From Tel Aviv to Tulsa

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 fresh voices from the ecosystem, and selected opportunities to further engage with Israel, the Startup Nation.

Howdy from Tulsa, I'll be here for the next few days learning about the local tech community from the team at Atento Capital... follow my daily posts to learn more about this emerging ecosystem here. Off to Israel on Saturday, if you'd like to schedule a time to chat while I'm in quarantine please click here.

For Israeli startups who are interested in US market entry please let me know if you could fill out my survey and help me with my market research here.

Wrapping up my week here in Tulsa meeting amazing and warm people I’m concluding with an interview of Michael Basch, the Managing Partner at Atento Capital. For as long as he can remember, he has always loved to work, and loved to engulf himself within different kinds of businesses, both as an operator and as an investor. For the past two years, he has had the privilege of working in Tulsa, in a role that straddles both investment and economic development. The initial work was compelling enough that it led to the birth of Atento Capital. Now, with a committed team behind their work, they are looking to turn their efforts to turbo drive and catalyze growth in 21st century Tulsa.

What is a piece of advice you would give a founder looking to build a startup during this time?

Before starting anything, I would ask the questions:

How would this company do during COVID?

How would it do post-COVID?

How will it be if there is no post-COVID and COVID stays with us?

Can I build this successfully in all three scenarios?

If the answer is yes, then you may have something!

How do you see Tulsa's ecosystem developing over the next few years?

I see markets like SF and NY being less relevant as the world gets more normalized towards remote work. I also see international companies looking to expand to the US decentralizing from the main hubs as they will be less relevant, with lower cost, more easily accessible cities on the rise.

What opportunities for startups do you see appearing as a result of COVID-19?

I see an accelerated increase of pre-COVID secular trends, such as the digitization of everything, e-commerce, tele-medicine, renewable energy, etc.

New York is on life support for now… and talent is migrating from the Bay Area, how can startups build their future in Tulsa?

Partner with the community. Utilize the willingness for people to take meetings. People want to see others succeed here, let them know your needs to be successful and people will lend a hand. Once you succeed, pay it forward to the next startup.

What is something that you believe that most people in the (Israeli) tech space would disagree with you about?

That you need to land in SF/The Bay or NY when expanding your Israeli tech company to the US to be successful. That may have been the case in 2015, but in 2020, and especially post COVID, any mid-sized city (or larger) with the right local partners can help your company be massively successful in the US.

Good to know where Israel ranks according to the Virtual Capitalist... not that it's a competition or anything ;)

Atento Capital Opportunities: The newly launched portfolio network jobs page. Builders wanted! Opportunities here.

Intel Capital: The portfolio companies of Intel Capital and Intel Ignite teams in Israel, created a list of open positions, in a hope that these can help some folks find their next professional home. Positions here.

UAE-Israel Technology & Finance List: To enable business relations between both places. Sign up here.

Secret Tel Aviv: Are you looking for a new job (Israel ONLY)? The Secret Tel Aviv Jobs Board is up to date, they have over 1,470 amazing opportunities! Opportunities here.

Israeli Companies Seeking Funding: Their team at the Economic Mission would like to send a newsletter featuring Israeli companies who are actively seeking funding to the VCs and investors in their network. If you are interested in being included, please fill out the following form. Please submit your response by August 30 here.

Stage One Ventures: To help, StageOne Ventures created a shared Google Drive for their portfolio companies to use, in which they add in the CVs that are sent to them. This way they can help both their portfolio companies and the industry! So feel free to send them your CV direct to [email protected] You can also add a short paragraph about what you are looking for. You are also welcome to visit their portfolio sites and see what careers opportunities you can find here.

AtoBe: AtoBe Startup Accelerator is looking for a Program and Community Manager, send CV to [email protected]

Women in Venture Database Contact Update Form: First Republic is running their annual Women in Venture Compensation Anonymous Survey and are inviting all women who work for a Venture Capital Firm or for a Fund Allocator (LP), no matter the role or title. It's totally anonymous! D&I is a big passion, and this survey helps get a better sense of where the industry stands on gender diversity. They received 300+ survey responses last year, of which 30% were from Senior Level Partners, Junior Partners and GPs. Can you fill it out here?

