Author Archives: MichaelOrdman

Chinese pottery mystery

Posted on December 7, 2024

A 16th century (Ming Dynasty) bowl has been unearthed in an archeological dig on Mount Zion in Jerusalem. It contains the earliest Chinese inscription found in Israel. It translates as “Forever we will guard the eternal spring” and probably was … Continue reading →

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Druze artist’s video goes viral

Posted on December 7, 2024

Sam Halaby, a young Israeli Druze artist from Daliyat al-Karmel, has stunned the art world with The House of Colors, a multidimensional art project transforming his childhood home into a living masterpiece. The video of his vibrantly colored house has … Continue reading →

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Helping to irrigate Australasia

Posted on December 7, 2024

Israel’s CropX (see here previously) has launched its Actual ET sensor in Australia and New Zealand. This first-of-its-kind sensor monitors real-time plant water use in a field through evapo-transpiration (ET). It integrates with CropX’s farm management system for efficient irrigation. … Continue reading →

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Look who’s using Israeli-created avatars

Posted on December 7, 2024

Israel’s D-ID (see here previously) has launched Personal Avatars that can generate digital agents indistinguishable from real people. D-ID’s clients include PepsiCo, AXA, Lenovo, J.P. Morgan, Softbank, Warner Bros and many more.  See also D-ID’s ethics pledge. https://www.d-id.com/news/press-release-marketing-suite/ https://www.d-id.com/ethics/

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Startup investment – to 8/12/24

Posted on December 7, 2024

Upwind raised $100 million; D-Fend raised $31 million; Droxi raised $21 million; EnSights raised $10 million; Converge Bio raised $5.5 million; Firedome raised $4.5 million.

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Exits, mergers & acquisitions – to 8/12/24

Posted on December 7, 2024

Israel’s Capitolis has acquired UK’s Capitalab for $46 million.

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From IDF Chief to deep tech VC

Posted on December 7, 2024

Aviv Kohavi left his job as IDF Chief of Staff in Jan 2023. He has now reportedly joined Israeli-Canadian investment company Awz Ventures, which specializes in deep tech. https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/glcbdaoyg

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Second bounce for Omri Caspi’s fund

Posted on December 7, 2024

When Israel’s Omri Casspi retired from the NBA circuit, he founded Swish Ventures. Swish has raised $60 million for its second fund, aiming to invest in around 10 Israeli startups. Swish already manages around $125 million in assets. Portfolio companies … Continue reading →

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Outsized returns

Posted on December 7, 2024

US investment firm Ibex Investors recognizes “the opportunity to make outsized returns in Israel” with the close of its 5th Israel-focused fund with $40 million. Ibex Chief Investment Officer Justin Borus said, “We believe Israel will be among the best … Continue reading →

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He saved the Sabra and Eucalyptus

Posted on December 7, 2024

Israel’s Prof Zvi Mendel and KKL-JNF saved the sabra (prickly pear) cactus from being globally destroyed by cochineal scale insects. He found and distributed the natural predator to the scale insects – Mexico’s ladybeetle. Previously he saved infected eucalyptus trees … Continue reading →

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