Evgeny Knafel

It was a real pleasure to participate yesterday in a fireside chat organized by the Commercialization Reactor as part of its bootcamp for researchers who are considering becoming future deep tech entrepreneurs. The robust discussion we had was moderated by Anton Adamovitch with the participation of Kristaps Jaudzems and Robert Dwilinski. The goal was to provide some broad recommendations and suggestions to the bootcamp participants on what to take into account when preparing for discussions with VCs or other investors. Here are the key teakeaways: 🔗 business strategy and IP strategy are intertwined; clarity on IP ownership is crucial for investors; ⚖ team composition is critical: scientific expertise must be balanced with strong business acumen; 🛒 market validation and understanding the competitive landscape are essential for attracting investment 🔀 scientists should be open-minded and flexible when commercializing their research, considering various paths (e.g., startup, licensing). ⚠ don't approach VCs immediately; seek advice from accelerators, mentors, or business angels first. ⛔ lack of competition can be a red flag for investors, suggesting the problem you are working on may not be significant I hope it was a meaningful experience for the participants of the call, too bad we couldn't meet in person and explore these themes in more detail. Maybe next time! Radix Ventures Michal Olszacki Małgorzata Szcześniak DJ Nag Vassil Karaivanov Ilona Gulchak Wojciech Ratymirski Gabriela Konopka-Cupiał Krystian Gurba Krzysztof Gulda

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The Q3 2024 Israeli capital raising preliminary report is out with some positive trends/ momentum, which is pretty remarkable, given the war. 🔹 Israeli startups raised $2.43 billion in the third quarter of 2024, across 99 rounds, representing a 32% increase compared to the same period in 2023 (pre war). Excluding the large transactions (6 transactions of over $100 million), the investments in the third quarter amounted to $1.33, a 5% increase compared to the previous quarter. ♦️ Despite the growth, Q3 2024 saw a 20% decrease in funding and a 17% drop in deal volume compared to Q2 2024, highlighting volatility. 🔹 In contrast to the dominance of the cyber sector in the previous quarter (62% of the total capital raised), in the third quarter the scope The transactions amounted to about 14% of the total of all rounds. SSI Inc. $1 billion round accounted for 41% of total Q3 investments. ♦️ Foreign investor participation remained strong, while local investor activity declined due to geopolitical and economic uncertainties. Link to the IVC Data and Insights preliminary report in Hebrew and my post on VC Cafe in English the first comment 👇

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Private capital is playing an increasingly prominent role in institutional portfolios. Currently, $84 billion of the total assets managed by institutional investors in Israel are allocated to private capital markets. I am pleased to share an article published this morning in TheMarker, where I examine the segmentation of alternative investments by leading institutional investors in Israel, their allocations to private capital funds, and some notable trends emerging within this sector. In the article, I discuss the significant rise in fund flows toward one of the most unexpected sectors during this period. I also explore how advancements in AI - an area of growing interest, have influenced this trend. I invite you to read the full article for a comprehensive overview of the current landscape of alternative investments in Israel. You can access the article here > https://lnkd.in/dHw3aU_W #PRIVATE_CAPITAL

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As a result of the war, the Israeli defense industry and defense-tech companies have been at the forefront. A recent article I wrote for Calcalist כלכליסט explains how we can leverage the significant investments made in defense industries and their outstanding achievements for environmental sustainability and overcoming climate change. Dual-use technology refers to technologies that can be used for both military and civilian purposes, thereby maximizing the advantages of advanced technologies. A drone is a great example of dual-use technology – on one hand, it can be used for military surveillance, and on the other hand, it can also be used to monitor climate-related changes such as methane and other GHG emissions monitoring, weather patterns, etc. In the article, I provided more examples of dual-use technologies, including satellite technologies and green transportation. Defense industries and Israeli defense-tech companies can play a central role in dual-use technology. Investing in dedicated bodies like Capital Nature can provide the necessary network and market access for these technologies. This can revolutionize both sectors and drive progress towards a safer and more sustainable future. #DualUseTechnology #Defensetech #ClimateCrisis

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Tel-aviv has improved its position among the top startup ecosystems worldwide according to Startup Genome's 2024 report (https://lnkd.in/dN3aUa_h). What a powerful evidence of Israeli startup and innovation environment's resilience and the unshaken trust of the global investor community. The Israeli high-tech sector remains to be the engine of the nation’s economy, accounting for 18% of GDP, 48% of exports, and 11% of workforce. At Tachles VC we are proud we can back the next generation of cyber, cloud and infrastructure AI Israeli-born start-ups. Karel Tušek, Sivan Kanev, Boris Chovnik, Robin Bienfait

