Johnson & Johnson Acquires Israeli MedTech Pioneer V-Wave for $1.7 Billion
Edited by: Fern Sidman
In a significant move poised to reshape advanced heart failure treatment, Johnson & Johnson (J&J), a global healthcare innovation powerhouse, has announced its acquisition of Israeli medical device company V-Wave. The deal, valued at up to $1.7 billion, highlights V-Wave’s cutting-edge Ventura® Interatrial Shunt technology and underscores J&J’s strategic focus on expanding its cardiovascular portfolio. This development not only advances treatment options for millions of heart failure patients worldwide but also reinforces Israel’s burgeoning status as a global leader in medical innovation.
At the heart of this acquisition lies V-Wave’s Ventura® Interatrial Shunt, an innovative device that addresses one of the most pressing challenges in heart failure care: elevated left atrial pressure. Heart failure, affecting over 60 million people globally and nearly 800,000 patients annually in the United States alone, remains a critical health crisis with substantial hospitalization rates, limited treatment options, and debilitating patient outcomes.
The Ventura® Interatrial Shunt is designed to provide a minimally invasive solution by creating a small passage between the left and right atria of the heart. This seemingly simple intervention has transformative implications. Elevated left atrial pressure is a leading cause of heart failure symptoms and complications, including fluid buildup, breathlessness, and organ congestion. By facilitating a controlled transfer of blood and reducing pressure in the left atrium, the shunt’s objectives are to reduce hospitalizations for severe heart failure patients, a significant economic burden on healthcare systems as well as improve overall patient outcomes and quality of life. It also seeks to empower interventional cardiologists with a breakthrough tool to address complex cases of heart failure.
The Ventura® Shunt’s potential has already earned it FDA Breakthrough Device Designation and CE mark approval, reflecting regulatory confidence in its ability to meet an unmet medical need. FDA’s Breakthrough Designation highlights its importance as a life-saving technology with expedited pathways for further approval and market adoption.
The acquisition reflects J&J’s long-term vision of expanding its capabilities within the cardiovascular space, a high-growth sector of the medical market. Under the agreement, J&J will make an initial upfront payment of $600 million, with a further $1.1 billion contingent on achieving key regulatory and commercial milestones. This structure incentivizes continued advancements and commercialization of the Ventura® technology.
For J&J, the deal aligns with its strategic priorities of driving growth through innovation and investing in solutions for diseases with significant unmet needs. By incorporating V-Wave’s technology into its robust cardiovascular pipeline, J&J is positioned to become a leader in interventional heart failure therapies.
J&J’s focus on cardiovascular solutions is well-timed. The rising prevalence of heart failure, driven by aging populations, increasing obesity rates, and associated conditions like diabetes, has intensified the demand for effective, minimally invasive treatments. Ventura®’s adoption could fill a vital gap in care for patients who have exhausted conventional therapies.
J&J’s acquisition of V-Wave is also a testament to Israel’s growing influence in the global medical technology landscape. Known as the “Startup Nation,” Israel has consistently produced innovative solutions that attract global giants in healthcare, technology, and pharmaceuticals.
V-Wave’s success adds to a series of Israeli breakthroughs in cardiovascular and medical device innovation, positioning the country as a hub for cutting-edge solutions. Israel’s emphasis on research, entrepreneurial spirit, and collaboration between industry and academia fosters a unique ecosystem that continually delivers game-changing technologies.
The deal also signals increased confidence among multinational corporations in the potential of Israeli med-tech startups to address some of the world’s most pressing health challenges.
The Ventura® Shunt’s widespread adoption could represent a turning point in heart failure care. For patients, the benefits extend far beyond reduced symptoms. Some benefits include improved survival rates and quality of life for those with advanced heart failure as well as fewer hospital visits, thereby reducing the physical and emotional burden of treatment. It is also a promising alternative for patients who are not candidates for heart transplants or left ventricular assist devices (LVADs).
For healthcare systems, the device offers a cost-effective solution to a growing burden. Heart failure management is one of the largest drivers of hospitalization costs worldwide. The ability to reduce readmissions and improve outcomes through minimally invasive procedures aligns with global efforts to optimize healthcare expenditures and outcomes.
The J&J-V-Wave partnership marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of heart failure treatment. By combining J&J’s global reach, resources, and expertise with V-Wave’s pioneering technology, the acquisition has the potential to bring Ventura® to patients at scale. It also sets the stage for continued innovation in cardiovascular care, an area ripe for technological advancements.
For J&J, this deal not only strengthens its cardiovascular foothold but also solidifies its position as a leader in patient-centric innovation. For V-Wave, the partnership provides the resources to accelerate its mission of transforming heart failure treatment.
As global rates of heart failure rise, solutions such as the Ventura® Interatrial Shunt offer hope for millions of patients and their families. J&J’s investment is more than a strategic acquisition; it is a bold step toward addressing one of the most formidable healthcare challenges of our time.
Israeli Tech Companies with Strong Ties to American Businesses
Israel’s tech ecosystem, often dubbed the “Startup Nation,” continues to lead globally in innovation, with companies maintaining strong ties to American businesses and industries. In recent years, several standout Israeli firms have driven advancements in cybersecurity, autonomous vehicle technology, project management solutions, and freelance marketplaces. These companies have not only delivered consistent growth and profitability but have also strengthened Israel’s role as a critical player in global technological innovation.
