Eran Friendinger

WhatsApp Business and ChatGPT: A Dynamic Duo Transforming Customer Communication! 🌟 I'm thrilled to share an insightful new blog post from Commbox that delves into the revolutionary integration of WhatsApp Business and ChatGPT. This dynamic duo will transform customer service across industries, offering unparalleled efficiency and personalisation. In today's digital-first world, businesses must leverage cutting-edge technology to meet the high expectations of modern consumers. The integration of WhatsApp Business with ChatGPT is not just a technological upgrade; it's a paradigm shift in how we engage and support our customers. From healthcare to retail and education to municipal services, this powerful combination enhances customer interactions like never before. Explore the future implications of AI in customer communications and learn how to navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead. Take advantage of this must-read post that uncovers the potential of AI-driven customer service! Read the full blog 🔗https://bit.ly/3wVntfb #CustomerService #AI #WhatsAppBusiness #ChatGPT #DigitalTransformation #Innovation #CustomerExperience #FutureOfWork #Commbox CommBox

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These are the 15 Israeli growth stage startups that have grown fastest in the past 6 months. All these companies are in the 151 to 500 employee category. The data is based on headcount data that we collect at Aption and is one data point that feeds our company insights and #EquityPooling clustering models Unsurprisingly a lot of cyber, dev ops and deep tech names here #1 daily.dev at 491% growth 🚀 🚀 #2 Port IO at 220% 🚀 #3 Particula at 120% 🔥 #4 Exodigo at 97% #5 Tailor Brands at 60% #6 Cyera at 55% #7 Hello Heart at 51% #8 Anyword at 50% #9 Candex at 39% #10 Pinecone at 39% #11 Paragon at 36% #12 Silverfort at 33% #13 Jones Software at 30% #14 Fullpath at 29% #15 Atera at 27%

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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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There is something very special about monday.com, ironSource, Yotpo, Lemonade, Fiverr, Playtika, and the other B2B startups that were founded in the early 2000s. They built the playbook that the current Israeli startup ecosystem stands on. I would love to interview these founders: Eran Zinman & Roy Mann CEO monday.com Tomer Tagrin. CEO Yotpo Tomer Bar-Zeev CEO ironSource Micha Kaufman ceo Fiverr Daniel Schreiber CEO Lemonade Or any founders that built from the early 2000s and still building. If someone can make an intro or ask them directly to come on the Founder StorieZ Podcast I would greatly appreciate it 🙏

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Israeli tech is at a crossroads On the one hand, we see a surge in tech, particularly with AI. On the other hand, we're dealing with a decrease in economic activity and a potential shift in the job market While it's true that the current situation in the country has led to a decrease in economic activity, we must also consider the impact of AI on the job market. Companies may be using the current economic climate as a cover to transition to AI-driven operations, a move that isn't typically popular… The rapid development of AI, such as OpenAI's GPT-3, suggests that we may see a big shift in the job market sooner than anticipated. While this is great for efficiency, it also raises concerns about job security, and the future of jobs Furthermore, the job market, especially in the tech sector, is becoming increasingly competitive There are fewer jobs than there are people looking for work. This issue is particularly pronounced in the Haredi community, where job opportunities are even scarcer. The community faces additional challenges, including bias and a lack of experience. Most training programs today don't offer job experience or placement, leaving individuals to navigate the job market on their own Given these circumstances, #entrepreneurship emerges as a viable path… knowing how to run a business and possessing skills that can't be easily replicated by AI can be a real advantage Along with those challenges, another major question is… is Israel a conducive environment for setting up a business?   The Israeli government's stance towards businesses, particularly #startups, plays a big role in shaping the country's economic landscape. High taxes and stringent regulations can deter entrepreneurs, pushing them to relocate their businesses to countries like the US This trend is worrying… as startups and new businesses are the key drivers of economic growth. A decrease in the number of companies not only reduces job opportunities but also hampers growth The government's role in fostering a supportive environment for businesses cannot be overstated Initiatives to ease regulations, provide tax cuts, and offer support can significantly enhance the business landscape, encouraging entrepreneurs to establish and grow their businesses in Israel While it's true that thriving businesses may not always equate to more jobs, particularly because of #AI, they do contribute to economic growth. The profits generated by these businesses can be reinvested into the economy, catalyzing further growth The next few years in this country are about striking a balance between embracing tech, entrepreneurship, and ensuring job security, as well as creating an environment conducive for building businesses What are your thoughts on this? Let me know in the Comments section below Safra-Tech Calcalist כלכליסט CTech by Calcalist #startupnation #artificialintelligence #israelunderfire