Altostra: They are growing. Passionate about front end development or is back end more your thing? It doesn't matter because they are hiring for both! :) For more details click here.

Bizzabo: Director of Customer Success. Bizzabo is currently looking for a Director of Customer Success to lead their corporate team of Customer Success Managers and help create an industry-leading customer experience within the event technology world. This person will serve as a strategic member of customer success leadership and will work cross functionally with heads of Product, Sales, Services and Marketing to further develop new and creative ways to drive revenue and growth. Apply here.

Job opening at IDB NY Israeli Desk: They're looking for an entry level assistant with an undergraduate degree. Fluent Hebrew and English. Please send Resume to [email protected]

Loox: R&D Lead. They are looking for a highly talented and enthusiastic R&D lead, with an excellent understanding of server-side technologies and the web environment, critical thinking, and a healthy disrespect for the impossible. Apply here.

SQream: Do you want to make an impact? to feel challenged? to be part of a team of "what you see is what you get" individuals? If the answers are 3 YES, you are invited to join them! They are growing and looking for people who can teach them new things, ask difficult questions and deliver exceptional results. Their career page here.

AppsFlyer: SALES DEVELOPMENT REPRESENTATIVE: AppsFlyer is looking for a Sales Development Representative to help them grow their sales efforts! The AppsFlyer SDR team plays a key role in their success as they are often our customer’s first experience. In the role, you will be able to make a great first impression to earn the right to qualify their leads and identify what the appropriate next steps should be. Apply here.

Bizzabo: They are seeking a strategic Director of Product Marketing to join their innovative Marketing team! In this role, you will develop the positioning, messaging, and go-to-market strategy for products that empower unique experiences at every event. You will collaborate with other departments on product launch and promotion strategy to communicate the value of Bizzabo's product to internal and external audiences. Apply here.

Bonds Sports: Senior Full Stack Engineer. They are growing rapidly and hiring frontend, backend and full stack developers with minimum 6 years experience working with cutting edge technologies. The ideal candidate is a self-motivated, multi-tasker, and demonstrated team-player. You will be a lead developer responsible for the development of new software products and enhancements to existing products. You should excel in working with large-scale applications and frameworks and have outstanding communication and leadership skills. Apply here.

Contilt: Their amazing portfolio company, Contilt, is looking for a Business Development Manager to join their core team. Don't miss out on this opportunity! Contilt is developing a cutting edge deep-learning technologies and solutions for automatic textual content generation. Apply here - [email protected]

Datonics: Looking for a Rockstar DATA ANALYST & OPERATIONS MANAGER to join their Herzliya Pituach (ISRAEL) team. You’ll work with clients directly on daily projects & integrations + apply your analytical skills to analyzing data sets / providers / campaigns and much more. Advanced Excel / SQL / analytical abilities are a must and Python / Java knowledge would be advantageous. High level of English (written / oral) is required. WFH 3-4 days per week & flexible work hours to accommodate work with global client base. Benefits include working with Adi Pinhasi + team & much more (including AWESOME HUMMUS NEAR THE OFFICE --- almost as good as the hummus near our NY office). If relevant reach out to Michael.

Israel Economic Missions to The USA: Great opp to connect two global tech hubs, Tel Aviv and Silicon Valley. If you know anyone interested in working with early to growth-stage startups on market entry and helping large corporates and investors with innovation sourcing, check out the posting here.

Janvest Capital Partners: Many of their companies are hiring for an array of R&D, marketing, sales, and finance roles

Altostra (TLV) - click here.

Rupert. (TLV) - click here.

Coralogix (US, TLV, APAC) - click here.

Simpo (SF, TLV) - click here.

BioCatch (Global) - click here.

JFrog: LOOKING FOR A KILLER DIRECTOR OF TALENT ACQUISITION. It might be Covid19, it might be other reasons - in anyway JFrog is skyrocketing and they are growing fast! Their HR team in Israel is looking for a director of TA to lead this effort and strategic leap. If you know them , you already understand that they see this role as their culture gatekeeper and expecting only the best to apply. If you know someone that brings both the spirit and experience apply here.