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  **Clean2Go System Concludes Successful Pilot in Negev Region, Israel**   We are excited to announce the successful completion of the Clean2Go pilot project in the Negev region, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the Chief Scientist of Israel.  This innovative waste management platform has showcased impressive results, marking a significant step forward in our efforts to enhance environmental sustainability.   Key Highlights from the Pilot:   -Waste Account Reduction: Two participating municipalities experienced a remarkable decrease in waste metrics, with reductions ranging from 20% to 27%. This demonstrates the effectiveness of Clean2Go in promoting efficient waste disposal practices.   Private Contractor Work Reduction: The pilot also managed to significantly reduce the workload of private contractors, showing a decrease of over 80%. This decrease not only reflects increased efficiency but also promotes a more sustainable model for waste management.   Enhanced Truck Efficiency: There was a notable improvement in the operational efficiency of cleaning trucks, with a 15% increase in their productivity in work mode. This optimization ensures that resources are utilized effectively, leading to better service delivery.   The positive outcomes of this pilot highlight Clean2Go’s potential to transform waste management practices across Israel. As we move forward, we aim to incorporate these findings to further refine the system and expand its implementation including AI capabilities in additional municipalities.   Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our commitment to environmental excellence and community support through innovative solutions like Clean2Go.   For more information, please contact Kobi (Jacob) Kalderon Gold Ventures Investment #Network #Startups #VC #SmartCity #Investor #Goldventuresinvestment

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Academic research in the field of climate holds immense importance as a cornerstone in building the ecosystem and high-tech industry in this area, especially regarding materials, chemistry, and hardware. This week I had the privilege to participate in a conference held by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Energycom, focusing on the relationship between academia and industry - "From Nano Materials to Macro Applications.” Earlier this month I talked to students from The Technion and before that speaking at Tel Aviv University- in all these occasions I had the opportunity to highligh that close collaboration between academia and industry is crucial to addressing the climate crisis. Transferring technology from academia to industry, supported by incubators, accelerators, and VCs, can contribute to climate resilience. Additionally, as early-stage investors, we have the ability to guide startups at the beginning of their journey toward the right development and business roadmaps to build a real business. I was honored to join a panel moderated by Glenn Yago alongside other leading investors in the energy sector: Gideon Friedmann, Karina Rubinstein and Shani Zanescu. We focused on investing in renewable energy technologies and how we can work together to create a sustainable energy future. I thank The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Daniel Baron from EnergyCom and Ofek Vardi from Energy Community JLM for this insightful event. #ClimateTech #SustainableFuture #Innovation #AcademiaIndustryCollaboration

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#Israel's #investment landscape in Q1 2024 is growing compared to Q3. Despite the current challenges in Israel, #startups are proving again to be #resilient as they continue to raise money and grow. Israel's decrease in investments is in par with that of the US in 2023. Read more about Israel's investment landscape and about ICI Fund's portfolio companies in ICI Fund's May newsletter: https://lnkd.in/dBnXWYcK #Startupnation will always stay #resilient, #nomatterwhat.

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Thanks Pam Simon for the interview, and it's always a pleasure to engage with your team at Manifest: The Future of Supply Chain & Logistics 🙏 Cambrian Robotics Cybernetix Ventures #robotics #automation #machinevision #logistics #warehouseautomation

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Dear All, I am thrilled to share that I have recently relocated from Silicon Valley to Dhahran, Saudi Arabia and joined Plug and Play Middle East - a very exciting new chapter for me professionally and for us as a family of 4. Special gratitude for Saeed Amidi, Seena Amidi and Omeed M. for trusting me with this opportunity - and for many of my colleagues in the global Plug and Play Tech Center family who have supported me and become a part of my journey in the past 8 years - to name a few Sanam (Amidi) Amidhozour Michael Olmstead George Damouny Ivan Zgomba Alireza Masrour Sobhan Khani Phillip Seiji Vincent Candela FitzGerald de Suñer Miguel Bello García Allison Romero Marc Steiner Michelle Hanna John Kouzmenko - and everyone from the front of the line to the back office in Accounting, HR, Legal, Marketing and IT. You all are very special and I am (will be) forever grateful. Having spent the last 8 years immersed in the heart of global innovation in the Bay Area, even from that far, I have been witnessing for a while the tremendous positive change happening right here in Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom’s bold approach to innovation and progress is nothing short of remarkable, and I am excited to be part of this incredible transformation. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is built on three pillars that resonate deeply with me: 1. A Vibrant Society – Creating a rich cultural and social life for its people. 2. A Thriving Economy – Fostering a diversified economy driven by entrepreneurship and innovation. 3. An Ambitious Nation – Transforming the country through sustainable development and forward-thinking leadership. I am eager to leverage my background and experience in venture capital, entrepreneurship, and innovation to significantly contribute to the Vision 2030 goals. The opportunities here are boundless, and I am more motivated than ever to play a role in shaping the future of Saudi Arabia! Let’s connect and explore how we can collaborate to drive this exciting journey forward! #SaudiVision2030 #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #Transformation

