Taking 2021 by the horns

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.

Happy New Year from the US. Wishing my friends all over the world a meaningful New Years, and that this coming year will challenge you in ways that will help you grow and prosper. Without resistance there is no growth. 2020 threw the gauntlet down, and it was up to us to heed the call and step up to face this challenge head on.

My latest piece in Medium: 3 things I learned from ThePowerMBA in 2020

A recap of this year's top stories from the Startup Nation:

How has Israel launched the world’s fastest Covid vaccination drive? Having ramped up to a 24/7 operation, health providers are administering the first dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine at a rate of 150,000 people a day – almost 2% of the population.

Unicorn Sighting: 15 Israeli-Founded Firms Join The Billion Dollar Club: Of the 45 Israeli companies that have reached “unicorn” status – privately-held companies valued over $1 billion – 15 have joined the list in the last year.

IVC: 2020 was a record year for Israeli tech: Despite the global crisis, Israeli tech companies raised a record $9.9 billion in 578 deals, according to the 2020 Israeli Tech Review published by IVC and Meitar Law Offices.

Israeli start-up entrepreneur says Middle East’s next unicorn ‘very likely’ to come out of UAE: The next billion dollar business in the Middle East will emerge from the United Arab Emirates, according to one of the region’s most prominent entrepreneurs.

20 reasons 2020 WASN’T the worst year in history: One thing that makes Israel so resilient in times of adversity is that society closes in and becomes like a family. 2020 was no different. 

The stated goal is to be the first country to emerge from COVID in 2021... and so far, Israel is on track to do so. 

Atento Capital: We're looking for passionate individuals with recruiting experience to help us drive Tulsa towards a more diverse and vibrant future. Does this sounds like you? Apply below. Apply here.

Clique: They're announcing a super cool initiative at Clique. A 10 days digital walkthrough for marketers aiming to learn and master their "Community Marketing" strategy for 2021. The end goal: Introduction to & practical steps on how to best ignite and grow your community to achieve business goals. They have limited space for January so no time for hesitation :) Signup to get more info here.

Audioburst: They are on a mission to organize the world’s audio content and make it universally accessible. Audioburst is looking for a full-time marketing manager for its growing marketing team. The marketing manager will play a critical role in educating the market, building awareness, driving demand for Audioburst products, and positively influencing the business growth of the company. Apply here.

Bizzabo: Director, Account Management. Bizzabo is hiring a revenue leader to build their first Account Management organization. You will be responsible for managing a growing team of Senior and Global Account Managers focused 100% on renewing and expanding relationships with customers including Amazon, SFDC, BBC, FT and other Enterprise organizations. Apply here.

Cybint Solutions: The Head of Customer Success will support Cybint’s Certified Cyber Centers and partners globally in launching, operating and making an impact by delivering Cybint’s cyber education programs. The Head of Customer Success will work with strategic accounts to ensure their growth and will build and manage an international team to support Cybint’s growth across North America, EMEA and APAC. The Head of Customer Success will have monthly, quarterly and yearly activity and results goals. To apply: [email protected]

Goren Capital Group: Mergers and Acquisitions Intern. Goren Capital Group is a leading independent investment banking firm active in Israel and globally. Due to its successful history and track record, GCG has established a strong network with key players in the Israeli and international capital markets. GCG has advised top-tier companies and Boards of Directors on matters of financial policy, capital structure, financing alternatives (including local and global debt issuance) and credit rating. Apply here.

Interai: They are a no-integration, no-API, no-code platform helping organizations to optimize business processes by solving disparity and complexity of existing enterprise systems and applications rapidly and without IT effort. They are on a mission to change everything you know about enterprise software. Opportunities here.

Mindspace: Junior SDR. Mindspace is a rapidly growing global provider of inspiring workspaces for teams of all sizes. This full-time position is based in Tel-Aviv, and you will be reporting to the SDR team lead. As the Junior SDR, you’re a natural with sales, want to be on the front line, and to be instrumental to the company's growth. Apply here.

Okapi AI: Sales Development Representative. The ideal candidate is an energetic self-starter with the ability to identify influencers and key decision-makers within accounts. You will discover qualified opportunities by responding to inbound interests and targeted outbound prospects to build rapport and establish long-term relationships. Apply here. 

REMOTE Technical Evangelist role for a Devops startup: An exciting Series A devops startup seeks a Technical Evangelist for a career-defining opportunity to build thriving data science and open source and AI communities around their platform. You can be based anywhere in the US or potentially Israel. East coast US is preferred. If this may fit please email [email protected]

Rakuten Viber: Director of Marketing & Communications. Hundreds of millions of people around the world choose Viber as their top messaging and calling app every day. Viber is looking for a sharp-minded, true marketing professional experienced in digital marketing in B2C companies to lead and manage our product marketing, creative and global communications team. Apply here.

SentinelOne: Technical Recruiter. A true TALENT, that is hungry to drive their recruitment agenda, who can lead complex situations by challenging hiring managers and at the same time taking a major role as their trusted advisor, that is eager to hire the best fit for S1 and by that helping them drive their business strategy for the entire organization. Apply here.

SQream: SQream is calling YOU, they are looking for:

*C++ Software developer

*C++ Team Lead

*Senior Java Developer

*DevOps Engineer DevOps Team Lead

*Senior Product Manager

*Senior Product Marketing Manager

*Technical Writer (Part-time)

*Customer Success Manager

*QA automation Expert

*R&D Group Manager

*QA Automation Engineer

Apply here.

WSC Sports: COVID-19 won't stop them! They're looking for BizDev Manager EMEA and Sales Manager EMEA to help them grow their presence... in EMEA. Opportunities here.

