Google’s $32 billion acquisition of Israeli cybersecurity startup Wiz is making waves for its sheer scale, but an unexpected gesture involving Assaf Rappaport’s beloved dog, Mika, has captured the hearts of many.
According to Bloomberg, during the initial negotiations last year, which eventually fell through after Wiz turned down a $23 billion offer from Google, the tech giant took a unique step to win over Rappaport and his team. In an effort to further engage with the company’s culture, Google offered a playful but deeply personal gesture—a mock employment contract for Mika. It was a lighthearted attempt to bond with the Wiz team, underscoring the company’s approach to making the deal personal.
Sadly, Mika passed away four months ago before the deal was finalized. Rappaport, who had a profound bond with the dog, shared an emotional tribute on LinkedIn following her death, calling her “the love of my life.” In his heartfelt obituary, Rappaport described Mika as his constant companion, a source of comfort and joy through both personal and professional challenges. “I can’t just go about my day. I need you by my side; I don’t feel complete without you,” he wrote, reflecting on the deep connection they shared.
Mika has her own LinkedIn page on which she is listed as a Wiz employee with the title CDO – Chief Dog Officer.
While the acquisition itself is groundbreaking—the largest in Google history—Mika’s story adds an unexpectedly human layer to the corporate transaction. Google’s gesture, though light-hearted, spoke volumes about the personal side of business deals, especially for a company like Wiz, where the founders had a deep sense of camaraderie and care for each other, as well as their pets.