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IZMO Ltd is a leading global technology company specializing in digital solutions for the automotive industry and enterprise customers. Known for its innovative products, IZMO has carved a niche in offering cutting-edge technology-driven services that enhance customer experiences and operational efficiency. About IZMO Ltd Foundation and Vision Established with the goal of delivering advanced digital solutions to meet the evolving needs of the automotive and enterprise sectors. Committed to innovation, quality, and customer-centric solutions. Headquarters Based in India, with a global presence spanning the United States, Europe, and other key markets. Core Services and Offerings Automotive Solutions Interactive Media: Offers high-quality 360-degree car interior and exterior visualizations, helping automotive dealers showcase their inventory effectively. Dealer Platforms: Comprehensive solutions for dealership management, including CRM, marketing, and lead generation. Car Configurators: Advanced tools enabling customers to customize and visualize vehicles online. Marketing Services: Digital marketing campaigns tailored for the automotive industry to drive customer engagement and sales. Enterprise Solutions Web Development: Custom websites and e-commerce platforms designed for various industries. Content Management Systems (CMS): Streamlined tools for managing digital content efficiently. Customer Engagement Tools: Solutions like chatbots, virtual assistants, and data analytics to enhance user interaction. Digital Consulting Strategic consulting services to help businesses adopt and implement technology solutions. Expertise in transforming traditional processes into digital workflows. Key Strengths of IZMO Ltd Global Presence Offices and clients across North America, Europe, and Asia. Collaborates with major automotive OEMs, dealerships, and enterprises worldwide. Technology Expertise Pioneers in leveraging advanced technologies like AI, machine learning, and AR/VR for innovative solutions. Customer-Centric Approach Focuses on delivering tailored solutions that address specific client needs and market trends. Strong Intellectual Property Owns a vast library of digital assets, including the largest repository of car images and data globally.

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From old to new... Replacing damaged products through reverse engineering. We help companies keep their production running smoothly by solving challenges as they arise. Utilizing state-of-the-art technologies, we ensure seamless operations. Demetris Photiou Konstantinos Charilaou Simlead Product Design #ManufacturingExcellence #ProblemSolving #ReverseEngineering

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Japanese Investments In Israel 2024 H1 Total number of Japanese investments in H1 2024 was identical to last year. While the volume of Investments decreased by 32%  Among the investors are six New leading Japanese companies that invested in Israel for the first time. Japanese investment accounts for 9% of all foreign investment in Israel A survey conducted by Harel-Hertz Investments House Ltd. Indicates that Japanese investors are still eager to invest in Israeli High-Tech, though the volume of investments registered a decline. Of the $317 million invested in Israel in the first half of 2024, $263 million were follow-up investments, which are preservation and support of existing investments. Although the fall in volume, the number of investments remain same as in the first half of 2023 – 33 investments! An important feature of the composition of Japanese investments is the high weight of the strategic investments made by the funds of the largest enterprises in Japan. In this context, it is important to note the joining of six new leading companies as investors in Israeli technologies. Japanese investors main interest during this period is in cyber and security technologies, artificial intelligence, and Fintech versus a relative decline in the fields of Life Science and the environment. The full report can be downloaded free from: https://lnkd.in/dcnUhCKd

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At Aption, we’re constantly uncovering fascinating insights from our data. Today, we’re highlighting some of the fastest-hiring companies that are making waves in the market. Check out the list below to discover these incredible organizations. If they’re not already on your radar, they should be: Who else do you you know of that is growing fast in the Israeli startup market? Let us know in the comments!

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These are the 15 Israeli early stage startups that have grown fastest in the past 6 months. All these companies are in the 50 and 150 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 clustering models There are some standout names here that are no surprise that they are on the list #1 Voxia at 277% growth 🚀 🚀 #2 Idan Health at 256% 🚀 #3 Upwind Security at 215% #4 OurRitual at 96% #5 Bridgewise at 87% #6 Nimble at 86% #7 Guardz at 85% #8 LayerX Security at 83% #9 BRIA AI at 82% #10 Ask-AI at 80% #11 Finout at 75% #12 Growthspace at 71% #14 GWave by HadarTech at 71% joint with #14 Raziel Therapuetics at 71% #15 Faddom at 63%

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"𝐈𝐬𝐫𝐚𝐞𝐥𝐢 𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐡 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬", as highlighted in the new Startup Nation Central report. Despite the war and a global decline in tech funding, Israel’s tech sector raised $7.8 billion across 577 rounds, a slight decrease from the $8.2 billion raised during the same period last year. The average investment amount was $21M, the highest since 2021, and the median amount $8.5M- an all-time high. Leading sectors were health tech & life sciences with 123 rounds. This is excellent news for Israel’s innovation economy and particularly for the medtech landscape. At NGT we are proud to see our ecosystem rise to meet global challenges, driving technological advancements that improve lives. The success of Israeli innovation, even amidst uncertainty, shows the strength of our talent, our ideas, and our resolve. Read the full report here > https://lnkd.in/dKaeUVyH #Medtech #LifeSciences #IsraeliInnovation #StartupNation Avi Hasson, Aaron Gefen, Einat Ben Ari

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If you are in Israel these days AND in the Agritech business, please join me at this networking event in Ofakim next week: https://lnkd.in/eS9YJggC The AgroTech Accelerator is a non-profit project lead by the impactful Or Movement, Sarona Ventures, Hamitbach and the Israeli Innovation Authority. Their space is amazing - and the mission so important: empowering Israeli innovation in agro, water, climate, and biomaterials. OR Movement תנועת אורIsrael Innovation AuthoritySarona Ventures

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