Tzvika Barenholz

🚀 Exciting Announcement! 🎙️ I'm thrilled to share that I was recently interviewed for the first episode of a new podcast series by "People & Computers," hosted by the insightful yehudak konfortes; As one of the few Israeli experts in AI standardization and its integration with local regulation, I have been spearheading Israel's efforts globally since 2017. In this inaugural episode, we delve into critical discussions on the international AI arms race, focusing particularly on the regulatory elements where AI standardization plays a pivotal role in global-local dynamics. We explore the regulatory landscape intertwined with AI advancements, offering a unique perspective on how nations are navigating this complex terrain. As Head of Delegation to both SC42 (International AI Standards) and JTC21 (EU AI ACT Standards), as well as a Contributor to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) (US) and Standards Council of Canada (SCC) (Canada), I hope to add value by bringing a fresh and unique perspective. 🎧 Tune in to the podcast on Spotify: https://lnkd.in/duhjdvxb While my podcast under ISRAI.AI (link in comments) is in English and geared towards a professional audience, the "People & Computers" series is in Hebrew and aimed at the general public. Hope you enjoy this short episode and, as always, be in touch and let me know your thoughts! Join us as we unpack the dynamic and ever-evolving world of AI! #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #Podcast #AIStandardization #InternationalRelations #TechRegulation #SC42 #PeopleAndComputers European Commission ISO - International Organization for Standardization IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission)

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Great accomplishment to our cyber ecosystem, Eleven Israeli startups are featured in the Rising in Cyber list, which highlights the most promising cyber companies in the U.S. https://risingincyber.com/ The project was organized by the global venture capital fund Notable Capital, in cooperation with the NewYork Stock Exchange, Fenwick, and HSBC Innovation Banking. The list includes: Gomboc.ai , Oligo Security , and Wing Security among the 10 early-stage companies; Astrix Security, Descope , and Grip Security at the mid-stage; and Cyera , Drata , Island , Orca Security , and Wiz at the growth stage. The Rising in Cyber survey of more than 100 security leaders revealed three innovation drivers needed by security teams to adapt to a growing footprint of technologies, the rise of AI, and the evolving sophistication of cyber criminals. These themes provide a glimpse into the future buying patterns of CISOs. 1. Identity and Access Management The rise of non-human actors and identity-centric, malware-free attacks, which accounted for 75% of incidents in 2023, highlights the urgent need for robust identity and access management (IAM) solutions. Startups are stepping up with next-generation Identity Governance and Administration (IGA), new authentication platforms, and privileged access management tools. 2. Cloud Security With the transition to multi-cloud architectures, traditional security tools remain inadequate for cloud environments. Innovations in cloud detection and response, data security, automation, risk management, and AI threat detection are becoming essential. 3. Application and Code Security The widespread use of open-source code introduces new vulnerabilities, while AI supercharges product security teams. Startups enabling collaboration between developers and security teams are leading the way, with AI improving code remediation and testing.

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Very interesting report of Israel's AI ecosystem by F2 Venture Capital, Google Cloud and Deloitte. 🔍 On a high level: - The AI startup ecosystem in Israel is booming, with over 2,150 active AI companies, representing ~30% of the local tech sector. - Startups leveraging AI attracted over 60% of all capital raised in 2023. - The country ranks 3rd globally in private AI investment, demonstrating its strong position in the global AI market. 💡 Key takeaways from the report: - Vertical AI is a stronghold. It attracts the largest share of private funding, with Life Sciences, Healthcare and Fintech (banking, financial services and insuretech) leading the charge. Israel's deep domain expertise in these sectors positions it as a potential global leader. - Autonomous Enterprise (Horizontal AI) shows promise. Cybersecurity is a particular strength, capturing 56% of the segment's funding However, the development of multi-modal, end-to-end solutions and AI agents presents further opportunities for cross-industry applications. - AI & Data Ops is a key area for growth. Israel's strong talent pool and focus on enhancing existing infrastructure make it well-suited to address the growing demand for cloud-based AI Ops platforms and efficient data management solutions. There are also plenty of challenges: securing and nurturing AI talent, sustaining investment and navigating the global AI landscape/competition. Link to the report in the first comment 🔗

