Talon

Founder Insights

Ofer Ben-Noon

Co-Founder & CEO, Talon

Sorenson Capital partnered with Talon in 2021 as part of the Seed round. “In timing, in vision, and in boldness, Ofer has been a standout entrepreneur from the beginning,” says Ken Elefant, a partner at Sorenson Capital. “We were so happy to lead the investment in Talon. Ofer delivered, and then some.”

Talon grew rapidly, and was acquired by Palo Alto Networks for $625M in 2023.

Ofer’s entrepreneurial journey reflects a rare ability to identify untapped potential and move with conviction. In 2013, while others overlooked cybersecurity for vehicles, he co-founded Argus, which later sold for $450 million. In 2021, as remote work reshaped enterprise needs, he launched Talon Cyber Security, and scaled it into a $625 million acquisition. Recognizing Ofer’s sharp instincts and willingness to lead where others hesitate, Sorenson Capital was among the first to invest.

Here are a few standout insights from this exceptional founder:

Really Lean on Your Mentors: “There are many very talented entrepreneurs, but the difference between a talented entrepreneur and a successful one is having someone who opens doors for you, guides you, shows you the way, and helps you overcome the first obstacles,” Ofer says. Identify your mentors early, and depend on them for a lot (if you can’t, then they’re not the right mentor).

Transform Failures into Catalysts for Growth: The setback of being removed from military pilot training forced Ofer to pause, evaluate, and rebuild himself. He later aced the test he’d failed, but it’s the soul searching he did along the way that set the foundation for his future achievements. Ofer shares: “I felt like a real failure… but in hindsight, it was the greatest gift of my life.” Treat setbacks as moments that shape your trajectory, not stall it.

Seize Emerging Trends with Precision: While few saw the early weeks of the Covid-19 pandemic as a window to start a company, Ofer recognized a shift toward hybrid work and acted quickly. “We understood that the world was going to be a little bit different, and that enterprises would need security solutions for the new reality,” says Ofer. Don’t just observe trends. Study them closely and act with intention. Stay aligned with the shifts in the market, and be ready to move decisively to meet emerging demand ahead of competitors.

Craft a Long-Term Vision for Acquisitions: When evaluating acquisition opportunities, Ofer advises to focus on the long view. “Think about the vision. Where would you like to be in four years from now, six years from now?” Ofer emphasizes aligning with the acquirer’s long-term strategy to ensure your product’s legacy and mission remain intact. Visualize where you want your company to stand in the future and choose partners who can help you fulfill that vision without compromising your core values.

Choose Investors Who Champion Your Journey: “Having investors who understand what the founders are going through… with smart advice, with empathy, is critical.” Sorenson Capital’s partnership with Ofer reflects that investors who understand the emotional and operational demands of building a company can be invaluable allies in navigating challenges and accelerating growth, often with remarkable speed.