New Unicorns
Israel’s Fundbox (see previously), developer of an AI-powered financial platform for small businesses, raised $100 million at $1.1 billion valuation. Israeli gaming company Moon Active raised $300 million at $5 billion valuation. Finally, Israel’s StarkWare raised $50 million at $2 billion valuation.
Generating revenue for content creators
Israel’s LetsTok is building a video platform for influencers and content creators. It will allow them to connect with their fans in a marketplace format for personalized advice, counseling, and guidance, plus generate a stable revenue stream.
Vertical farms open in Russia and Ukraine
Israel’s Vertical Field (see previously) has just opened the first of its indoor farms inside retail stores in Dnipro (Ukraine) and Krasnodar (Russia). The mobile walls grow healthy greens such as lettuce, spinach and basil, to be harvested immediately for customers at the store.
UBS to establish Israeli R&D center
Global wealth management giant UBS will establish an R&D center in Israel for the first time, initially employing up to 100. General Manager Gerry Livnat recognized that Israel is a cyber center, so it is important for UBS to hear about new developments.
Ten more startups ignited
Ignite, Intel’s startup growth program, has selected 10 more startups for its fifth Tel Aviv cohort. They are CADY Solutions, , DeepAI, , Exodigo, Finout, Helios.dev, HyperSpace, Illumex, and Oxeye.
Building Jerusalem’s tallest tower
Jerusalem has approved the construction of what will become the tallest tower building ever built in Jerusalem. The Marom Tower, part of the City Gateway business park (see previously) will be forty stories high with a cultural center, art galleries and a museum on the first 8 floors.
$100 million climate tech fund
Israel’s Firstime is raising a $100 million fund aligned with UN sustainability development goals. It aims to help build Israeli unicorns working in the climate technology industry, and has already invested in BeeHero (see previously) - Israel’s precision agriculture and pollination company.
Serbia opens trade office in Jerusalem
Serbia has inaugurated its innovation and trade office in Jerusalem. The office, located in Margalit Startup City Jerusalem, is a sign of burgeoning business ties and designed to enable the countries to fulfill their bilateral economic potential.
4 more Unicorns
Latest Israeli startups to become billion-dollar Unicorns are Celsius Networks (raised $400 million, value $3 billion); Lusha (see ) raised $205 million, value $1.5 billion; Augury (see ) raised $180 million, value $1 billion; OpenWeb (raised $150 million, value $1 billion).
Investment in Israeli startups: (28/11/21)
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