Uri Yarden

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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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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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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As we close out 2024, we’re reflecting on a year that pushed Israeli tech to its limits—and once again, we rose to the challenge. At F2, our portfolio companies hit major milestones, with several securing significant growth rounds (shoutout to Faye, Astrix Security and justt). We also welcomed a wave of new founders who are applying AI to tackle untapped opportunities in overlooked markets. 2025 will be all about focus. For our founders, that means honing go-to-market strategies — doubling down on what works and cutting what doesn’t. For the founders we’re looking to back, it’s about breaking through the noise, outpacing incumbents and bringing bold vision to underserved markets. We're more optimistic than ever and if this is what you’re looking to build, let’s talk :) Check out our full 2024 recap here: https://lnkd.in/d-qUZGT3 F2 Venture Capital

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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.

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In Q3 2024, Israel's tech ecosystem saw a significant surge in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), driven by high-value transactions despite global and regional challenges. Here's a summary of the key trends and activities: 1. **Increase in M&A Value**: M&A activity in Israel rose by 40% year-over-year, reaching $12 billion in total exits by Q3 2024. This reflects global and domestic confidence in Israel's innovation capabilities, particularly in sectors like AI, cybersecurity, and healthcare【8】【9】. 2. **Notable Transactions**:   - **Blackstone** acquired Priority Software for $800 million, demonstrating the global appeal of Israeli enterprise software.   - **Nvidia** purchased Run:AI for $700 million, highlighting the strategic importance of AI startups.   - **Johnson & Johnson** expanded its healthcare offerings with the $600 million acquisition of V-Wave, a medical device innovator【10】. 3. **Shift in Deal Dynamics**: Although fewer deals were made compared to 2023, the median deal size increased dramatically, showcasing a focus on high-value acquisitions. The median size rose to $300 million, reflecting substantial global investment interest【10】. 4. **Sectoral Highlights**: AI, enterprise software, and health tech led the way in M&A activity, underscoring their growth potential and strategic importance【8】【10】. 5. **Investor Trends**:   - North American firms dominated acquisitions, while domestic Israeli companies also increased their role as acquirers, signaling growing local consolidation.   - European participation remained steady, indicating diverse international interest in Israeli tech【10】. These trends reinforce Israel's status as a global innovation hub, attracting significant investments despite external pressures. For a deeper dive, you can explore detailed insights from F2 Venture Capital, Startup Nation Central, and Crunchbase【8】【9】【10】.

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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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⚡ We're delighted to announce that Ze'ev Rozov, former COO of HiBob, has joined Eight Roads as a Venture Partner to support our portfolio across Europe & Israel 💫 Ze'ev brings a stellar track record of scaling companies and extensive experience as both an entrepreneur and operator 🙌 💬 Our Managing Partner Davor Hebel recently sat down with Ze'ev to discuss building businesses, international expansion, and his journey at HiBob. Read more below ⬇️ 🔹𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗽𝗶𝘃𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝗶𝗕𝗼𝗯? "A key growth driver as we scaled from $100M ARR and beyond was building an effective partnership ecosystem." This included a comprehensive partnership strategy - encompassing tech, integrations, and channel partners that enabled HiBob to accelerate growth and scale sustainably. 🔹 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘂𝗽 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝘀𝘂𝗲 𝗠&𝗔, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗱 𝗶𝘁? M&A can be an incredibly powerful tool if used strategically, Ze'ev explains. It's crucial to have a clear strategy and understand exactly what you aim to achieve - whether it's accelerating growth, entering a new market, or acquiring technology to shorten time-to-market. But don't fall in love with a deal to the point you can't walk away. Integration capability is crucial. For companies embarking on their first deals, the disruption can be significant, so it's essential to ensure you're equipped for seamless execution. 🔹𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘂𝗽 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗱 𝗶𝘁? According to Ze'ev, thinking about international markets from day one is crucial. He notes that for most valuable US tech companies, nearly 50% of their revenue comes from outside the US. However, discipline is critical. Ze'ev advises having a clear and prioritized expansion plan that accounts for market-specific nuances such as regulatory requirements, local infrastructure, and product adjustments. "Be clear about your value proposition and understand what's required to scale effectively in a new market". Welcome to the team, Ze'ev – we're thrilled to have you with us 🎉 #VentureCapital #Team #Scaleup

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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

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Summarizing DefenseTech Summit 2024 🛡️ It’s truly inspiring to witness the incredible momentum in the DefenseTech space, with over 1,000 participants from Israel and abroad. The event brought together leading global VCs, corporates, and defense bodies, showcasing the growing interest in this domain. We at Fresh Fund are honored to be one of the sponsors and partners of this important summit. We firmly believe Israel is uniquely positioned to become a global hub for impactful startups that not only emerge but thrive in this dynamic field. Our partner, Naor Caspi, participated in a fascinating panel alongside Nimrod Cohen (Tau Ventures), Alex Shmulovich (Viola Ventures), and Dorin Baniel (NightDragon). The discussion revolved around the opportunities and challenges for early-stage startups in DefenseTech and why this sector holds such significant promise for Israeli entrepreneurs. We’re already active in this space, with five investments in startups like R2 Wireless, Shifters AI Robotics, Tip&Cue, and two additional stealth ventures. And we’re eager to invest in more. DefenseTech founders inspire us—they’re purpose-driven, highly talented, and recognize the opportunity to build large businesses with meaningful impact. If you are building something in this space, reach us out. Congrats to the organizers for such an incredible event. Tel Aviv University Nir Weingold 🇮🇱 DDR&D (MAFAT) - Directorate of Defense Research & Development

