Free trade with Guatemala
The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that Israel signed with Guatemala in 2022 (see 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 FTAs with Israel.
The sweet smell of success
Israel’s iRomaScents (see 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 to the public.
Startup investment – to 17/3/24
raised ;
raised ;
Exits, takeovers and mergers – to 17/3/24
Israel’s is acquiring Israel’s for .
Multinational Ashley Home has acquired Israeli co-founded Resident Home for .
America’s Zscaler is acquiring Israeli startup for .
Israel’s Cycode has acquired US-based Bearer for around $10 million.
Saliva pregnancy testing kit hits the market
After rollout in England, Ireland, and Sweden, Israel’s Salistick (see 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 100,000+ units in the UK since July 2023.
Best Microsoft Contact Center
At the CX (customer experience) awards hosted by CX Today, Israel’s AudioCodes (see previously) received the award for Best Microsoft Teams Contact Center Solution for its Voca Conversational Interaction Center (Voca CIC). Judges were independent industry experts.
A space to build space-tech
JNF-USA funded the Mitzpe Ramon Hub in the Negev for startups developing technology with relevance to outer space. The first to take up the offer is Israel’s Creation Space, a group dedicated to promoting technology in New Space. It also helped turn the landscape into a replica of Mars.
Who’s flying to Israel
One site with information about how to get to Israel and what to do when you get there.
Big increase in apartment sales
Despite the war, the number of apartments sold in Israel has increased by 14% year-on-year. There were 8,053 real estate deals in January, the highest figure since September 2022.
Things are looking better
OurCrowd’s Jon Medved discusses Israel's economy on "Wall Street Week" daily. It helps that many of Israel’s hi-tech workers have returned from the IDF. Israel is good value for investors. Meanwhile, Israel’s annual inflation rate fell to 2.6% from 3% and job vacancies have soared.