Closing out 2021

Welcome to?The Israeli Startup Review, a curated newsletter where I share insights from thought leaders, news, and opportunities around Israel's tech ecosystem. Every week you’ll receive timely analysis from off-the-beaten-path, perspectives from the ecosystem, and selected opportunities to further engage with Israel, the Startup Nation.

Wishing a meaningful Thanksgiving to all those who celebrated in the US. A lighter edition this time for the holidays.

My latest piece in Forbes Israel:?Take it Easy: This is how Entrepreneurs Get Through Difficult Times

Events and conferences are back, if you’re attending the following conferences in the next few weeks please respond to this email.

IAC National Summit

-I’m putting together an article about my experience at the conference, if you’re a professional in tech and attending ping me directly so we can connect there

-There are already a number of WhatsApp groups, but I’d like to put one together for people in tech/media who are attending (if a group like this already exists let me know), otherwise ping me about joining

CES 2022

-Similarly, I’m putting together an article about my experience at the conference, if you’re an Israeli startup and attending ping me directly so we can connect there, an example of an article I wrote previously:?Israeli mobility startups take the wheel at CES 2020

-I put together a WhatsApp group in the past, either I’ll just use that one, or create another one so that people can network (if interested in joining ping me)

-I started this?event list ?of the receptions I’m hearing about at CES (it will be updated on an ongoing basis). Also, as international attendees could be lighter this CES I may put together a small meetup. I will play it by ear as the conference tends to be overprogrammed, but based on interest I may organize something at one of the hotel bars centrally located on the Vegas Strip. If you’re interested in collaborating on something like this please respond to this email directly.

‘Dune’ May Be Fascist, but Its Focus on Islam Is Groundbreaking :?If you haven’t seen Dune, I’d highly recommend it. Like Star Wars this epic space film covers many themes that are relevant today such as conflict over resources (“spice”, the oil of the future), big business, and shifting political alliances 20,000 years into the future. But why is this relevant for a newsletter on startups? Sci-fi informs the direction tech entrepreneurs will shape our lives, and it's known that people like Zuck were greatly influenced by books such as Snow Crash: This 29-year-old book predicted the ‘metaverse’ — and some of Facebook’s plans are eerily similar .

Watching the movie there are clearly themes focused on religious divisions. We can't discount these divisions in a place like the Middle East, and how in the future they are still driving our behavior. Cinema being what it is, there are alt-right types who like the undemocratic nature of the series, and how the protagonist Paul is portrayed as the “great white savoir” (or a future version of Lawrence of Arabia). On the other hand, there are clearly Islamic (and specifically Middle Eastern themes) throughout the movie. As this article points out, when author Frank Herbert wrote the book in the 1960’s Islam was viewed very differently than today. And the idea of an Islamic inspired future is not that far-fetched if you view it through the lens of how futuristic cities like Dubai or Abu Dhabi have become global centers:?The UAE is becoming a major space power .

One theme that was not addressed enough among movie pundits was Paul’s dreams (and visions), and the exile, which reminds me of Joseph’s dreams, and how it was communicated to the Pharaoh. Of course, every group is going to put their map of meaning on this epic sci-fi film, and I think that is the point… Joseph Campbell’s concept of the Hero’s Journey (in this case Paul’s) is applicable to all people, regardless of space and time.

inTulsa :?inTulsa ?connects great companies to great people with the mission to grow Tulsa’s community. Leverage the Tulsa community of companies and leaders to further build your career in Tulsa. The Talent Network works to get you connected with Tulsa companies, and provides you direct support from the inTulsa Talent team.?Openings here .

TechAviv :?Want to work at one of the best Israeli startups in the world? 200?TechAviv ?member startups have 9,000 open jobs. Check it out and tell a talented friend who might be looking?here .

LinkedIn:?Round-up of Israel based tech and finance roles on LinkedIn?here .

