Toot Shani

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

30

4 תגובות

Ever wondered why Israel is consistently one of the world's most innovative countries with the highest number of unicorns per capita? Learn about the ingredients of Israel's secret sauce from the most qualified ones: Yoav Chelouche, former Board Member of Tel Aviv Stock Exchange - הבורסה לניירות ערך, venture capitalist and corporate strategist, and Benny Schnaider, serial entrepreneur, angel investor and the icon of Israeli start-up ecosystem. This is the first can't-miss session of the upcoming webinar series hosted by Tachles VC and moderated by Robin Bienfait, founder of Atlanta Tech Park and partner at Tachles VC. Registration in the post below. #tachlesvc #startupnation #atlantatechpark #venturecapital

13

I was recently included in the list of the 1,000 most active angel investors in Israel https://lnkd.in/erPY8utD (I invest in Israel, the US, and Europe) The authors (Joey Faur and Oz Hassine from Flashpoint Venture Capital) gave some great tips on reaching out to angel investors. Since the article is in Hebrew, I am providing the translation below for your convenience. ''When crafting your pitch, keep the message short and focused, and make sure to include several key elements: 1. Opening: Briefly introduce yourself and your startup. 2. Value Proposition: Highlight what sets your startup apart and why it’s an excellent investment opportunity. 3. Achievements: Emphasize significant accomplishments, such as winning competitions or participating in accelerators. 4. Meeting Request: Clearly state your intention to discuss a potential investment. 5. Attachments: Include relevant materials, like an investor pitch deck, but avoid overloading with unnecessary information. 6. It's important to maintain conciseness—a message that’s too long won’t get read. When an angel investor shows interest, you need to be fully prepared for the meeting. Have a deep understanding of all the details related to your idea—financial data, forecasts, key performance indicators, competitors, and anticipated challenges. Your pitch should focus on the investor’s areas of interest and address potential questions even before the angel asks them. Even if you don’t secure an immediate investment, continue to nurture the relationship with the angel investor you met. Regular updates on your startup’s progress can keep the door open for future investment opportunities. Avoid Common Mistakes Now, let’s discuss two common mistakes you should avoid: 1. Failing to Do Research: Research investors before reaching out to prevent unnecessary misunderstandings. 2. Understanding Angel Risks: Acknowledge the risks angels face, such as dilution of equity and later-stage investments. Showing angels that you understand their perspective can increase their trust in your ability to make good use of their money.'' ---- Interested in investing in VCs & startups? let's connect.

29

8 תגובות

ICI Fund was ranked among the Most Active Foreign VC Funds investing in Israel! 🎉🍾 ICI Fund strongly believes in the #Israeli #startup ecosystem and will continue to invest in incredible Israeli #entrepreneurs with #AI solutions that are #securing our #future. In 2024, ICI Fund invested in: 1. Feminai, led by Karny Ilan, MD, Shani Klein and Gal Yanuka; 2. Rangers.ai, led by Ayelet Biger-Levin; 3. Reborn Medical, led by Shir Kashi 4. UrbanMix, led by Sharon Yavo Ayalon and Daphna Levine 5. Stay tuned! In process 💪 ICI Fund is planning to invest in at least two additional companies by the end of 2024. We focus on #preseed stage #investments. If your vision includes transforming a critical industry, securing our future, and improving the world—and you possess the unwavering determination to make it happen—we'd love to connect with you. Let's meet! #BringThemHomeNOW!

82

19 תגובות

Israeli startups: 624 active VCs for you. A free, curated list of international investors investing in Israeli startups. (Link in the comments). The list has been hand-checked by the Meet.Capital team and includes: Website; Location; Investment thesis/description; Preferred domains; Linkedin company page; Contact email. ❤️ If there is someone who you know who can benefit from this post - tag them. ❤️ If your VC, syndicate or family office invests in Israeli startups, introduce yourself in the comments - and DM me, if you want to be added to the list. * Visit Meet.Capital and join more than 6,000 founders and investors receiving our weekly 5 startup tips.

18

11 תגובות

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?