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Good finds its way to the top! The Israeli tech scene is exploding, and the number of exits and investments we have seen in the last few months is mind-blowing. So, we have packed some of the most talked-about tech leaders into a virtual event titled "Unicorn Nation," which will take place on 6/27. Co-hosted with Asaf Wolff 🦅 and Bereisheet, this event will cover everything you need to know, from fundraising to exit strategies. Founders like Ran Ribenzaft, who sold his company to Cisco for $500M, and Arick Goomanovsky, who sold his for $265M, will share their tips on crafting the right exit strategy. On the fundraising side, we have brilliant founders like Amir Elichai Sivan B. and Hilla Ovil-Brenner from Arieli Capital who will provide their insights on what it takes to raise funds in today’s market. We’ll hear Guy Benjamin's story on how he was able to raise a $32M Series A round without a presentation, and more. Tomer Shani from Meitar Law Firm and Adi Hoorvitch Lavi, PhD from Poalim Tech will cover the landscape of investments, exits, and IPOs in the tech market. Ever wondered how to calculate your raise? Shlomo Neumann , a financial wizard who has led startup rounds and raised hundreds of millions, will answer that question and more. Lastly, we’ll have a special keynote from Haim Pinto, Cisco CTO to EMEA, who will share his views on the explosion we see in Israeli tech these days. Don’t miss out. Registration is FREE - https://lnkd.in/e45ZnFWn #fundraising #startup #unicorn #tech #startupnation #founders

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Yesterday at the Knesset, I had the privilege of representing the מערך הדיגיטל הלאומי - Israel National Digital Agency alongside Nir Yanovsky Dagan in a special committee discussion on AI, Cloud and the Israeli High-Tech sector. We engaged with numerous leaders from the Israeli Data and AI Ecosystem to explore the remarkable growth potential, investment opportunities, and rapid advancements that have defined our field over the past two years. It was truly inspiring to witness the strong collaborative spirit and shared commitment to strengthening Israel's leadership in AI and technology. The connections forged among government, business, academia, and civil society are essential for turning this vision into reality. We stand at a unique and significant crossroad, with a moment in time that we must leverage and embrace. The risks associated with inaction are daunting. We are committed to taking decisive action now, together, across the Ecosystem and I feel fortunate to collaborate with such dedicated and intelligent partners who share our sense of urgency! #AI #Data #Cloud #Innovation #growth

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Alphabet in negotiations to acquire Wiz for $23 billion - According to WSJ, the Google parent plans to purchase the Israeli cybersecurity company in what would be its largest acquisition ever. Also, it would mark the largest ever exit in Israeli tech history, and a major milestone for the country's economy. The cloud security firm, founded in 2020, announced two months ago that it had raised $1 billion at a $12 billion valuation, bringing the company’s total funding to $1.9 billion. Wiz has acquired two Israeli startups since its founding - Gem Security, a cloud detection and response (CDR) provider and Raftt, a cloud-based developer collaboration platform. Its meteoric rise can be attributed in part to its $350 million in ARR reached this year and a customer base featuring over 40% of the Fortune 100. Google has been a huge supporter of the Israeli tech industry. In June 2013, it purchased Waze for $1.1 billion, thereby creating the first domestic unicorn. In retrospect, the purchase was a catalyst for the tech boom that carried the industry, and the economy as a whole, over the last decade. If the Wiz deal goes through, it will be the largest acquisition of an Israeli company, surpassing the record currently held by Mobileye, which was sold to Intel for $15 billion in 2017. Personally, I have had the privilege and pleasure of witnessing the growth of the Israeli tech industry up close for nearly two decades. It has become one of the pillars of the Israeli economy and, by all measures, the community punches above its weight when compared to similar industries in advanced economies, especially given its size and geopolitical vulnerabilities. Again, if the Wiz deal goes through, it will be a celebratory moment for Israel's tech community given the challenges brought on by the Gaza conflict as some founders and entrepreneurs are choosing to register their startups abroad and when many others are finding it ever more difficult to raise capital. #israel #startups #innovation #cybersecurity #cloud #google #wiz