1. Check Point Software Technologies: Securing the Digital World
Revenue: Approximately $2.3 billion annually (2023).
Check Point Software Technologies stands as one of the world’s leading providers of cybersecurity solutions. Founded in 1993, the company has been instrumental in pioneering network security, cloud protection, and endpoint security solutions that are deployed globally. Check Point’s steady revenue growth reflects its ability to respond to increasing threats in the cybersecurity landscape, especially as digital transformation accelerates worldwide.
With cyberattacks growing both in complexity and frequency, Check Point has positioned itself as a key partner for American enterprises, government agencies, and critical infrastructure operators. Its flagship solutions, such as CloudGuard and Quantum Security Gateways, provide critical protection for organizations dealing with sensitive data.
In a global cybersecurity market expected to exceed $200 billion by 2025, Check Point remains well-poised to maintain its leadership, particularly as U.S. firms increasingly rely on Israeli cybersecurity expertise.
2. Mobileye: Driving the Future of Autonomous Vehicles
Revenue: Exceeding $2 billion annually, with strong upward growth.
Mobileye, a trailblazer in autonomous vehicle (AV) technology and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), exemplifies Israel’s technological ingenuity. Acquired by Intel in 2017 for $15.3 billion, Mobileye has continued to grow exponentially, becoming a cornerstone of Intel’s strategy for the AV market.
Mobileye’s innovations, such as its EyeQ chips and real-time sensor fusion technology, are used by major automakers worldwide, including top American companies like Ford, General Motors, and Tesla. Its AV and smart mobility solutions are shaping the future of transportation, with Mobileye at the forefront of reducing road fatalities and advancing fully autonomous vehicles.
The American automotive market remains a central focus for Mobileye’s growth, as U.S. policymakers and corporations push for innovations in smart cities and safer vehicle systems. Its revenue trajectory underscores the growing demand for AV technologies and highlights Israel’s central role in this revolution.
3. monday.com: Transforming Project Management Software
Revenue: Approximately $700–800 million annually (2023).
monday.com has redefined project management software, empowering businesses globally with intuitive, highly customizable tools for workflow optimization. Founded in 2012, the platform serves enterprises, small businesses, and teams across industries, including major U.S.-based clients like Coca-Cola, NBCUniversal, and HubSpot.
Known for its sleek user interface and automation features, monday.com has become an indispensable tool for companies managing complex projects, remote teams, and distributed workforces. Its success in the competitive Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) market reflects the demand for adaptable platforms that enhance productivity.
The U.S. market remains a core driver of monday.com’s growth, contributing significantly to its annual revenues. As hybrid and remote work environments become permanent fixtures in modern business, monday.com’s offerings have positioned it as a key software partner for American enterprises.
4. Fiverr: Revolutionizing the Freelance Economy
Revenue: Approximately $350–400 million annually.
Fiverr has emerged as a major player in the global freelance economy, connecting businesses with freelancers across industries, from graphic design and digital marketing to software development and content creation. Founded in 2010, Fiverr’s user-friendly marketplace has made it a go-to platform for American businesses seeking cost-effective and high-quality services.
The U.S. market represents Fiverr’s largest customer base, with millions of entrepreneurs, startups, and corporations relying on the platform for flexible talent solutions. Fiverr’s innovative offerings, such as its Fiverr Business suite, cater specifically to companies looking to manage large-scale freelance projects efficiently.
As remote work and the gig economy continue to expand, Fiverr’s role as a facilitator of digital labor remains critical, positioning it for sustained growth in both American and global markets.
5. CyberArk: Protecting Identity in an Era of Cyber Threats
Revenue: Approximately $750–900 million annually.
CyberArk has carved a niche as a global leader in identity security solutions, addressing the escalating risks of cyberattacks on privileged accounts and sensitive data. Founded in 1999, CyberArk provides advanced solutions to secure privileged access, credentials, and endpoints, protecting organizations from devastating breaches.
The company’s prominence in the U.S. cybersecurity market is undeniable. American enterprises, including major Fortune 500 companies, utilize CyberArk’s solutions to bolster their cyber defenses, ensuring compliance and reducing vulnerabilities. Its innovations are particularly critical as cybercriminals increasingly target identity infrastructure to gain unauthorized access to systems.
With the identity security market projected to grow rapidly, CyberArk’s strategic focus on zero-trust architectures and cloud-based solutions ensures it remains a vital partner for U.S. businesses navigating evolving cyber threats.
The success of these five Israeli companies—Check Point, Mobileye, monday.com, Fiverr, and CyberArk—reflects the nation’s unparalleled ability to foster innovation across industries. With revenues ranging from hundreds of millions to over $2 billion annually, these firms are not only economic powerhouses but also strategic partners to American businesses.
The deep integration of Israeli technology into the U.S. market highlights a symbiotic relationship: American corporations benefit from Israel’s cutting-edge solutions, while Israeli companies gain access to a massive, innovation-driven economy.
As industries like cybersecurity, autonomous vehicles, project management, and freelancing continue to evolve, Israel’s tech giants will remain indispensable players, driving progress and reshaping the global economic landscape.
Israel’s role as a hub of technological innovation ensures that the “Startup Nation” will continue to produce transformative companies with profound impacts on global businesses, particularly in the United States.
