Jackie Goren

Today, Koby & I had the privilege of meeting Adv. Hila Rom 🎗, the dynamic Founder & Managing Partner of RUNI Ventures, a venture capital fund affiliated with Reichman University in Israel. Hila is a true powerhouse, blending her extensive experience as an entrepreneur, investor, and business leader to drive innovation and empower the Israeli startup ecosystem. Under her leadership, RUNI Ventures has quickly become a game-changer, providing early-stage funding and resources to extraordinary tech founders. During one of the most challenging years in Israel, Hila and her team managed to build a new fund, partner with top-tier investors and already made 9 (!) investments in groundbreaking startups – a testament to the confidence investors have in Hila’s leadership and in the brilliant founders she backs. RUNI Ventures offers unparalleled support to startups, including access to top talent, expert mentorship, and a global network, all aimed at nurturing the next wave of Israeli innovation. It’s inspiring to see Hila Rom and Reichman University working hand in hand to fortify Israel's visionary innovators building disruptive tech companies 💡✨ If you’re as passionate about supporting visionary founders and driving innovation as we are, RUNI Ventures is definitely a group to watch! As far as we at Sakal Group Family Office are concerned, we've already spotted a few collaborations between our portfolio companies. #Leadership #Innovation #StartupEcosystem #VentureCapital #ReichmanUniversity #RUNIVentures #WomenInBusiness #Israel

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Is it shopping season for Israeli technology? The recent surge in M&A activity in Israel is the most significant sign of hope and optimism I’ve seen since October 7th. It demonstrates the potential of Israeli tech and the faith placed in it by top global companies. When technology leaders choose to further expand into Israel and acquire local teams, you know financial outlooks are positive. In cybersecurity - often the poster-child of Israeli tech - we’ve seen five acquisitions in quick succession totaling more than $1Bn. Flow Security by CrowdStrike (~$200M), Avalor Security, a Zscaler Company ($350M), Gem Security (acquired by Wiz) ($350M), Silk Security by Armis ($150M) and Entitle by BeyondTrust (~150M). All are led by exceptional individuals, well done! Perhaps more telling is the emerging AI industry. Last week NVIDIA announced its acquisition of two companies for a combined value of $1Bn. Congratulations RunAI ($700M) and Deci AI ($300M). Mainstream media is so focused on the voices of a racist minority calling for boycotts and divestments that they fail to capture actual news. Antisemites might yell the loudest, but the actions of multinational corporations speak louder than words. I am optimistic about the future. Are you?

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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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We all have choices. Israeli entrepreneurs choose to thrive

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Exciting insights from Startup Nation Central’s new Q1/24 report point to unique #investment opportunities! Learn more here >> #innovation #startupnation Israel Innovation Authority רשות החדשנות Israel Innovation Authority

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24 Hours Away: JOURNEY 2024 - The Innovation Conference of Israeli High-Tech Innovation on the horizon: A roadmap to Israel's tech future JOURNEY 2024 is almost here, and it's shaping up to be a pivotal event for our industry. As we stand at the crossroads of rapid technological advancement, this conference offers a unique lens into the future of Israeli high-tech. The agenda is packed with substance: from dissecting global trends to unveiling groundbreaking technologies. We'll have the opportunity to hear from a diverse array of experts who are actively shaping our industry's trajectory. This isn't just a conference - it's a gathering of minds that will influence the direction of Israeli tech. Whether you're a startup founder, an investor, or a tech enthusiast, there's invaluable insight to be gained. Explore the full agenda: https://bit.ly/2YrdwUz Noam Canetti | Elad Sternlicht | Noam Bardin | Shlomo Dovrat | Michal Kissos Hertzog | Stephen Klasko | Inbal (Biran) Kreiss | Yifat Oron | Anna Pelkin | Reed Rayman | Izhar Shay | Adam Singolda | Adi Soffer Teeni | Eyal Waldman #EYJOURNEY

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Beyond Stocks and Bonds: Why Alternative Investments (Alts) Can Strengthen Your Portfolio

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לכל מי שמחפש קשר ישיר לחברות ביטוח - האקסלרטור המקוצר והאיכותי הזה בשבילכם (והפעם נפתח ללא תשלום! ) Kobi Bendelak For those who thought of turning to the world of insurance but have not yet done so -* Join our 7th cohort - *Insurtech Israel Bootcamp* I'm excited to announce the launch of another special acceleration cohort of our joint business partnership. This time , our focus will be on supporting on startups that are considering entering or have recently begun to enter the insurance world. Our aim is to provide intensive support, equipping with the necessary tools, knowledge, and connections to thrive in the insurance industry both locally and globally. Here's a brief overview of the schedule: 10/03 - Opening of registration for the program 16/05 - End of registration 03/06 - Selection Day (physical event in Israel with virtual participation for partners abroad) 16/06 - The cohort starting day 18/07 - Graduates event - On TLV' s seashore Startups, therefore it is recommended that you register for the program (*the program is free of charge but requires an investment of time and involvement*) which will open up to you many contacts in the world, a lot of knowledge about the world of insurance and speed up the activity significantly yours in this complex world. Our past experience shows that the program has greatly helped the mature startups To register, please use this link - https://lnkd.in/eVVtqYdJ Key Highlights of Our Program: Our program boasts an impressive lineup of partners, including from the insurance space , *AIG, IAG from Australia , Lloyd's of London, AON, Sompo insurance from Japan, AF group & Broker Tech Ventures from USA, Migdal insurance & Direct Insurance from Israel , and from the technology and business space Dell Technologies, Sapiens, Microsoft, Milliman, Deloitte, ReSource Pro, Bolttech, and more*. These collaborations provide an unmatched platform for your growth.