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✨ Startup Nation Central has launched a new Report, AI Innovation in Israel's Tech Ecosystem, featuring insights from industry leaders. ✨ Israel's AI landscape is making waves globally, standing out as one of the most vibrant ecosystems with an impressive density of startups and scaleups. The country’s entrepreneurial DNA and tech talent, combined with the large number of AI-driven companies and the strategic presence of leading multinational research centers, has positioned Israel to drive transformative change across $100T worth of industries. Ready to explore Israel’s dynamic AI landscape and discover what’s next? Read the latest Finder Report here 👉https://okt.to/d4NfLi

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Today, I came across a concerning trend that made me reflect on the state of our tech ecosystem. Despite the hype and excitement surrounding Israeli startups in recent years, the number of new technological entrepreneurship ventures has been on a steady decline. This downward trajectory persisted even during the explosive growth of 2020 and 2021. It's disheartening to witness the decrease in new early-stage tech companies sprouting into our ecosystem. The challenges we face seem to go beyond temporary economic crises or societal issues. The root causes may lie in how our government and investor communities are approaching sector strategies and regulations. As a part of the Israeli startup nation, it's crucial for us to address these underlying issues to ensure the continued growth and success of our tech industry. Keeping this trend going is not an option for our ecosystem, and it is maybe one of the most important challenges we need to think about in the near future. This graph came from the Israeli Innovation Authority's 2023 annual summary report and IVC data.

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Israel’s Position in the Global AI Race! A comprehensive report we published earlier this week in collaboration with Google highlights the growth of the AI sector in Israel, alongside significant warning signs for the future, and analyzes domestic attitudes towards AI in a global comparison. 💡Key Insights: 1. Growth in AI Companies: There are about 2,300 AI companies operating in Israel, making up a quarter of the local high-tech sector. Half of the startups founded in 2023 report using AI technology.    2. Increase in AI Investments: Approximately 50% of total investments and the number of funding rounds in Israeli high-tech in 2023 were in AI companies. However, the increase in investments in Gen-AI startups in Israel is significantly lower compared to the global trend.    3. Shortage in Human Capital: AI roles in Israel heavily rely on employees with advanced degrees (over 60%). Yet, less than 700 Master's degree graduates in computer science, mathematics, and statistics join the workforce each year.    4. Public Attitudes towards AI: More than 80% of Israelis believe that the impact of AI technology will be felt in the next 3-5 years. About 80% of Israelis think that AI has more advantages than disadvantages, a much higher rate than the global average of 55%. This research report, written by Eynav Ehrlich and Tigist Mekonen, is the first deliverable of the Google & RISE Israel (formerly SNPI) #AIForward project aimed at promoting and implementing AI policy for the benefit of Israeli society and economy. The full report in English >> https://bit.ly/4dPlMR9 The full report in Hebrew >> https://bit.ly/4bCrGTU Uri Gabai Yam Atir ‪Gaya Harari-Heit‬‏ #AI #Future

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Thanks CTech by Calcalist for interviewing me. The past 12 months were far from trivial but I'm bullish about Israeli founders' resilience and their ability to realize the potential of new technologies to drive a wave of innovation in AI, fintech, anti-fraud, cyber, defence and more

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$23 billion - and Wiz is not even 5 years old! Simply put, opportunity abounds thought the Israeli tech ecosystem. For VC investors, Israel is simply the place to be. (If you are an investor and interested in a tech investing mission to Israel, Israel Tech Mission has 4 upcoming trips, including a September trip focused on Space, Defense, & Tech led by Phantom Space CEO and former partner and VP at SpaceX Jim Cantrell and joined by Apollo Astronaut Charlie Duke and Teladoc Founding CEO Michael Gorton. For more information, please email [email protected].) David Siegel Avigail Goldglancz David Malton, David Nakar Michael Eisenberg #standwithisrael #startupnation #Israel #israelitech #google #alphabet #vc #venturecapital #investing #tech4israel