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NextLeap Ventures 2024 Year in Review: Building Tomorrow's Innovation Today   As we close another remarkable year at Next Leap Ventures, I'm energized by the transformative progress in the Israeli high-tech ecosystem. 2024 saw unprecedented advances in AI, climate tech, mobility, infrastructure and digital health - areas where early-stage investments are catalyzing real-world impact. Investments and exits in Israel grew substantially compared to the previous year, despite the geopolitical challenges we are facing.  Israel continues to be a hotbed of innovation and entrepreneurship, attracting many investors who are looking for great financial returns.   Despite market volatility and the difficult situation in Israel, we maintained the mantra of “Israeli tech delivers, no matter what” as well as our thesis-driven approach: * Backing exceptional founders who combine technical excellence with clear paths to scalable impact, leveraging deep technology for a sustainable strategic advantage. * Providing intimate and extensive support and guidance to our portfolio companies, helping them grow their business and increase their valuation. Our portfolio companies have shown remarkable resilience, with several achieving significant milestones in customer acquisition, revenue growth, and technological breakthroughs.   Key highlights of our achievements this year: * Our portfolio companies raised additional funds, and we participated in 14 follow-on rounds * Our investor community expanded, as we merged with the Neome Women Investors * Our AI/ML portfolio companies have developed solutions now used by Fortune 500 enterprises * Our climate tech investments are driving measurable carbon reduction across industries * Our digital health startups are expanding healthcare access through innovative platforms * Our portfolio companies were selected for the Innovation Dream team of the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation * Our bio-convergence companies received funding from top-tier VC from the Silicon Valley   Looking ahead to 2025, we remain committed to our core mission: partnering with visionary entrepreneurs who are building disruptive companies, addressing global challenges.   To our founders, limited partners, co-investors, and the broader startup community - thank you for your partnership. Your trust and collaboration make our work meaningful and impactful.   Here's to another year of turning bold visions into reality. Wishing everyone a prosperous and innovative 2025. On a personal note - the Israeli hostages are in our hearts and minds and we wish for their safe return home. We look forward to the end of the war and the growth and prosperity that would follow.   Connect with us at [email protected] to explore how we can support your entrepreneurial journey or give you access to deep tech investments in Israel.   NextLeap Ventures Yoav Hochberg Ronny Korner Ido Lapidot Yosi Govezensky Dan Cohen Ram Caspi Richard Schank Ofri M. Oded Agam

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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

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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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Our Founder & Managing Partner, Giovanni Canetta Roeder, recently visited Tel Aviv, confirming firsthand the remarkable resilience and robustness of the Israeli VC landscape, where the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship continues to flourish. Key highlights from the Israeli tech sector: • Israeli startups raised an impressive $2.43 billion in Q3 2024, marking a 32% increase from Q3 2023. • Year-to-date funding has reached $7.3 billion, matching 2020 levels and surpassing 2019 figures. • M&A activity soared in H1 2024, totaling $7.1 billion, up 54% from H1 2020. These numbers underscore the unwavering commitment of global tech giants to Israel's innovation ecosystem and its ability to maintain such momentum is a testament to the resilience and determination of its people. At Planven, we're proud to be part of this dynamic landscape. Our commitment to supporting groundbreaking innovations emerging from Israel remains stronger than ever. We continue to invest in disruptive technologies, scalable business models, and outstanding founders. As we look to the future, we're excited about the potential for even greater growth and innovation in this vibrant ecosystem. #IsraeliTech #VCFunding #Innovation #Resilience #StartupNation

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I was happy to share my thoughts on what 2025 has in store for Israeli tech and venture, published on Calcalist כלכליסט today. If I could summarise 2024 in one word, it would indeed be "Resilience". And for the record, despite the headline, I do believe that the new administration in the US is generally good news for tech and venture, including Israeli startups. I've also mentioned 3 investments we made which are still in stealth... Link to the article in the first comment 👇

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The Israeli high-tech sector is strong and will emerge even stronger after the crisis. Institutional investors in Israel must, however, invest more to help the industry. Over the past decade, the high-tech market has proven to be highly profitable, evidenced by numerous mergers and acquisitions. High-tech must be a significant component of investment portfolios. Our role is to revitalize the market. Without the support of institutional investors, it will be challenging to attract foreign investors. Yesterday, I was privileged to speak on the Alternative Investments panel moderated by Roee Bergman from Calcalist כלכליסט at the Future Investments 2024 conference by Calcalist and Migdal Group. I want to extend my gratitude to my fellow panelists: Keren Kalifa, CEO of G City Israel; Amir Hessel, Founding Partner of Arbel Fund; Dr. Navot Bar, CEO of Keystone Reit; and Mor Assia, Co-Founder and Partner at iAngels, for an inspiring discussion. #HighTech #Investment #Israel #InstitutionalInvestors #Innovation

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This is very exciting! We’ve been maintaining the #Israeli #fintech map for over 10 years, but now we've taken it a step further. 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐦𝐚𝐩 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞!! 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫, designed to provide more value to the entire ecosystem (link in the comments).   The map brings together over 300 trailblazers in the financial technology sector, each contributing to how the world saves, invests, and transacts. Alongside the map, we’re presenting a 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭, providing an overview of the latest developments in the FinTech industry globally and in Israel. Check out the first link for the map - and ping me if you think we're missing a logo! Omry Ben David Uri Lampert Adam Shalem

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