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In this episode, we speak with Shmuel Mizrachi Ginat. He’s an entrepreneur and venture capital investor with deep experience in business development, capital raising, investments, and M&As. Shmuel has helped raise close to 100 million USD for over 80 startups and has personally invested in 17 Israeli startups. He’s the founder of Crowdinnio, a holding company with ventures in P2P lending, secondary markets, crowdfunding, and more. He also founded EvE, an investment banking firm specializing in M&As, guiding startups through capital growth and regulatory challenges. We discuss: - The challenges of investing in early-stage startups and the importance of diversifying investments - How Shmuel’s belief that his generation onwards will live at least till 100 impacts his investment strategy  - The importance of chemistry between co-founders and the need for a strong team to support each other - Growing a network while being an outsider in a new market - And much more! We hope you enjoy your listen! Listen on your default podcast app: https://lnkd.in/dKKvEnSF We’re excited to collaborate with the Israeli website CTech by Calcalist, owned by Calcalist כלכליסט – Israel’s leading business newspaper. CTech is the gateway of Israeli high-tech to the tech world and vice versa. If you’re not already a regular reader, we strongly recommend you check it out and stay up to date on all high-impact stories from the Israeli tech scene. Zooming out, if you like listening to this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss new conversations with peak performers, serving as a reminder we can all tap into the best versions of ourselves. You’re also welcome to follow Ronen and Noa on Linkedin: Ronen Menipaz Noa Eshed🎗️ And if we may ask for a favor – please leave us a review on your native podcast app. #reallifesuperpowers #entrepreneurship #podcast #leadership

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The Israeli tech sector has indeed shown remarkable resilience during times of conflict, including the recent escalation of violence. Several factors contribute to this resilience: 🇮🇱 Robust Infrastructure: #Israel has a well-established tech #ecosystem with strong infrastructure, including advanced telecommunications and #cybersecurity measures, which helps companies maintain operations even in challenging circumstances. 🇮🇱Adaptability: Many tech companies in Israel are used to operating in a dynamic environment. This #adaptability allows them to pivot quickly and implement emergency protocols as needed. 🇮🇱 Government Support: The Israeli government often provides support to the tech sector via Israel Innovation Authority רשות החדשנות and more during #crises, including #financial aid and resources to help companies navigate challenges. 🇮🇱 Global Market Reach: Many Israeli tech firms have a global customer base, which can provide some insulation from local #disruptions. This international presence allows them to continue operations and generate revenue despite local challenges. 🇮🇱 Innovation and Agility: The culture of #innovation in Israel encourages companies to develop new solutions #rapidly, often leading to the creation of products that address emerging needs during crises. 🇮🇱Community and Collaboration: The tech #community in Israel is known for its #collaborative spirit, with companies often supporting each other during tough times, sharing resources and knowledge. Despite the challenges posed by conflict, the resilience of the Israeli tech sector highlights its ability to adapt and thrive even in adverse conditions. #Israelgroup #Legalmarketing #Funding #Startupnation #AI #MA https://lnkd.in/dUWGbM7c

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Change is at the heart of our business.   For 25 years, throughout innovation waves and economic cycles, Viola Ventures stayed committed to its vision of building global category leaders out of Israel.   In line with this, we continue to implement strategic plans to ensure continuity and adapt to the challenges and opportunities in the next 25 years.   Today we announce that Viola Ventures' next fund (the seventh) will be led by GPs Zvika Orron and Omry Ben David, together with Viola co-founder Shlomo Dovrat, who will continue as a General Partner in the seventh fund to complete the transition.   More on this at CTech by Calcalist piece below

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On October 7, everything in Israel changed, including the Startup Nation. In episode Episode #34: Startup Nation – Looking Back, Looking Forward of The Global Connection podcast, Jackie Goren, head of the Sofaer Global MBA at Tel Aviv University, interviews Nimrod Cohen, the managing partner of TAU Ventures. The two discuss how the Startup Nation has fared since October 7, its outlook moving forward and the lessons in agility and leadership to be learned from this time. 🎙️ Full Episode: https://bit.ly/4b4rbSd