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YL Ventures is thrilled to partner again with Seattle-based Eran Barak having led the $11 million #seed round of his new #startup MIND! YL Ventures also seeded Eran's last #venture Hexadite, which was acquired by Microsoft. Together with cofounders Itai Schwartz and Hod Bin Noon, and CRO Tyson Hempel (former CRO of exited YL Ventures portfolio company Medigate), Eran is launching today the first-ever platform to put Data Loss Prevention (#DLP) on autopilot! Other investors in the round included #cybersecurity luminaries from CrowdStrike, Adobe, ADT and FireEye, Inc. MIND is a new breed of DLP that leverages #AI and smart #automation to instantly and comprehensively identify, detect, and prevent #data leaks. With the capacity to monitor billions of data events 24/7 in #realtime, MIND is a DLP solution completely reimagined for today's complexity, already ripping & replacing painful legacy solutions at enterprises across America. Read more here: https://mind.io/ And in Reuters: https://lnkd.in/gRhBEkbV

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"AR computing!" Say goodbye to traditional laptops. An Israeli entrepreneur has innovated a technology that bids farewell to our traditional laptops. Tamir Berliner- founder of Sightful and the innovator behind the Spacetop G1! What is the Spacetop G1? Spatial computer that seamlessly integrates the functionality of a laptop with the capabilities Of Augmented Reality (AR). A 100-inch virtual workspace replaces the need for a physical screen. Spacetop G1 adapts to various environments, whether at home, in the office, or on the go. This represents a step forward in integrating AR technologies with daily tasks. Spatial with AR transforms how we interact with digital content, personally and professionally. The real test will be in its execution. The usability of the AR interface, the battery life, the comfort of AR glasses, etc., are crucial. I believe Sightful has managed to address these practical concerns effectively. And I am awaiting the official release in india. Congrats to Tamir Berliner and the team for their bold move and fantastic innovation. The Spacetop G1 is an evolution in how we think about personal computing. Soorya Narayanan | AppLogiQ #applogiq #innovation #entrepreneur #techentrepreneur #augmentedreality #spatialcomputing #management #startups

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Founders’ Corner: The Power of Focus, Hiring for Hunger, and Tackling Problems Early Meet Israel Krush co-founder and CEO of Hyro, a digital health SaaS company R-Squared Ventures is proud to be an investor in. Hyro bridges gaps between patient expectations and workforce capacity with AI-powered digital assistants, automating tasks like appointment management and prescription refills. To date, Hyro has raised $50 million and partnered with some of the largest health networks in the US. I met with Israel in NYC recently and asked him to share insights from his journey as a founder. The power of focus. Reflecting on the early days, Israel shared, “We started by serving multiple industries. I wish we’d focused on one customer segment instead of trying to build a ‘holistic platform.’ By narrowing our focus, we could deeply understand one segment, reach product-market fit faster, and drive revenue growth.” Hiring for hunger. Israel prioritized “hungry” talent. “Especially early on, hunger beats experience. We’ve had people grow with Hyro all the way to C-level. It’s about finding agile, self-driven team members who can adapt and thrive.” Addressing small problems early. One key lesson: don’t ignore recurring issues, no matter how small. “If a problem keeps repeating itself, tackle it before it grows, because it will. This includes acting quickly on culture or skill misfits, and having tough conversations around product and GTM direction.” Advice for first-time founders. Connecting with founders who’ve faced similar challenges: “Seek advice from experienced founders who genuinely want to help, not those looking for financial gain. Their perspective can help you avoid pitfalls.” Choosing investment partners you connect with deeply. Israel stresses the importance of a personal connection: “Winning or losing is up to you and your team, but choose investors you’d want by your side during the lows. You need someone you trust for genuine feedback through tough times. That’s your right partner.” To Israel and the Hyro team, thankful to be part of your journey. Your determination, drive and execution are truly motivating. Glad you moved to NYC to tackle your market from within, and excited to see Hyro’s continued trajectory in transforming digital health! #foundertips #startup #vc #venturecapital #entrepreneur #founder

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In today’s fast-paced and uncertain environment, accessing top tech talent often means expanding internationally. At COMMIT Offshore, with 200+ team members across four global centers, I’ve found that thriving in global hiring depends on two main factors: 🔑 Cultural Compatibility: Embracing cultural diversity is key. For instance, Israel’s direct style can differ greatly from the more reserved approach of Ukrainian, Armenian professionals. 🤝 Emphasis on Soft Skills: Technical expertise is critical, but it’s the adaptability, communication, and teamwork skills that truly bind a team. Identifying and understanding personality types can transform team dynamics: 🔍 The Analyst – Detail-oriented, thorough, and structured. Perfect for roles that need data-driven decisions and precision. ✅ The Task-Oriented – Mission-focused, efficient, and punctual. Ideal for tasks with tight deadlines and clear objectives. 🎤 The Promoter – Charismatic and engaging, they light up the room. Great fit for Sales and Marketing! 🤝 The Supporter – Calm, empathetic, and reliable. Perfect for roles in care-giving and customer support. Creating successful international teams goes beyond recruitment—it's about building a shared culture that resonates globally. Read the full article 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dXVPZ4nd #GlobalTalent #RemoteTeams #TechHiring #ITOutstaffing #ITSolutions #OutstaffSolutions #ITOutsourcing #StaffAugmentation #TeamAugmentation

