Mask-free Summer?

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.

Shalom from the White City. In what may be a sign of what's in store this summer in the Startup Nation: Deputy health minister predicts nearly all virus restrictions will go in 3 weeks. This may be premature, but let's hope the number of cases stay low (and the vaccines continue to be resistant to the emerging variants).

I'm putting together an article for a notable Israeli publication on SPACs and the frenzy they've caused in the Israeli ecosystem. I'm looking to speak with people familiar with the matter (and have participated in a SPAC); founders, investors, bankers, etc. If that's you or you know someone I should speak with for the article please ping me directly on LinkedIn.

I will start including in-person (as well as Zoom events) in the Discovery section, so if you have any events, you’d like to feature please send them my way.

I’m vaccinated (with a Green Passport) and would love to meet in person and catch-up in the Tel Aviv area. Additionally, if you’re a growing Israeli startup and looking to hire high-skilled workers in the US let’s chat about how I can help you find that talent in Tulsa. To schedule a time to meet please respond directly to this email.

April’s Top Headlines from the Startup Nation:

Facebook Israel report: Israeli tech is finally ready to face U.S. consumers: This report is making waves in the Israeli ecosystem.

It’s official: Google to open cloud center in Israel: Big tech making big moves.

Intel to build $200 million 'mega-campus' in Israel, hire 1,000 new employees: The original corporate to invest in Israel is back.

US giant Blackstone sets up Israel office to fund fast-growth tech firms: A sign of the maturity of the Startup Nation.

Israel seen as major player as global chip war intensifies: The next battlefield.

Follow your... passionware? Thank you to VC Cafe for this interesting infographic.

Atento Capital: Come work with us. Atento connects great companies to great people with the mission to grow Tulsa’s community. If you’re based in Israel and interested in any of these positions reach out to me directly. Openings here.

Apply here for EcoMotion Week 2021 Startups Exhibition: Take part in the biggest smart mobility technology exhibition and interact with global mobility leaders. The Startup Exhibition will be featured on the EcoMotion Virtual Platform. Stream live demos, give a tour of your lab and host personal meetings in breakout rooms using your own Zoom. May 18-20. Register here.

GrowingIL Investor Map: In the new map, you can filter investment funds according to the type of investor, rounds of investments, sub-sectors, and the scope of investment you are looking to raise, and find the best fit for your company and needs. In the map, there is a request intro option, they will connect according to our own discretion. View here.

REMOTE SDR roles: Some SDR(sales development representative) roles open for a rapidly growing machine learning company that can be long-term remote for someone who has not yet had any tech sales experience and is a relatively recent college grad. This is a lead generation position that has the potential to become an account executive position within six months to one year. There is the option to work in the NYC office, no requirement. If you’re an experienced SDR, that’s even better. Feel free to be in touch if this is relevant [email protected]

Bizzabo: They’re hiring for product, brand & digital marketers in Tel Aviv and New York. Know anyone who might be interested? In addition to Bizzabo being recognized by Forbes, Globes, Glassdoor as one of the world’s best places to work for, there are some unique reasons why marketers should jump on this opportunity. Apply here.

Brainpop: They're seeking a Senior Product Designer to join BrainPOP's Science squad. This is a great opportunity to lead the design vision and execution for their new Science product as a partner with product management. You will innovate educational design for students, teachers, and school leaders. You’ll work closely with designers, product managers, content designers, user and data researchers, and engineers to deliver science learning and management solutions. Click below to apply here.

Lost Tribe Esports: Lost Tribe Esports’ continued growth and development have led them to fast track their plans and begin expansion into Israel. They currently welcome almost 300 Israeli teens on our Discord platform who communicate regularly with their North American teens. This is a very powerful opportunity as they continue to change the game and lead the way in year round Jewish teen engagement and building community. This expansion affords them the ability to hire a part time Israel Program Coordinator, to work directly with me and oversee these day to day responsibilities. Apply here.

Salto: They are still looking for a strong content marketer to join the growing marketing team at Salto. If you’re a great storyteller, who is passionate about disruptive technology then this could be a great opportunity for you. If you’re not, but know people who are then please send them their way! Apply here.

Seeking Israel-based Partner to lead VC Syndication Platform: They are looking to partner with a remarkable individual who will build out an existing boutique venture capital syndication platform. The partner will manage the day-to-day operations in Israel, starting with sourcing, due diligence, pitching deals and further developing the exclusive syndication of investors and funds. This is a unique entrepreneurial opportunity. Send your CV (in English or Hebrew) to [email protected]

Winzard: Project Manager. The ideal candidate will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing projects within the decided-upon budget, timeline, and scope. They will also effectively monitor and present project updates to relevant stakeholders, clients, or project team members. Apply here.

Raising $55M in One Year while Breaking Diversity Barriers: This month is startup funding month at Startup Grind, and what a great opportunity it is to host our very own Derek Andersen, Co-Founder not only of Startup Grind, but also of the startup Bevy! Derek Anderson bootstrapped Startup Grind for 10 years and as of last year, he’s begun funding for Bevy. This talk is moderated by Lirone Glikman, Global Ambassador at Startup Grind and a Global Business Development Consultant. Thursday, Apr 29, 6:00 PM IDT. Register here.

What's in the Benchs for eSports: eSports is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, with a total audience of over 500M worldwide. Join their all-star panel for an informative discussion on the rising popularity of competitive gaming and eSports, breaking the stigma around gaming as a profession, and opportunities for tech adoption as new ways to add value. Apr 29, 7:00 PM IDT. Register here.