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Since 2018, there has been a significant decline in the percentage of women serving as CEOs or chairpersons in public companies in Israel, with women comprising 23.4% of board members in the tech sector, according to Deloitte. Michal Tsur, Co-CEO and co-founder of Remepy, highlighted to Calcalist כלכליסט that diverse workforces achieve better results, while Shuly Galili of UpWest emphasized the need for more women to be involved in the AI industry. Check out Maayan Manela's full article 👇🏼

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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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I’m humbled to be recognized as a Champion by RUNI Ventures, alongside an inspiring group of fellow RUNI alumni who made their mark in the tech world, founding & leading exceptional tech companies! In case you haven’t heard, Reichman University launched RUNI Ventures, a pre-seed VC focused on supporting early-stage founders. It’s an awesome, founders-first platform designed to fuel growth and connection with exclusive resources. Tomer Salvi, Gilad Kapelushnik, and I founded Segoma before this amazing initiative came to fruition, but if you're looking for a Founders-First VC that fosters growth, connection, and exclusive resources, you should definitely check them out! Here’s to championing big ideas, bold moves, and a brighter future! #IamAChampion Hila Rom 🎗 Tomer Golan Romi Oppenheim Yossi Maaravi

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Assaf Rappaport, Yinon C., Ami Luttwak and Roy R., we are proud of you! 🤗 💪 We typically don't post exits by founders who are also 8200 graduates. It's partly due to modesty and partly because it's become a recurring Israeli success story. Our focus is on empowering Israeli society through our incredible alumni network. Wiz's remarkable achievement, if finalized soon, is definitely an exception. It reminds us that the tech scene is a space for fulfilling dreams and building a stronger Israel. It also underscores the importance of equal access to the high-tech industry for ALL Israelis. That's exactly what drives our educational programs Aharai TECH | TECH אחריי and TechLift 8200, our professional training initiatives, and the 8200 For Startups platform with its ideation, acceleration, and early-growth programs that are open to every Israeli and not just ex-8200s. This also underscores the enduring value of the 8200 Unit as a cornerstone of the "Startup Nation." It reinforces the immense power and responsibility we, 8200 alumni, hold to continue leading the Israeli tech scene alongside the amazing talent from all walks of Israeli society. Israel tech delivers. Period.🇮🇱 #israeliinnovators #startupnation 🇮🇱#8200alumni Screen shot from CTech by Calcalist

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How can a culture be boycotted? In September 1959, a press conference was held in Tel Aviv initiated by the director of programs at Kol Israel, Dr. Yeshayahu Shapira. At this meeting, Dr. Shapira stated that the management of Kol Israel had decided to allow singers from abroad to sing in German on the radio, but emphasized that the ban on playing the music of Richard Wagner and that of Richard Strauss would remain valid. The boycott of German music began as early as the years of World War II and continued even after the establishment of the state. All songs written or sung in German - even if they were by Goethe or Schiller - were confiscated and not played or performed in public. Nevertheless, "Kol Israel" decided in September 1959 to allow the American singer of Greek origin, Helena Nikolaidi, to sing Strauss songs on the radio. Harsh criticism was leveled at the newspapers in Israel, and in response to this criticism, Hugo Bergman wrote: "The newspaper wrote about Kol Israel's decision to play songs in German on the radio, and it was said that playing German songs would hurt the feelings of many people in Israel. Allow me to comment that there are also people in Israel who have boycotted this language - The language in which Goethe and Herzl wrote, and in which all the Zionist congresses conducted their discussions until the establishment of the state, evokes in them a sense of shame and disgrace. Kol Israel is asked to consider the feelings of these people." How does one boycott a language? What are the limits and limitations of the boycott? And how can a cultural boycott be used as political leverage? These and other questions will be discussed by Prof. Gideon Reuveni and Dr. Sharon Livne at the seventh meeting in the Annual Lecture Series: "Boycott, Banishment, Exclusion" on the topic "The Law Versus Order: The Short-Lived Boycott of Germany at the Beginning of the State of Israel." The event will take place on Wednesday, 01.05.2024, at 19:00 and will be held online. For more details and registration: https://bit.ly/3xsXFXL

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Good finds its way to the top. No other statement can better describe the rise of Israeli tech. Especially this year. And so we have lined up some of the most talked about names in the start-up scene for one event, Unicorn Nation. What to expect? A panel of tech founders who in total sold their companies for over $1B to some of the world’s biggest brands. You’ll learn from leading CEOs who raised millions of dollars this year, how to raise in today’s market and how to build your storytelling the right way. We’ll cover the landscape of Israeli tech investments, exits and IPOs And lastly, we’ll teach you how to calculate the amount you need to raise and how to build your financial storytelling before a raise. Stay Tuned, more to come soon! #startup #tech #fundraising #unicorn #exit

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