Israel Active

Israel’s AppsFlyer (see previously) is recruiting 300 new employees in Israel by the end of 2021, taking its local workforce to around 1,000 people and 1,400 across the world. AppsFlyer is mainly expanding its R&D departments, developing marketing measurement software for its clients.

Israel’s NextSilicon has developed innovative technology which uses software algorithms to speed up silicon-based computing platforms. It could lead to breakthroughs in supercomputer applications. NextSilicon recently raised $120 million to value the company at $1.5 billion (Unicorn status).

Israel’s Bringg (see previously), which offers a delivery logistics platform for the enterprise market, has just raised $100 million of funding. The investment values the company at $1 billion, the financial status of a Unicorn.

Israel’s Pixellot (see previously) has signed an agreement with pay-TV sports provider Supersport to establish a high-school sports network to serve athletes, coaches, and scouts across Africa. Pixellot automatically streams games and their highlights to any device, live or on-demand.

The “where can you get a decent cup of tea in Israel?” joke is over. Israel’s Ceremonie Tea produces a wide array of quality teas and herbal infusions. They include English Breakfast, Green tea, lavender Earl Grey, alongside the more classic Israeli versions. They come loose, in bags, pyramids and cube sachets.

Israel’s SavorEat (see previously) is commencing restaurant trials of its Robot Chef that 3D-prints and cooks vegan burgers in six minutes with no human contact. Burger options are “sporty” (high protein), chef’s choice or “juicy”, and cooked rare, medium or well done.

After a decade’s absence, Israeli McDonald's (which includes kosher branches) is relaunching falafel in pita breads. Customers will be able to purchase a McFalafel, McKebab or crispy chicken in a mini pita with tehina (tahini), lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles. It will have plenty of competition though.

From 1st July, individual tourists will be able to enter Israel subject to providing a SARS-CoV-2 vaccination certificate and various pre & post arrival tests.

Anti-BDS news - investment in Israeli startups so far in 2021 has beaten the total for the whole of last year. Investment up to 8th Jun totaled $10.5 billion compared to $10 billion for all of 2020 (also a great year). It includes 30 investment rounds of over $100 million (only 21 in all of 2020).

Israeli project management firm monday.com (see previously) completed its Nasdaq IPO, raising $574 million at a valuation of some 7 billion - one of Israel’s largest tech listings. With offices in 8 major global cities, monday.com reports having 120,000 customers in more than 190 countries.