Reaching out further

Israel’s Fiverr International (reported previously) is continuing its international expansion by launching its freelance network in two new languages - Dutch and Italian.  The move follows the opening of similar sites in Germany, France and Spain, now serving 5.5 million businesses in 160 countries.

Investment in Israeli startups (2 Aug 20)

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An app offering short-term jobs

Israel’s Nano Business has developed an application connecting employees seeking a daily income with employers in need of temporary workers. Those laid off by the Covid-19 crisis can use Nano to convert from waiters and event laborers into removers, plumbers and building workers.

Facebook & Intel expand Tel Aviv offices

Social media giant Facebook says its Israeli R&D center is a significant growth engine and is taking over two more floors in Tel Aviv’s Azrieli Sarona Tower (It already leases 10 floors). Meanwhile, Intel Israel is to rent four more floors in Tel Aviv’s Azrieli Triangular Tower.

Extending the reach of your videos

Israel’s Minute.ly offers to increase revenue and user engagement by using its AI technology to “amplify the impact of your video content”. Minute.ly is partnering Infront – part of Wanda Sports - to identify peak moments in sporting videos and increase audiences in Europe and the U.S.

Take the ferry to work in Tel Aviv

Israeli Transportation Minister Miri Regev has approved establishing a commuter ferry line that would reduce highway traffic in the center of the country. It would link Tel Aviv with Netanya and Hadera to its north, and Ashdod to its south. Netanya to Tel Aviv (e.g.) would take 20 minutes.

Accelerating public transportation

A non-profit accelerator, Israeli Association of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) has been launched to promote tech to streamline transportation systems, raise safety levels, and reduce pollution during the Covid-19 crisis. Its startups are Spool, Opticity Israel, Safe-on, JesTap and Afik.

Rewards for using local businesses

Customers using the Colu app (reported previously) to purchase goods and services in Israel during the Covid-19 pandemic, contributed $4 million to local businesses from March to May. Business owners reported that some 30 percent of their economic activity came from Colu users.

Investing in Israeli startups

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Electronic visas for Botswana

The government of Botswana has selected Israel’s Pangea (reported previously) to integrate its eVisa solution as part of Botswana’s efforts to expand its digital and online services. The online visa will enable visitors to Botswana have a seamless entry into the country.