Webeyez: Webeyez is a successful SaaS startup whose solution detects and measures the critical site issues that disrupt online conversions. Their clients are worldwide and most are in the eCommerce B2C space, where site performance is a key element to success.  This role will work with the CEO and take a leading part of their company’s technical development. Apply here.

Analyst & Project Manager: They are an international Family Office focused on investments in early stage startups while creating and supporting new solutions for social challenges. They are looking for a versatile and experienced Analyst & Project Manager with a background in research in the worlds of technology and innovation coupled with an ability and passion to learn new things. This is a full time position from their Israel HQ in Ramat Gan. All the information about the position here. To apply: [email protected]

Anheuser-Busch InBev: Tech Innovation Manager. As a Global Innovation Manager at AB InBev, your focus will be on delivering new solutions to the Supply Chain function. You will play an integral role in defining the innovation strategy and long-term vision of the world’s largest brewer. Apply here.

CTO Role Available at rising PropTech company in South Florida: Their client is a prop tech start up that has developed an arbitrage platform for the single family housing market. Think of it as a Bloomberg terminal for the real estate market! Using Machine learning and decision engines, their able to scan millions of housing united to identify real-time incorrect pricing. The founder is a graduate from Wharton and was accepted into VIPX- UPENN’s most exclusive accelerator program. He is looking for a VP of Technology or CTO level candidate to help build, grow and lead the full engineering process. Please send resume to [email protected] with subject [Your name] CTO South Florida.

Dario Health: They're hiring for Product Marketing and Product roles. Dario Health is one of the fastest growing companies in the healthcare industry, it’s an amazing time to join them. Know anyone who would be a good fit? Let them know here.

Entree Capital: They're looking for a student to join their investment team at Entrée Capital - a global VC managing >$600M - for 1-4 days per week, mix of remote and in-office work. Entrée has invested in startups such as Monday,com, Snap, Stripe, Deliveroo, PostMates, Riskified, FundBox, Stash, PillPack, Gusto, Cazoo, Coupang, Glovo, and over 80 other companies. Please send your resume to [email protected]

ironSource: The Product Marketing Manager will carry out product marketing tasks in Tel Aviv and globally, helping to make sure that all of our products are visible, understood, and adopted by ironSource clients. This includes creation of content, sales enablement and training decks, facilitating case studies, meeting with product owners and understanding the roadmaps, meeting with business teams to explain the products and roadmaps, etc. Apply here.

Salto: Product Manager. This is an amazing opportunity to join a rapidly growing, category-defining company. They’re looking for exceptional candidates with engineering backgrounds. Apply here.

Upstream: Full Stack Engineer. Upstream is building the place for your professional social life: a platform where professionals can get help & help others, meet people in fun live video mixer events, and build a community of like-minded professionals. Apply here.

UAE & Israel, The Business of Peace: Tel Aviv International Salon in partnership with OurCrowd, presents: UAE & Israel : The Business of Peace. Abu Dhabi's Dr. Sabah al-Binali & Jerusalem's Jon Medved. Date: Tuesday January 5th, 7:30pm IL // 12:30pm EST // 9:30pm GST. Register here.

Tmura (online) event: They are delighted to invite you to a Tmura online event on Tuesday, January 12th from 17:30 – 18:30 (Israel time). Update on some of Tmura’s latest stats: now over NIS 75,000,000 generated for charity, some exciting exit developments, and a record number of new donor companies in 2020! Special presentation: Tahnoon Saif – CEO of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub in Dubai South (the world’s largest airport and logistics hub). MBR Aerospace Hub , a 7 sqkm hub, since 2015, budget expected to reach $4.6B by 2030. Former VP for Corporate Strategy at Dubai South, leading development strategy for Dubai government. Register here.

Cyber Ladies Panel - Women Who Invest in Cybersecurity: Join them to meet the women who invest in Cybersecurity! During the panel, you will have the opportunity to hear from a very inspiring group of women investors about their path and what is required to become an investor. We will also discuss the challenges in the field and 2021 predictions. Jan 12, 12:00 PM in Eastern Time. Register here.

THE FIRST ONLINE GOFORUAE - ISRAEL FOOD SECURITY INVESTMENT CONFERENCE: Connecting between the most innovative Israeli Food Security companies & leading Investors from the UAE. The UAE, a desert country with an arid climate, insufficient water and arable land is determined to address the issue of food security in order to deal with the growing population and its rising consumption needs, especially now during the pandemic. Monday, 18 January, 09:00. Apply here.

Building Bridges: Strengthening Startup Links Between Israel and Singapore: Israel has the highest number of startups per capita anywhere in the world and Singapore consistently ranks among the top of global competitiveness indexes and ease of doing business lists. It's no wonder that a recent article by the World Economic Forum of 5 startup hubs to watch globally put both Singapore and Israel on that list in the number one and two spots respectively. Wednesday, Jan 27, 12:30 PM (IST). Register here.

AI WEEK 2021: 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. In November 2019, the first ever AI Week took place at Tel Aviv University, welcoming over 3,000 attendees to a week filled with workshops and lectures. Feb. 22-24. Register here.

ICONYC labs: Hey Israeli founders… 2021 is just around the corner, and they’re looking for new investment and amazing pre-seed and seed startups to have join the ICONYC labs family. So far they’ve invested in 50 Israeli startups who went on to raise $200M in follow-on funding from some of the best VCs in the US and globally. If you’re working on something big, differentiated and highly technical, get the idea that you need to be in the market as early as possible, and ready to roll up your sleeves and get to work, they want to hear from you. They’re always available via email ([email protected]), chat, phone, zoom, or whatever way that works :-)

Jonathan 'Yoni' Frenkel 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 is currently in Israel working with the Tulsa-based fund Atento Capital. He can be reached on LinkedIn here.