Code for Israel :?They are code for Israel.?They connect the Israeli High-tech Ecosystem with social problem-solvers, working together to face main local challenges. Together?with their volunteers from the tech world they identify?Israelis problems and work to solve them using technology. Developers, Product people, data specialists and UX/UI Experts? sign here to volunteer and join them in our mission:?codeforisrael.org

Healthy.io :?Their legal team is expanding! They are looking for an associate to join their team in Tel Aviv-Jaffa. 2-3 years of experience in corporate/commercial law (either in a leading law firm or a tech company), fluent English.?Apply here .

Tamid Group :?They are hiring! Check out their positions: Campus Program Associate?(Remote, USA)?here ?and Major Gifts Officer?(Los Angeles/Chicago/Miami/Flexible Location)?here .

TAMID’s Israel office is hiring a full time Fellowship Associate out of the Tel Aviv office (hybrid: home/office combo). Help them build and implement incredible, meaningful programming for the world’s next generation of leaders. Questions? Reach out to?[email protected] . Good Luck!?Apply here .

EquityBee :?They are hiring for their *first-ever* Middle Office Lead in their TLV Offices! What does Middle Office Lead do? Super important stuff!. Be In charge of end-to-end liquidity & settlement operations and transactions. Monitor and control the collection & distribution procedures upon liquidity events. Calculate and build distributions waterfall based on specific liquidities and EquityBee model. Sounds like a fit??Apply here .

Ibex Ventures :?They in the Israel office of Ibex Investors are looking to hire a Head of Platform Services. This role is great for someone with a background in marketing, content, PR, or event planning. Give them a shout if you're interested!?[email protected]

Lightbits Labs :?Lightbits' solution separates storage and compute without touching the network infrastructure. Opportunities?here .

Nyca Partners :?Nyca is hiring! They are looking for an Investment Associate and an Investment Principal to join their team. If you know someone who might be a good fit, please have them apply! You can find the details through the link?here .

NYCEDC :?Sharing a truly unique opportunity to impact the lives of NYC women! If you’re ambitious and passionate about gender equity, public service and NYC,?women.nyc ?has an exciting and important position to fill at the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC). Their Vice President will drive the initiative’s strategy, implementation and development. Please share with the amazing people in your life who you know can soar in this role.?Apply here .

Salto :?They have a new Marketing Manager position on their team. This is a great opportunity to join a rapidly growing company and a sharp, fast-moving team, in a very early stage of its journey. Come grow with them.?Apply here .

SOSA :?Senior Innovation Analyst. SOSA is looking for an experienced Research and Scouting Innovation Analyst. The analyst will be responsible for sourcing and identifying cutting-edge tech solutions and conducting cross verticals industry research and reports for SOSA’s corporate partners. The analyst will work closely with the account managers in supporting the global corporations with their innovation challenges and opportunities.?Apply here .

Tel Aviv Sunset Series Chanukah Party : Meet young Internationals & Israelis from TLV and beyond. Hear from influential writers, thinkers, professionals, and decision makers impacting Israel, Zionism & Jewish life. Their keynote speakers will schmooze for 20 minutes followed by a brief Q&A session and then... enjoy the mingling (think beverage in hand?). Mon, Nov 29, 7:00 PM IST. Capella Cocktail Bar, Hagag Tower, HaArba’a 28, South Tower, 14th Floor, Tel Aviv-Yafo. Register here .

The Women Healthcare Revolution: The Israeli Perspective :?In 2019, the “femtech” industry — software and technology companies addressing women’s biological needs — generated $820.6 million in global revenue and received $592 million in venture capital investment, ….. when women spend an estimated $500 billion a year on medical expenses, according to PitchBook.” Wednesday, December 1st @?12:30 EDT.?Register here .

JFE Startup and Tech Mixer NYC :?JFE (Jews For Entrepreneurship organization) is excited to come back to NYC! Please join them for networking and a great time connecting with our startup and tech network in NYC. JFE Networking mixers bring together NYC's top startup founders, technologists, and business professionals in the Jewish community. If you're looking for co-founders to launch a startup, then you should join this! The event will take place at RESOBOX, a cool event space located at Ukrainian village. Resobox 91 E 3rd street. Wed, December 1, 6:00 PM.?Register here .