Moonactive: They are HIRING!!! If you are looking to work at the most incredible company in Israel, you can stop looking now! Come join them at Moonactive and they guarantee you will have a blast working for one of the top companies in the Mobile Gaming Industry! There are so many positions open and you will get the opportunity to enjoy the incredible work-play atmosphere!

Some of the positions and many more in the link below.

-Business Analysts

-Technical Operations Specialist

-Data Analyst

-QA Team Leader (production team)

-Data Analyst Team Leader

-R&D Production Manager

-BI Developer

-Head of Technical Operations

-Head of Backed

-Operations Team Leader

-Delivery Manager

-Market Research Expert

-QA Engineer

-Infrastructure Product Manager

If you have any questions at all please don't hesitate to reach out to Aaron.ed@Moonactive.com and here will be happy to help! Apply here.

SQream: SQream is looking for a talented and experienced DevOps Team Leader. As a DevOps Team Leader, you will work on their highly scalable systems (On-Prem and Cloud )and our BigData processing pipeline, ingesting billions of daily events. Make sure their systems and infrastructures scale and perform at optimal levels. Apply here.

Start-Up Nation Central: Their team is growing, and they're offering two new openings:

1. Creative, forward-thinking, passionate Global Social Media Manager. In this position, you'll promote their brand and narrative, activities and offerings to multiple audiences worldwide.

2. Philanthropic Partnerships Associate, responsible for supporting the execution of their philanthropic strategy, working with very high-capacity individuals and foundations.

For the full job descriptions and to apply, click here.

Startup New York venture capital firm seeking fall virtual interns: S.O.P. Finance is a new, early-stage, New York-based VC focused on East Coast companies. The firm particularly has interest in fintech, edtech, and salestech. For more on the firm’s core theses, see investment theses. Apply here.

Turntide: They are hiring for positions in Sales, Customer Success, and Engineering! If you are a mission-driven, capable, positive person with a growth mindset - don't miss the opportunity to join this movement. Apply here.

Energy Tech Webinar: Have technological developments in the field of energy? Interested Israeli companies as well as international parties looking to collaborate in this field with the Israeli tech ecosystem, are invited to participate in this webinar to learn more about the support programs offered by the Israeli Innovation Authority, Ministry of Energy, Israel Export Institute, Equinor & Techstars Energy Accelerator, ENEL and Snam. Event starts on Sept. 3rd - hurry and register here.

Virtual Summit on US-India-Israel Relations: AJC’s Asia Pacific Institute invites you to attend this virtual summit focused on partnerships in the strategic, technology, and development arenas between the United States, India, and Israel. 9:30 AM US Eastern Daylight Time. Register here.

AG-Tech Israel Virtual Exhibition: Agriculture startups, investors, enterprises, and anyone else who's passionate about the agtech startup ecosystem, this one is for you. Visitor registration for Ag-tech Israel Virtual Exhibition is open and I highly recommend checking it out as this will definitely be a unique experience! The exhibition will open on September 7th and will showcase Israel’s leading agriculture technologies and startups via an exclusive, immersive, and engaging experience. It will be accessible 24/7 and include professional panels, lectures, and networking opportunities. Exhibition website here. Online registration (free of charge) here.

Strengthening Global Collaboration between Rambam Biodesign and Stanford Biodesign Programs: Another collaboration is brought to you by the CICC: Dean Lloyd Minor & Prof. Rafael Beyar - An overview of the Rambam Health Care Campus biodesign and the Stanford University School of Medicine Biodesign program Collaboration. Dr. Richard Popp & Dr. Yona Vaisbuch - BioDesign concepts in theory and practice. Dr. Tahel Altman - Hands on experience of an Israeli Fellow in Stanford. Moderated by: Josh Makower. September 8, 2020 at 10am PST / 8pm IL. Register here.