291

16 תגובות

2023 was a tough year for Israeli startups. After a few slow quarters, the Israeli startup ecosystem is starting to show signs of recovery and stability. According to the latest tech review for Q1 2024 (by LeumiTech and IVC Data and Insights): - Israeli startups raised $1.74 billion in Q1 2024, just 1% below Q1 2023 - Q1 2024 had more seed rounds than each of the 3 previous quarters in 2023 - Cyber dominated in M&A and large rounds Link to the my post (and the report) in the first comment 👇

20

1 תגובה

🚀 Unlocking the Secrets Behind Israel's Startup Success! 🚀 Ever wondered why Israeli startups consistently outperform others on the global stage? The insights shared in our recent "Venture Insights" webinar were eye-opening — even for our Israeli attendees! 🌍 What made this session truly unique? We had the rare opportunity to hear from two pioneers who were there at the very start of Israel’s journey to becoming the Startup Nation—Benny Schnaider and Yoav Chelouche. They shared untold stories about the roots of Israel’s entrepreneurial success, from early government initiatives and immigration trends to the army culture that has shaped the high-tech powerhouse we know today.💡 Here's an impressive fact: More than 50% of Israel’s exports come from high-tech—and it's all powered by just over 10% of the population. That’s impact!💥 The webinar also delivered strong messages to our European audience, offering invaluable advice on collaborating with Israeli entrepreneurs and unlocking innovation potential across both regions.🌐 Moderated by the brilliant Robin Bienfait, an experienced global tech executive, the discussion was dynamic, engaging, and packed with actionable insights.💬 Missed the live session? No worries—you can still catch the recording! Check out the link in the comments if you’re curious about what makes Israeli startups tick and how these lessons can be applied to your own ventures.🎥 #VentureInsights #StartupNation #IsraeliTech #Entrepreneurship #TechWebinar

14

2 תגובות

BlinqIO, a startup founded by Israeli entrepreneurs Tal Barmeir and Guy Arieli, has raised $5 million in a Seed funding round. The funding was led by Flint Capital and included investments from Inovia Capital Precede Fund I, TAL Ventures, and SeedIL. BlinqIO has developed autonomous human-like virtual testers operated by AI, providing companies with an infinite pool of testers that can be integrated into the development process. This allows companies to allocate higher value work to their human workforce. The platform leverages generative AI and Large Language Models (LLM) to enhance its operations, with the AI test engineer being able to comprehend requirements and autonomously create and maintain test automation code. The funding will enable BlinqIO to establish new offices in the U.S. and expand its workforce. Impact on the generative AI industry: Positive. BlinqIO's platform, which combines generative AI and Large Language Models, offers a solution to remove bottlenecks in test automation and provide developers with instant feedback. This advancement in autonomous software testing can greatly enhance efficiency and productivity in the software development industry. Question for discussion: How do you think the integration of human-like virtual testers into the development process will impact the software development industry? #AItesting #SoftwareDevelopment #Automation

3

1 תגובה

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.

53

1 תגובה

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

61

Kudos to Kobi and the InsurTech Israel team for this fantastic infographic! Kobi, your leadership and vision are truly driving innovation in our industry. It’s inspiring to see the impact you and your team are making in shaping the future of insurance. It’s great to see Motoro featured among such trailblazers, and we’re proud to be part of this journey with you. At Motoro, we’re not just participating; we’re pioneering a new era in vehicle security. Our innovative solutions are designed to tackle the growing challenges of car theft head-on, reducing financial damage and enhancing safety for all. We’re setting a new standard in the industry, leading with technology that doesn’t just meet today’s needs but anticipates tomorrow’s threats. If you’re not following what we’re doing, now’s the time. Explore our groundbreaking work at www.motoro-security.com . #InsurTech #Innovation #Leadership #VehicleSecurity #CarTheftPrevention #AutoInsurance #RiskManagement #InsurTechIsrael

8

2 תגובות

2025 is going to be massive. That’s not just a belief; it’s my promise. I’m all in, doing whatever it takes to make it happen. Founders, this is for you — I know you are hungry to achieve your next milestone. Applications are open, and we’re here for one reason: to help you level up. You’ve got what it takes; now let’s take it further. Not a founder? You’re part of this too. Pass it on to someone who deserves a shot—you could be the reason their journey takes off. You may not feel this, but you are a giant and founders need to stand on your shoulders. Let’s make some noise!