INVITATION: Tel Aviv Klezmer Yiddish Night for Hanukah 8th Light, Sun Dec 5 :?They invite their young community to spend the best & last night of Hanukah in the most unique venue in town. The Yung Yiddish Museum archives are tucked away as a hidden gem within the cavernous Tel Aviv Central Bus Station. Come listen to a live Klezmer band with the most stunning blend of musical traditions, learning about the underground Yiddish scene of Tel Aviv, while drinking, eating, and dancing. Sun, Dec 5, 8:00 PM IST.Yung Yiddish TLV, 108 Levinsky Street, Tel Aviv Bus Station. Register here .

Israel Crypto Week :?They decided to have a very limited Event for 150 C-Level top Crypto & FinTech founders in Israel. Going to announce some plans?Israel Crypto Week . WeWork Hazerem ??????? ???? 7 HaPelech Street, Tel Aviv-Yafo.Tue, December 7, 5:30 PM. More details?here .

JFE Startup and Tech Mixer SF : JFE Network is?excited to bring their Bay Area community together for a Fall mixer in San Francisco. Please join them for networking and a great time connecting with their startup and tech network at Neyborly event space at Embarcadero 3 in San Francisco. Wed, December 8, 6:00 PM PST. Neyborly, 3 Embarcadero Center, 1st Floor. San Francisco. Tickets here . ?

Israel Crypto?Conference :?They are proud to announce the Israel Crypto?conference Tel Aviv Edition.?No more virtual, we can finally meet in person, again! Unique opportunity to meet senior level executives from major corporations, small and medium size companies, including emerging startups, and companies looking for crypto solutions. Their main vision is to create an open space for conversation - Decentralization at its best, they want to hear all voices in their open garden. ??? ????? ?????? - ZOA House TLV?–?1 Daniel Frisch Street?Tel Aviv-Yafo. Thursday,?December?16?at?8:00am.?Register here .

AI Week 2022 :?AI Week is Back! They are thrilled to welcome data scientists and AI professionals to Israel’s leading AI conference.?Combining technological leadership, applied AI and cutting-edge research, AI Week will highlight the way in which AI technology is revolutionizing business strategy, policy and future development. Feb 7-9, 2022. Tel Aviv University.?Register here .

The CICC Innovation Lounge @ JPM - Application : The annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference is the largest and most informative healthcare investment symposium in the industry, bringing together industry leaders, emerging fast-growth companies, innovative technology creators, and members of the investment community. Apply here .

AWS Startup Loft EMEA :?Very excited to announce the launch of the AWS Startup Loft Accelerator! The AWS Startup Loft Accelerator is an equity-free program focused on supporting early stage startups in EMEA with technology and product development, go-to-market advice and getting you funded ready. Get access to experienced advisors, technical experts, investors, and a community of entrepreneurs to share learnings and experiences with. Learn more?here . Applications?here .

The Merage DeserTech Competition :?Apply to The Merage International DeserTech Competition and get a chance to participate in a?fully-funded prestigious DeserTech adaptation seminar (if you’re from the UK or the Netherlands) or win a 25K NIS grant (if you’re an Israeli startup). And if you are Negev based- you can win a?$75K investment from Mata & ICA! The competition invites companies from?Israel, the?UK, and the?Netherlands?to offer their cutting-edge solutions to the main challenges of desertification.?Apply here .

Space Florida and Israel Innovation Authority Announce 9th Joint Call for Projects :?Another $2 Million in Research Fund. Available for Viable Proposals. Space Florida has entered into an innovative bi-lateral partnership with the Israel Innovation Authority (IIA) to support joint aerospace research & development projects. Florida and Israeli companies are invited to form teams and submit joint applications for this program. Up to $1 million in grant awards may be made to Florida companies under this program in FY 2022.?Applications Accepted Until February 21, 2022.?Register here .

Jonathan 'Yoni' Frenkel? has been involved in the US-Israeli tech community for many years, mentoring startups on marketing, hosting events connecting investors with startups, and publishing on the topics of tech and venture regularly. Professionally, he is a content strategist and founder of?YKC Media , an agency which works with VCs, corporates, and startups in building thought leadership, and advising on content marketing strategies focused on engaging a US audience.?He can be reached on LinkedIn here .