Israeli Retail Innovation Week: A virtual exhibition of 20 Israeli companies in the field of retail and an online B2B arena. The event will present and expose Israeli technologies from In-store, Supply chain and E-Commerce, to potential partners/customers from across the world, and will facilitate personal business meetings. September 8-9. Contact Josh R. for more info.  

Managing US based employees during Covid-19: Israeli companies managing US offices and/or manufacturing facilities continue to face unique challenges when dealing with their US employees during the Covid-19 pandemic. In this Webinar, three industry experts will address the following key issues of importance. 9.9.20 @ 15:00. Register here.

Mobility policy in a post-election and post-covid world: The regulation of electrification, autonomous vehicles, micromobility, urban design, gig economy, and food delivery have been political and public battlegrounds long before the pandemic. The pandemic only brought these battles to the forefront. Sep 9, 02:00 PM in Eastern Time (US and Canada). Register here.

Navigating Growth in Volatile Times: Founders Fireside Chat: How do founders maintain the company culture that built their team while navigating market turbulence in addition to a new work-from-home norm? What can CEOs do to cultivate board relationships and make sure all major stakeholders are placated? How can startups win trust and increase loyalty with customers who are struggling to survive or reinvent themselves? Can momentum be recovered – and can it accelerate? Sep 9,12:00 PM in Eastern Time. Register here.

Cyber Security for Energy Infrastructure: Calling all companies, research institutes and/or universities developing tools and technology for energy cyber and cyber-physical security for critical infrastructure. You may be eligible for funding in cybersecurity for energy infrastructure. Join the BIRD Foundation on September 10th, 12pm EST for more information about the call for proposals and grant details. Register here.

Fitness & Wellness Innovation Experts Panel: Apply to present to leading sports and fitness industry experts. It’s an excellent opportunity to receive feedback from industry leaders. Each entrepreneur will have a limited time to present their startup followed by questions and feedback from their experts. Thursday September 10th, 11 AM. Apply here.

Israeli Covid-19 Testing and Tracing Solutions Webinar: While the world awaits a coronavirus cure, Israeli high-tech companies are developing testing and tracing technologies to better detect and manage the disease. The next webinar in our Israeli Technology Series will feature three Covid-19 technology solution providers. Thu, September 10, 12:00 PM. Register here.

The Impact Revolution Impact Investments and Social Entrepreneurship: A Roundtable Conversation featuring Hebrew University’s Leading Alumni: The Impact Revolution - Impact Investments and Social Entrepreneurship. They are very pleased to invite you to a Roundtable Conversation in ZOOM featuring Hebrew University’s Leading Alumni! Moderated by Dr. Dan Marom, Hebrew University’s Jerusalem School of Business Administration, and Head of the Impact Investing Institute. The esteemed guests will discuss various aspects of impact investments, social entrepreneurship and sustainability. Sep 10, 01:00 PM in Eastern Time. Register here.

THE NEW DIGITAL AGE: THE ROLE OF TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION IN THE POST-COVID-19 WORLD: The COVID-19 pandemic could be the pivotal moment heralding the true beginning of the digital age. This accelerated digitization will be reinforced by an increased need for self-sufficiency, resilience and efficiency, elements now high on the agendas of countries and companies alike. Rather than stand back and watch as this new plot is unveiled, forward-looking nations, industries, companies and individuals should leverage the digital opportunities generated by the crisis in order to emerge stronger and more resilient. September 8th-10th. Register here.

Innovating with a Purpose: What is the purpose of innovation? Of technology? Why do multinational corporations adapt sustainable business strategy? What investors think about sustainability as a powerful investment? Does Israel have what it takes to become a leader in the space of purpose driven investments? Join them for a discussion with investors, business leaders and entrepreneurs about the next revolution in the startup scene. Sep 9, 2020 10:00 AM in Eastern Time. Register here.

Generation W: Generation W’s signature leadership experience is happening virtually this year on September 11. In this time of COVID, keeping connected, being inspired and continuing to learn is more important than ever. The content and speakers are amazing, ranging from Dr. Eger, a holocaust survivor and world renowned psychologist, to Dr. Lapchick, the global conscience of sport, to crisis management, to climate change and beyond. Women and men are invited. TICKETS here.

