Author Archives: MichaelOrdman

The winds of change

Posted on March 17, 2024

Israel’s entry in the Eurovision song contest had to be changed, as the European Broadcasting Authority objected to the original lyrics referring to Oct 7.  Let’s hope that the new version, entitled “Hurricane”, blows the audience away! https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/386542 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QV_NQ5F_iXY&

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Tour de Taiwan first stage winner

Posted on March 17, 2024

Israeli cyclist Itamar Einhorn of Israel Premier – Tech Cycling Team, won the opening stage of the Tour de Taiwan in Tapei, becoming the first Israeli to wear the yellow jacket in one of Asia’s oldest races. https://unitedwithisrael.org/israeli-cyclist-wins-opening-stage-of-tour-de-taiwan-in-tapei/

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Top pizza restaurants

Posted on March 17, 2024

Two Israeli pizzerias have been selected to be featured in the annual 50 Top Pizza ranking in the Asia-Pacific category. The Fresca pizzeria from Kibbutz Afikim, located south of the Sea of Galilee, was ranked 37th in the guide, and … Continue reading →

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Jerusalem Biennale returns home

Posted on March 17, 2024

The sixth Jerusalem Biennale is finally set to return to the Israeli capital five months after the war in Gaza forced the organizers to take the art platform on a world tour. (see here). It has been updated to give … Continue reading →

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Free trade with Guatemala

Posted on March 17, 2024

The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that Israel signed with Guatemala in 2022 (see here previously) has just come into effect. Guatemala has the largest economy (GDP & population) in Central America. It joins seven Latin American countries that also have … Continue reading →

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The sweet smell of success

Posted on March 17, 2024

Israel’s iRomaScents (see here previously) couldn’t sell its “scented movies” to the entertainment industry. So, it re-positioned the product as an aid to choosing perfume. Its AI Wizard was a knockout at CES Las Vegas where it accurately recommended fragrances … Continue reading →

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Startup investment – to 17/3/24

Posted on March 17, 2024

Empathy raised $47 million; Fijoya raised $8.3 million;

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Exits, takeovers and mergers – to 17/3/24

Posted on March 17, 2024

Israel’s Wiz is acquiring Israel’s Gem Security for $350 million. Multinational Ashley Home has acquired Israeli co-founded Resident Home for $1 billion. America’s Zscaler is acquiring Israeli startup Avalor for $350 million. Israel’s Cycode has acquired US-based Bearer for around … Continue reading →

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Saliva pregnancy testing kit hits the market

Posted on March 17, 2024

After rollout in England, Ireland, and Sweden, Israel’s Salistick (see here previously) is finally available in Israel.  It will be sold in 285 branches of Super-Pharn for just under 25 shekels. The product detects the hormone Beta-hCG and has sold … Continue reading →

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Best Microsoft Contact Center

Posted on March 17, 2024

At the CX (customer experience) awards hosted by CX Today, Israel’s AudioCodes (see here previously) received the award for Best Microsoft Teams Contact Center Solution for its Voca Conversational Interaction Center (Voca CIC). Judges were independent industry experts. https://www.audiocodes.com/news/press-releases/news/audiocodes-ai-first-voca-conversational-interaction-center-wins-best-microsoft-teams-contact-center-award

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