Israel Active

For the first time in Israel’s history, high tech exports accounted for more than 50% of the country’s exports in 2021. In another first, more than 10% of all Israelis now work in the high-tech industry – some 362.000 employees.

Israel’s Optibus (see previously) is Israel’s first public transportation industry Unicorn, raising $100 million in funds to reach a valuation of $1.3 billion. Unit.co (see previously) also raised $100 million for a valuation of $1.2 billion and the first banking-as-service platform to gain Unicorn status.

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Investment company Peak is launching its operations in Israel and will allow the general public to invest in Israeli startups alongside venture capital funds. Peak plans to invest only in early-stage startups, with low-value funding rounds, suitable for small investors.

Israel’s EVR Motors (see previously) is to manufacture light-weight electric motors for India’s Badve’s 2-wheeler and 3-wheeler electric vehicles. Badve’s EV President stated, “This partnership is in line with our core vision of sustainability and net zero emissions through green mobility.”

Israel’s Saffron Tech (see previously) has opened a NIS 1.5 million Research & Development center in Moshav Mavki’im, north of Gaza. Saffron Tech expects to open its first commercial plant next year.

Israel’s TetaVi (see previously) has partnered with the National Hockey League’s (NHL) LA Kings to bring thrilling 3D experiences to the ice. The LA Kings are the first team in the NHL to use volumetric capture technology to create immersive content and experiences for their fans.

Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners private-equity fund has raised over $3 billion and has reportedly already selected the first two Israeli firms to invest in. The fund includes a $2 billion commitment from Saudi Arabia’s sovereign-wealth fund.

Israel’s Percepto (see previously) is implementing what it calls “the largest commercial autonomous drone project in the world”. In Phase 1, it will deploy 13 drones to monitor power plants at Florida Power & Light, increasing to hundreds more drones in the next 5 years.

Israel Aerospace Industries is to supply the Philippine Navy with IAI’s Alpha 3D radar systems. The deal was concluded thanks to IAI’s partnership with Hyundai Heavy Industries.