Latet/US-Israel Covid-19 Virtual Conference: During the past few months, the world has watched the unprecedented Covid 19 crisis unfold marking a turning point in the way relevant actors manage a humanitarian crisis on a global scale. In the US and Israel, the pandemic and the responses to it have been vivid but the crisis is not over. This is a critical time to bring our collective intelligence together, to learn from one another and support the emergence of new, best practices with the goal of improving our fight against the virus and its societal impact.Mon, 09/14 - 11:00 EST. Register here.

6th International HLS/Cyber Conference & Exhibition: (Free registration for non-Israelis) The Israel HLS & Cyber 2020 Conference is a two-day biennial event. This year, due to the current global COVID-19 circumstances, the conference ,the exhibition as well as the B2B meetings will take place on a virtual platform, specially designed to fit the needs of exhibitors, such as: virtual tours in the exhibitor's booth, live panels and B2B meetings between Israeli and Non-Israeli companies, as well as other advanced features. September 14-15. Contact Tamar for more info.  

Global Finance Summit: The Fintech Hackathon is an initiative aiming to gather the world’s brightest online talents to battle the world’s biggest challenges. During this day, they want to bring people from all over the whole world online together. This day is meant to connect the world together in finding solutions for our global challenges. They want to work on a better future between all countries who are facing the challenges caused by COVID-19. They are organizing a Matchathon as a follow up for their successful World Hackathon Day event. 22-25th of September. Register here.

Cyber Week Goes Virtual: Cyber Week Online invites you to experience expert-driven content and high-level networking opportunities, from the comfort of your own home. Bringing you world-class thought leaders from industry, government, and academia, Cyber Week Online provides a virtual space to connect and share ideas with international decision-makers, business executives, startups, and investors. October 19th-21st. Register here.

Venture Summit Virtual Connect 3: Come meet, interact and network online with more than 1,300 VCs, Corporate VCs, angel investors, industry execs and founders of venture backed, emerging and early stage companies at the prestigious Venture Summit Virtual Connect 3 being held virtually on November 17th-19th 2020. The New York Israel Chamber of Commerce (a non-profit board I sit on) is pleased to announce its sponsorship and invite you to join us at Venture Summit Virtual Connect 3.0. Special offer: Register Now & Save 20% off Early Bird Rates (Use discount code “NYICVIP"). Register here.

CleanTech Impact Challenge: CALLING ALL CLEANTECH STARTUPS: The $50k CleanTech Impact Challenge deadline is fast-approaching! You don't want to miss the opportunity to gain access to: $50,000 Grand Prize. Executive Mentorship. Fast-Tracked Corporate Access. Press. Are you a startup in CleanTech space or know a startup that is? APPLY TODAY.

2020 Fall Cohort Dubai Future Accelerator: DFA’s Fall program is hosted in collaboration with Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and Etisalat Digital. The program tackles the future of transport, energy, health, and digital technologies with a focus on life post-COVID-19. Submit your application before September 20th , 11.59 pm (GMT+4). Israeli companies should definitely apply. Apply here.

Facebook Accelerator: Their program is now accepting applications - this time it's targeting Commerce startups, in EMEA and LATAM, that are building the future of shopping. The 12-week, non-equity program will provide virtual training, 1:1 mentor ship, access to Facebook products, and opportunities to connect with Facebook experts and talented founders. EMEA startups can learn more and apply here. LATAM startups can learn more and apply here.

Y Combinator Build Sprint: 4-week period to work intensively towards a defined goal alongside community of thousands of other founders; 20 equity-free grants of $10k to companies that complete all submission requests; Aug 24 - Sep 20 with Y Combinator Startup School. Apply here.

Jonathan 'Yoni' Frenkel has been involved in the New York-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 heads a content marketing agency, YKC Media, and works with VCs, corporates, and startups in creating written content, social, and advising on marketing strategy focused on engaging a US audience. He can be reached on LinkedIn here.