CrowdStrike Global Chief Technology Officer Elia Zaitsev is departing after 13 years to launch Cognition, a new venture capital firm. The startup focuses on artificial intelligence within the cybersecurity sector. Zaitsev previously directed the company’s technology vision and strategy.
Cognition is targeting a $170 million fund for its debut. Zaitsev is co-founding the firm with former CrowdStrike corporate development executives Gur Talpaz and Tayler Sipperly. The team plans to lead or co-lead seed and Series A funding rounds.
The firm will make a small number of concentrated investments annually. CrowdStrike shares fell nearly 3% in premarket trading following the announcement.