proven AI capabilities in resource management, Kela is bypassing slower, internal development processes.
This move positions Kela to compete more effectively in a market that demands rapid innovation. The ability to quickly integrate new technologies into a flexible, software-defined platform is a key differentiator from traditional defense contractors, who often work with rigid, long-term development cycles.
The transaction also underscores the high value placed on technical teams with experience in elite military intelligence units like Unit 8200, which has become a well-known incubator for successful technology startups in Israel.
