Rainy season...

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.

Welcome back to the The Israeli Startup Review. Congratulations to the Israeli tech companies who were featured in TIME's 100 Best Invention of 2021.

My latest piece in TechCrunch with Dan Perry: Israel’s tech sector is on the wrong track

A personal benchmark in having our thoughts published in TechCrunch. The piece is a bit of a departure of what I usually write about (articles featuring startups or personal development hacks). But you need to keep trying new things and get out of your comfort zone!

Also, my latest piece in Forbes Israel: The rise and importance of contentpreneurs

The Hebrew version: עסק צידי או משרה מלאה? השינוי שיצרה הקורונה בעולם המשפיענים

I received the feedback from you all regarding hosting a tech themed happy hour in New York, and I do plan on putting something together, but in January (it just became too crowded at the end of the year with the reemergence of events).

If you’re interested in being a sponsor at this upcoming event, as well as being included in the marketing leading up to it, and reaching and engaging with a professional tech oriented crowd online and in-person please respond to this email/post.

Yuval Noah Harari: The 2021 60 Minutes interview: This is a short, great, and personal interview between Anderson Cooper and Yuval Noah Harari that is certainly worth watching. Nothing that Harari mentions during the interview is particularly new, but his work is even more relevant than before as we barrel towards the future. Many of the ideas were first expressed in his excellent book on the future, Homo Deus, but it does feel he has come back full-circle to the now classic Sapiens by taking Cooper to the Tel Gezer archeology site on the way to Jerusalem.

If anything, some of the predictions Harari has written about are coming true such as our health data being used to analyze our behavior. In this case the Israeli HMO data set which Pfizer has been using to track the vaccines’ effectiveness. COVID has also accelerated the gap between those with resources and those lacking, take for example countries who had the ability to vaccinate large swaths of their population versus poorer ones who have not been able to. No need to look to the future in Harari’s idea of how we will divide into different species as a result of technology, access to knowledge and healthcare are already creating massive divides. 

Harari is adored by Silicon Valley, and believes that the leaders of Big Tech companies are in shock by the amount of power they have. It is nice for mainstream consumption but I would disagree as they wield their influence with clear intent, and know full well others are always looking to dethrone them. There is no incentive for those in power (and controlling the algorithms is power) to just give it up.

Key Takeaways:

Silicon Curtain: The competition between the US and China on who will have technological dominance will define the future.

Full circle: Sapien’s concept of a shared imagination is becoming very real with platforms like Meta.

You can’t escape it: More than that, we openly give access to our personal data in order to improve our daily lives, but this will come at a cost.

From 2019 thanks to NoCamels.. much has progressed since then so looking forward to seeing a 2022 climate tech infographic.

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. Our Talent Network works to get you connected with Tulsa companies, and provides you direct support from our 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

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.

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! talentpool@ibexinvestors.com

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.

Atera: Atera raised $100+ million and they are HIRING a Technical CSM and Community Manager for the CS team. To apply:

Community Manager here.

Technical Customer Success Manager here.

Dreaming about working in high tech? There's no better time than the present to change the course of your career. Available Positions.

Brex: XIR (X in Residence). Brex is reimagining financial systems so every growing company can realize their full potential. As the financial OS, they’re building software and services in one place—disrupting long-entrenched institutions with products and experiences that better serve the ambitions of our customers. Apply here.

Confetti: Browse through hundreds of team building ideas and instantly book amazing, vetted experiences on a one-of-a-kind online platform. Shape the future of employee experience. Positions here.

FamX: Director, Growth Marketing for Aktivate. Come join a well-funded startup company that is building a powerful platform for the management of youth and scholastic sports, a vastly growing $40B+ industry. They're a mission-oriented company led by the serial entrepreneurs and technology leaders (Jonathan Miller, Hesky Kutscher, and Dhruv Singh) behind some of the biggest global technology brands. Their mission is to bring the most advanced technologies to the administration, transaction management, and funding of youth sports. Apply here.

Israeli-American Council (IAC): Looking to make a meaningful impact? Become part of a forward thinking, proactive and passionate team that touches the lives of thousands of Israeli-American and Jewish Americans across the country. Explore career opportunities in marketing, development, programming, accounting and more. Opportunities here.

Kinneret Innovation Center: *KIC is hiring! Account Manager.* They are seeking a highly motivated Junior, Account Manager, to help *to grow the international activity* and attacking new markets and business opportunities. The candidate will be in charge of looking for new clients and business partners all around the globe and of growing the business relationship with those. On top of good account management skills, this position requires some business development capabilities to build and grow a business portfolio. Apply here.

Proptech Zone: The leading innovation center for real estate technologies in Israel, is currently seeking an ambitious, innovative & passionate individual for Program Manager position Passion for real estate and tech is a must! Main responsibilities: Operations, marketing, research , business development & much more. For more details & CV: michal.golo@proptechzone.com

Santa: Talented people! Santa Inc is hiring in Tel Aviv (and not just Engineers (!) ) Join them, they are so nice and somewhat over-joyous. Product Designer. Brand & Marketing Designer. BI & Data Analyst. All open roles here.

StageOne Ventures: They are hiring a Principal to come work with them at StageOne Ventures! If you know anyone who is looking to back the best entrepreneurs in Israel, feel free to send them their way! See the job description and details here.

StreamElements: They are growing fast. If you want to work with top brands, top people and see the economy of content creator grow - take part and join us here.