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Last week Bria was ranked #20 of the most promising startups in Israel, kudos to the team! It is a long journey to build a startup. At 8 years old, I fell in love with mathematics, and at that point, I knew that's what I'd get my PhD in. That passion not only shaped my academic path but also ignited my interest in visual technologies and AI, which led me to pursue a PhD in computer vision. During my studies, I began to realise just how much the future of content would change with AI coming into the mix. Fast-forward to 2020, during COVID and before the Gen AI hype, I combined my understanding of how visuals can be generated with AI and the valuable enterprise experience I gained in my previous role at Trax Retail, to co-establish an AI startup called BRIA. We had one simple goal: To make it easy for any individual and company to generate the exact visuals needed for any use. Our key objective in helping you achieve this is to ensure that we provide you with a transparent, open, and responsible AI platform trained solely on licensed data, no public figures and deep fake, no privacy infringement. And in a world where more than 43% of people don't trust companies to use AI morally, Responsible AI use has never been more important. In building BRIA, we've been able to help businesses all over the world scale their content development process. And what gets me even more excited is that we've been able to partner with different creators to ensure that their creativity is respected, rewarded, and isn't pirated. We trained our own high quality foundation models and built the core tools of Generative AI so everyone can use it. The journey so far has been anything but linear, and I'm eager to continue sharing the innovative features we're developing, discuss the critical importance of Responsible AI, and explore how you can leverage our platform to its fullest potential. Join us as we pave the way for a new era of content creation, where innovation meets integrity.

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🚀 We're One of Dun’s 100 Top 20 Startups to Work For – Again! 🎉 For the second year in a row, Jit has been recognized as one of the top startups to work for in Israel! But this isn’t just an award – it’s proof of what we’re building here: a team-driven culture that’s all about innovation, collaboration, and growth. 💡 At Jit, we don’t just solve challenges; we redefine them. We celebrate every win, support each other through the tough moments, and have a blast along the way. With a team-first mindset, we’ve created a home where ideas flourish, careers thrive, and impact is made every single day. 🌟 Looking to grow, make a difference, and love where you work? We’re hiring! Check out our open positions in the first comment – your next adventure starts here. 👇 Shai Horovitz Aviram Shmueli Daniel Koch Ilanit Nitzan Gilad Barzilay Michal Lipschitz Rob DiNuzzo Chris Reeves

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CASE STORY - PART 3 - End-2-End analytics ---- So, let's continue our journey. This time I'm gonna tell you about quite an interesting thing - end-2-end analytics, and how we implemented it in Tel Aviv Medical Center - T.A.M.C Ltd. (actual report on the cover, to give you the brief idea what's it's all about 😊) That was one of their main pains when we first met, and also one of the most useful instruments a private clinic can use to improve their marketing. So, to all the CMOs, digital marketing specialists etc. - I would definitely recommend you to check it out. https://lnkd.in/e5-XxdiE #healthcareIT #HealthIT #DigitalHealth #e2eanalytics

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IVC Data and Insights report on the Israeli venture market for Q1-Q3 2024 reveals: - $7.4 billion invested in Israeli startups, surpassing the entire 2023 total of $6.9 billion. - $13 billion generated from exits, a 26% increase from 2023's $10.4 billion. - 23% surge in foreign investments year-over-year. - 67% of capital sourced from global investors, with 33% from Israeli funds. - $2.7 billion secured by early-stage startups, the second-highest figure in Israeli startup ecosystem history (after 2022's record). These figures demonstrate investors' confidence in the long-term sustainability of the Israeli startup ecosystem. Trust received, challenge accepted. We're building the future, brick by brick.

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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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I’m constantly asked: What are you at NFX looking for when evaluating GenAI investments? Or by founders just starting out, asking: Which direction should we take? The answer is simple: AI will be a part of every investment we make and every startup that emerges from now on — in Israel and globally. #TB to the Calcalist כלכליסט AI Conference, which sums up the answer perfectly: Meir Orbach NFX Mickey Haslavsky enso Gila Hayat Evyatar Ben Artzi Vendict CTech by Calcalist

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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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Looking forward meeting you at this Negev Web Developers meetup this Wednesday 18:30pm at #wix Gav Yam, Beer Sheva. This will be a very interesting and relevant topic for developers who want to stay up-to-date on using AI DevTools for test generation and, most importantly, building better code, faster. #israelsoftwaredevelopment #israelsoftware #genai #unittesting

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