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I recently had a great conversation on The Ecosystem Podcast with Alon Cinamon, Rawaa Makhoul, and Eitan Gueron, where we explored the startup scene in Israel, the Middle East, and Africa. We talked about the unique strengths of the Israeli ecosystem, including its close-knit community, the ease of getting feedback, and the collaborative nature among founders. We covered the challenges startups face today, especially in a tough fundraising environment. Despite the difficulties, it's encouraging to see so many entrepreneurs pushing forward with innovative ideas. I shared how, at Google for Startups, we’re focused on helping early-stage companies navigate these challenges by connecting them with mentors, offering technology resources, and creating a supportive community. Another key takeaway was the importance of giving back to the ecosystem. Google is committed to supporting startups not just to grow our platform, but to help build a stronger, more innovative ecosystem overall, and I’m grateful to be part of this mission. Thanks to Alon, Rawaa, and Eitan for the insightful discussion. It's always inspiring to connect with others who are passionate about nurturing the next generation of innovators. You can catch the full podcast episode via the link in the comments. Looking forward to continuing this important work together 🙏

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The Israeli tech sector has a reputation for its rich innovation and healthy competition. Actually, there are now more than 2,300 AI startups active in Israel today. Pretty incredible, isn’t it? It’s no secret to us here in Israel that our companies are disrupting existing markets and creating new ones while fostering an amazing community of technical talent. I’m proud that Google Cloud has been doing its part to build on these AI endeavors. So, who are some of the leading AI customers from Israel? Meet five incredible companies that are showing the world how Israel leads in new tech >> https://lnkd.in/erPvKAvs #CloudForIsrael #AI

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Over this past year, we’ve learned anew the strength that we have as a nation. And if you’ve read recent headlines regarding funding rounds and exits of Israeli startups, you will see a clear demonstration of resilience in action. According to a recent report by Startup Nation Central, the Israel tech ecosystem has recently completed: - 220 private investment rounds - An estimated $3.1 billion raised - $3.7 billion in M&A transactions - 20 new venture capital funds were established, raising $1.7 billion And it’s not just internal optimism. A recent poll conducted by the global accounting company Ernst & Young showed that about 60% of multinational companies expressed confidence in the Israeli tech industry. Some might say that what happens in Israel is simply miraculous. I say that it’s because of the resilience, grit, determination, creativity, innovation and perseverance of our people. And Google Cloud Israel is proud to support our hi-tech community, from early stage to enterprise and everyone in the middle. 76 years and counting… Israeli tech continues to deliver No Matter What. https://lnkd.in/dbpvwcuW. #GoogleCloud #CloudForIsrael #StartupNation #Resilience #NoMatterWhat

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Wake up, Samma. It’s happening 🔥 🚨 Ilya Sutskever, ex-OpenAI chief scientist, launches Safe Superintelligence Inc.! 🚨 Focused on AI safety and capabilities. 🧠 - Co-founded with Daniel Gross and Daniel Levy. - Offices in Palo Alto and Tel Aviv. - Actively recruiting technical talent. 💬 “SSI means safety, security, and progress insulated from commercial pressures.” - Sutskever 📈 Fan facts: •Designed as a for-profit entity. •Strong interest and likely heavy funding. What do you think about SSI’s mission? 👇