Rise Up North: Register now to join them for their amazing day, which is part of the Global Entrepreneurship Network Israel events. Check in with experts and mentors to find out if you’re on the right track. Give your pitch a check up with a panel of serial entrepreneurs and seasoned investors. Learn about their successes and challenges leading and developing companies in the north. See you on 11.11! Road2 Office, Haifa, November 11, 11:00AM Register here.

INVITATION: Night at the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra + Wine Reception: + Private wine reception exclusive for their young patrons of the arts mingling with members of the orchestra, so that’s cool. Thanks to a generous contribution, the Tel Aviv Arts Council, in partnership with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, is able to offer tremendously discounted tickets exclusively to our young patrons of the arts. Thu, Nov 11, 8:00 PM IST. Charles Bronfman Auditorium, 1 Huberman Street, Heichal HaTarbut // HaBima Square, Tel Aviv-Yafo. Register here.

Tel Aviv Sunset Series Cocktails Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Fleur Hassan Nahoum: Tribe Tel Aviv, presents: The Sunset Series Happy Hour Drinking & Hanging. Topic: Jerusalem & the Middle East: Core of the Problem or the Solution? With: Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem, Candidate for Chair of the Jewish Agency, Co-Founder of the UAE Business Council and Gulf-Israel Women's Forum. Mon, Nov 15, 7:00 PM IST. Capella Cocktail Bar, Hagag Tower, HaArba’a 28, South Tower, 14th Floor, Tel Aviv-Yafo. Register here.

MindTheTech: Calcalist is excited to be returning to New York for a new international event in the Mind the Tech series. Mind the Tech NY 2021 will include a series of unique encounters and discussion topics focusing on innovation & tech, business ties with Israel, investment opportunities and more. During the conference, they shall examine the ways in which high-tech and innovation manifest in an array of fields, from cyber and fintech to e-commerce & entertainment. The event is planned to bring together startup companies and U.S.-based funds and corporates. Nov 15th-17th. Register here.

Spotlight - Promising Early Stage Israeli Startups: Join them to hear from 3 leading Proptech Women CEOs, who will share their journey and their experiences building a global technology company in the Proptech field. November 17th // 9am EST // 4pm Israel Time. Register now to their next webinar >> here.

Abraham Peace Accords, A Catalyst for Business: One Year Later: What are key milestones and groundbreaking achievements? Hear from Israeli and UAE high-tech, med-tech and biotech entrepreneurs who have successfully entered into business arrangements. Zoom link will be emailed upon registration. Contact Nancy Boguslaw, NBoguslaw@MarylandIsrael.org should you have any questions. Wed, November 17, 11:00 AM. Register here.

AIFL Israel Day @NASDAQ Conference: Start-Up to Global Financial Markets: Join them for a Ceremonial Bell Ringing followed by the conference. Start-up to Global Financial Markets. Networking Breakfast: 9:15AM. Ceremonial Bell Ringing: 10AM. All guests attending onsite events at NASDAQ are required to provide proof of a negative Rapid COVID-19 Test taken within 48 hours of the event (no earlier than Monday, November 15, 2021). Click Here to Register for In -Person Attendance via Email or Click Here to Register for the Livestream Event.

Presidents George W. Bush and Reuven Rivlin to Be Honored at America-Israel Friendship League 50th Anniversary Gala: This year, the America-Israel Friendship League (AIFL) is thrilled to be celebrating our 50th anniversary. They are delighted to invite you to AIFL’s 50th Anniversary Partners for Democracy Awards Gala, taking place on Wednesday evening, November 17, 2021 at The Plaza Hotel in New York City. This should be a wonderful and exciting evening of celebration of America-Israel relations. You can learn more about AIFL at www.aifl.org and about their Gala at www.aifl.org/gala.

EDGE MINI SUMMIT SERIES-VOL. 1: Please join IAC EDGE for their first Mini Summit Series event. Be part of their EDGE national young professional community with Israel in heart. This special evening will feature some of the top guest speakers, great networking opportunities, drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Register now for this event you will not want to miss. Limited space. THU., NOVEMBER 18TH 06:30 PM (PST). Register here.

FinTech Aviv: Exploring New Horizons – Targeting Unexplored Territories: They are thrilled to invite you to FinTech-Aviv's IN PERSON event focused on developed markets on Tuesday, Nov. 23rd! Join them for this exciting event, when they will explore different Go-to-Market strategies, and host top quality experts as well as industry professionals who will share their insights on the innovative methods of engaging and securing new clients in unexplored territories! November 23rd, 2021 at 6pm IS. Mindspace(5th floor), 54 Ahad Ha'am St., Tel-Aviv. 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.

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 וויוורק הזרם 7 HaPelech Street, Tel Aviv-Yafo.Tue, December 7, 5:30 PM. More details 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. בית ציוני אמריקה - ZOA House TLV – 1 Daniel Frisch Street Tel Aviv-Yafo. Thursday, December 16 at 8:00am. Register 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.

UK-Israel Fintech Week: They are excited to launch the application for Israeli Fintech & Cyber startups in payment & banking for a chance to present your innovative solutions to leading figures from top tier UK financial institutions. A great collaboration of the British Embassy Israel and the Economic & Trade Mission, Embassy of Israel in London, together with Fladgate LLP and the Israel Export Institute - מכון היצוא. Application closes - Monday 1 November. Apply 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.