Register for Cybersecurity in the Time of COVID-19: The Consulate is very excited to invite you to join them for a special webinar titled “Cybersecurity in the Time of COVID-19”, a conversation featuring representatives from Israeli-founded venture group, Team8, The University of Tulsa-Team8 cyber fellows program, and Tulsa Innovation Labs. The program will be moderated by Edie Roodman, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Israel Exchange. Here we will discuss the partnership between The University of Tulsa and Team8, the challenges facing the cybersecurity community as a result of the pandemic, what the cybersecurity landscape will look like post-pandemic, and the cybersecurity ecosystem in Israel. Apr 30, 11:00 AM in Central Time. Register here.

US Healthcare Market Playbook: 1 ticket per company. Detailed guidelines and check lists to structure your go-to-market strategy. FREE 1:1 tailored consultation sessions. Q&A with experienced entrepreneurs. Network with investors, service providers, mentors and potential clients. If someone comes from this newsletter, they will give a 20% discount on the current price - YNF20 is the promo code in the registration. Monday, May 3, at 8:00 AM PDT. Register here.

Disrupting Global Supply Chain Logistics with Israeli Tech: Start-Up Nation Central, DSV Global Transport and Logistics, and Plug and Play are honored to invite you to the 2021 Israel Supply Chain Logistics Map launch event. May 3, 05:00 PM in Jerusalem. Register here.

Banking on the Cloud: Join AWS, Team8, Orca Security and Citi for this exciting event with all-star speakers. May 5th, 10:00 EST / 17:00 IL. Register today here.

Desertech Meetup: They are very excited to invite you to their latest Desertech meetup. If you are curious about the latest trends in renewable energy in arid environments, make sure you don't miss this! Mon, May 10, 5:00 PM IDT. Register here.

JFE VC Talks: Q&A with Jennifer Vancini of Mighty Capital: They will be discussing how to pitch U.S. investors. Specifically, how to conduct investor due diligence, what to have in a pitch deck, and what investors are looking for. They will also discuss how to prepare for investor pitch meetings and what to expect afterwards. You will have an opportunity to ask Jennifer additional questions during the webinar. Tue, May 11, 8:00 PM IDT. Register here.

SECURING THE SUPPLY CHAIN OF CYBER PRODUCTS & SYSTEMS: The Blavatnik Interdisciplinary Cyber Research Center at Tel Aviv University and the EIS Council are proud to co-host a special webinar focusing on creating worldwide collaboration between suppliers, manufacturers, vendors, customers, governments, regulators and end-users. May 26, 06:30 PM in Jerusalem. Register here.

Meet the 5% : Women Who Venture Invest: Join their Girls Club Capital insightful & inspiring discussion with leading women and emerging fund managers in venture capital. Their panel on 5/18/2021 will delve into the venture capitalists' personal experience of what it's like to build a VC, provide advice to their female founders & investment tips to our investors audience and speak about the gender gap in venture financing. Request your invite here.

Social Innovation Summit 2021: Social Innovation Summit is the ultimate platform for building partnerships, sharing best practices, and understanding global challenges and solutions among those who are committed to enabling more inclusive and equitable communities. This year’s expert lineup will reflect on the challenges of this past year as well as the opportunities for continued progress across critical themes like: COVID Response & Impact, Future of Work, Mental Health & Wellness, STEM Education, Tech for Good, Economic Mobility, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. June 8-10. Register here.

Israel Investment Forum 2021 in Tel Aviv: They are proud to announce the Israel Investment Summit, which will take place on June 22, 2021, at the EXPO Tel Aviv. This is the first in-person, physical event after the COVID19 breakout. The summit is designed to introduce Israeli companies who aim to increase their activities and introduce them to potential new business partners, such as VC private investors, family offices, fund managers, institutional investors and more. Learn more here.

CyberWeek Tel Aviv (in person + virtual): Cyber Week is a large annual international cybersecurity event, hosted each year at Tel Aviv University in Israel. Over the past nine years, Cyber Week has become internationally acclaimed as one of the top cybersecurity events in the world. Cyber Week offers a unique gathering of cybersecurity experts, industry leaders, startups, investors, academics, diplomats, and government officials. With more than 9,000 attendees from more than 80 countries, this conference offers a thought-provoking exchange of knowledge, methods, and ideas that you won’t want to miss. July 19-22. Learn more here.

2021 Bishulim Digital Innovation Challenge: For the first time in Israel - they at the global Nestlé, are collaborating with Osem-Nestlé in scouting for cutting edge technologies that would help us uplift Bishulim – one of the largest recipe websites in Israel – and help it become the leading ecosystem for cooking! Apply here.

Merage +45 program: The Merage +45 invites entrepreneurs with innovative ideas to a unique program with a $100K grant for the leading startups. Eligible candidates: Any startup from any field with a founder age 45 and over, or startup led by a woman (at any age) that holds above 50% of the shares. The last day to register- April 30th, 2021. Apply here. 

Tastetech by Sigma: Call Out for all Israeli startups within the Green tech field. All Israeli startups working on Circular Economy, Packaging, and Sustainable Transportation should apply. This is a unique opportunity to work with Tastech by Sigma, one of the biggest Mexican multinationals from the food industry (Sigma). Lots of advantages for startups are being offered! You have until April the 26th! To get more information and to apply, click here.

Jonathan ‘Yoni’ Frenkel heads Partnerships at Tulsa-based Atento Capital. He leads the effort to assist US and Israeli companies with hiring highly skilled remote workers in Tulsa. He can be reached on LinkedIn here.