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A big round of applause to two of our Enjoy The Work startups, Faye and Darrow, for securing spots among the 50 most promising Israeli startups in 2024 by CTech by Calcalist. The article spotlights these top 50 Israeli startups, highlighting their contributions across various sectors, including insurtech, cyber, cleantech, and AI. Despite the unprecedented challenges of the past year, Israeli startups have demonstrated remarkable resilience and ingenuity, excelling amid adversity. Notably, Faye and Darrow have earned their place among the top 10! 🎉 We couldn’t be prouder of Faye's founders, Elad Schaffer and Daniel G., and Darrow's founders, Evyatar Ben Artzi, Gila Hayat, and Elad Spiegelman, for this well-deserved recognition. Moreover, we extend a hearty congratulations to our friends at F2 Venture Capital and Maor Fridman, Barak Rabinowitz, and Jonathan Saacks for having four out of 50 startups featured on this prestigious list. Alongside Faye and Darrow, their startups Astrix Security and Zero Networks have also earned recognition. Quite an achievement! Read the full article and learn more about this remarkable milestone here: https://lnkd.in/d9i-SPnf Stay connected with all the latest from Enjoy The Work companies by following here: https://bit.ly/3YwOQnZ. #venturecapital #startups #founders #entrepreneurship #companybuilding

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Google's BIGGEST acquisition: Israeli cybersecurity company Wiz. Despite recent doubts, Israel's tech scene is thriving. VCs and big tech see this too. Remember when Intel announced its $25 BILLION chip factory in Israel in late December 2023? It's clear—Israel is still a hotbed for innovation and talent. Here are the stunning reported facts: - Wiz boasts about $500 million in ARR, making this deal’s multiples mind-blowing. - It reached $100m in revenues ONLY 18 months after launch. - Just two months ago, they raised $1 billion at a $12 billion valuation. This deal is a massive win for the global tech ecosystem. It injects much-needed liquidity (a great point made by Harry Stebbings) and boosts Israel's tech landscape during a difficult time for the country. The skeptics can step aside. Israel remains one of the best places in the world to build, invest in and acquire tech companies. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ UPDATE JULY 23, 2024: Reports that Wiz has turned down the acquisition offer! Relevant article in the comments #startups #venturecapital #investing #Israel

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I was recently interviewed about the dangers of Chinese smart cars. This topic reminds me of a talk I gave in 2014 at RSA San Francisco, alongside the superstar Hila Meller, and at TEDx in Greece (thanks to the amazing Keren Elazari). Both talks were titled "State-Sponsored Spies Inside Facebook." In these talks, I discussed the growing cooperation between commercial entities and their governments. I concluded with this question: Will we teach our children not to download certain apps just because they were developed in an enemy country? Just a few years later, this scenario has become a reality. For example, the U.S. government prohibits its personnel from installing the Chinese TikTok app, citing concerns that it is used by the Chinese government to track people globally. It's easy to vilify China as the "evil giant," but let's not forget that the U.S. has engaged in similar activities. Edward Snowden revealed that the NSA used data from companies like Google, Facebook, Microsoft, and Apple to promote American security and economic interests. And the U.S. is just one example in a long list of countries engaging in such practices. To summarize my RSA and TEDx lectures in one sentence: Nations have both homeland and financial incentives to embed spies in commercial companies like Facebook, Google, and Apple. Years after my lecture, it was discovered that Saudi Arabia had hired three spies inside Twitter to gather information on regime opponents. The Saudi authorities boasted of a new secret weapon against dissenters, claiming that the anonymity of the internet no longer protected them. Surprisingly enough, Saudi Arabia has started building their relationship with the Twitter spies, just 5 months after my talk. I hope my lecture wasn't the inspiration for their actions, though the RSA conference is attended by 30,000 people, and my talk had only about 30 attendees (0.1%). So, the chances are slim. Now, this scenario is repeating itself with smart cars. These vehicles are equipped with countless sensors, including microphones and GPS, transforming what was once a private space into an advanced surveillance system. This poses significant security risks, especially for military and security personnel who might have confidential conversations in their cars. And this is before we even consider the cyber threats, such as car hacking and kidnappings. However, it's essential to remember that the smart car war is primarily an economic one. The American automobile industry accounts for over 3% of the U.S. GDP. The Chinese see the smart electric vehicle revolution as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reshape the industry and aim to be the leading player. They have numerous advantages, such as natural resources, mass production experience, and cheap labor. Moreover, the Chinese government is making it a national goal to dominate this sector, even subsidizing car production to artificially lower prices. The car war is on.

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