Israel had a record balance of payments surplus of NIS 3.8 billion in the third quarter of 2015. The main reason was a fall in the cost of imported oil and coal and Israel’s growing use of its own natural … Continue reading →

Six members of Israel’s Kamatech accelerator impressed crowds of investors with their technologies at Demo and Investor Day at the Microsoft Technology Center in Times Square, New York. Kamatech was the first accelerator / incubator for ultra-Orthodox entrepreneurs. http://www.timesofisrael.com/haredi-entrepreneurs-wow-investors-in-unique-demo-day/

Israeli startup CredFi has developed a database on commercial property, covering 1.5 million properties. It is the first to give crucial data for making investment decisions. http://www.timesofisrael.com/big-data-a-big-deal-in-commercial-real-estate-says-credifi/

I featured Israeli video tech company Interlude previously here and here. Now MGM is leading an $18.2 million investment in Interlude so that it can make an interactive digital short video, inspired by MGM’s three-time Academy Award-nominated 1983 feature film … Continue reading →

As part of its global innovation strategy, the Australian government is opening an overseas startup hub in Tel Aviv. Entitled “Landing Pad”, it will give Australian entrepreneurs and start-ups a short-term operational base in Israel’s key global innovation hotspot. http://www.globes.co.il/en/article-australia-setting-up-tel-aviv-tech-incubator-1001087002

Israel’s Rioglass Solar has acquired the thermo-solar receiver business of Germany’s Schott Solar – Rioglass’s main competitor with 70% of the market. Rioglass bought the other 30% from Siemens in 2013 and is the preferred supplier for all new thermo-solar … Continue reading →

German electronics giant Bosch is setting up a development center in Tel Aviv. Bosch executives visited Israel in June (see previous Newsletter) http://www.globes.co.il/en/article-bosch-to-set-up-israel-development-center-1001087371

Israel’s OurCrowd was voted the 10th most innovative Fintech company worldwide, in the annual ‘Fintech 100’ list, the leading Global Fintech innovators report published by investment firm, H2 Ventures and KPMG. http://blog.ourcrowd.com/index.php/2015fintech100/