15

1 תגובה

Recently I spoke with my friend Jonathan 'Yoni' Frenkel about the current landscape of the Israeli tech scene as we’re headed towards the end of 2024.   What’s been clear is that Israeli founders know how to make lemonade out of lemons. We know that resilience and adaptability define Israeli founders. Whether it's adjusting team dynamics, pivoting product strategies, or rethinking business models, they've continued executing at a high level. I know this is true because I’ve seen firsthand the progress that many of our companies at 97212 Ventures have made this past year. Not all has been perfect, but progress has been made. As we look towards 2025 post-US elections, other questions are coming up. Will the IPO market be more active? Will M&A deals go back to normal? Is funding for both VCs and startups going to get a bit easier to close? We will know in the coming months. Yet, some aspects of startup life will remain the same - being resilient, adaptable and scrappy. As we continue to build our portfolio at 97212 Ventures, we are eager to connect with more like-minded founders. If you’re working on something new, reach out to me directly! #startupnation #2024goals #venturecapital

81

4 תגובות

What does money mean to you? Beyond the necessities, what value does it have? It was a question I asked Yotam Segev CEO Cyera, because I believe there is something to be learned how everyone connects with money. Link to the full episode in the comments

63

4 תגובות

This episode with Yotam Segev CEO Cyera is 🔥🔥🔥 A quick highlight of the many topics we discussed Link to the full episode in the comments.

53

1 תגובה

Innovation truly is a state of mind at Bina - Bridge Innovate Nurture Advance and it was an honor to be part of launching the “BinAi” club, focused on empowering Bina's team with advanced Gen AI tools. Huge thanks to everyone involved, Oshrat Horowitz, Sharon Fireman, Reut Mashiach, Hezi Sztainberg, Ph.D.,Orel Yaverbaum and Merav Marom, for their dedication to bringing this vision to life. During our workshops, we explored the transformative power of research and scientific writing Gen AI tools like Elicit, Connected Papers, QuillBot, Bit.ai, and Scite. We also had an interesting discussion about implementing enterprise Gen AI tools like ChatGPT Enterprise and Claude for enterprises, highlighting their potential to supercharge productivity and drive innovation across the board. However, as we discussed, with these advantages come responsibilities: ensuring accuracy, addressing privacy concerns, and balancing AI’s role alongside human creativity and expertise. The team is on a meaningful journey with BinAi, and this is only the start of their potential. It was a pleasure to collaborate with such a dedicated and forward-thinking group. DOCERE #Gen ai #Gen_ai_in_research #Innovation #AI #HealthcareAI #BinAi #Teamwork #Bina #EnterpriseAI #FutureOfWork #llm

19

2 תגובות

Is the Israeli business community truly ready for high-achieving Haredi professionals to take leadership roles in the tech ecosystem? We are, as Safra-Tech’s mission is to integrate Haredi professionals into the tech ecosystem, with a focus on #entrepreneurship and #startups We're not merely asking how we can slot Haredi workers into low-level roles… we're asking a far more ambitious question: How can we make Haredi society a key stakeholder in the tech ecosystem? It’s not about individual Haredi employees entering the tech world… it’s about a shift in Israeli society’s perspective, becoming key influencers and decision-makers, and having the ability to progress, to secure better jobs, and to make a real impact This is a wake-up call, not just for Haredi society, but also for the wider Israeli business community. As an example, the current #VC scene (which drives tech) in Israel is centralized, steeped in a Tel Aviv culture that brings with it its own mindset and politics To effect real change, we need to alter the landscape itself Aside from giving it lip service, does Israeli society truly want integration? Is the business sector ready for Haredi professionals to become C-level executives, managers, and policy influencers? If the answer is no, then we need to ask ourselves why… Why are we content with Haredi employees occupying low-level roles, but not decision-making positions? To catalyze progress, we need outside investors who understand the need for change, who are willing to provide the financial backing necessary to make this vision a reality. This cannot be left to the same players who have dominated the scene so far. They are too dependent on the status quo, and too concerned with their own well-being… Let's work to make Haredi society an integral part of the tech ecosystem at all levels If you’re interested in joining us in reshaping the tech ecosystem, reach out to me directly to learn more! #startupnation #venturecapital #thoughtleadership

10

2 תגובות

In our fast-paced world, understanding the emotional connection between your brand and your audience can transform your results. While transitioning from Bangkok to Israel, I experienced this firsthand. The moment I saw the El Al plane, I felt an overwhelming sense of home, all thanks to their powerful slogan: "El Al - the homiest place in the world." (As translated from Hebrew. In English it’s “El Al- home away from home”) This simple, yet profound experience reminded me how crucial emotional resonance is in marketing. It's not just about the features of your product or the services you offer; it's about how you make your customers feel. El Al doesn’t just transport people; they transport hearts to a feeling of home, regardless of geographic location. There is a powerful lesson here. When your brand successfully connects with customers on an emotional level, you don't just sell a product or service; you provide an experience that resonates deeply. So ask yourself: how does your brand make your customers feel? Are you just a stop on their journey, or are you bringing them home? Reflecting on this can help us create more meaningful, impactful marketing strategies that go beyond the conventional.

7