Microsoft to launch Israeli data center
Microsoft Corp. has announced plans to set up a data center in Israel - the first such data center to be established here by one of the five big tech giants. The Microsoft data center will provide cloud services for Israeli customers. Oracle also said it would be setting up a data center in Israel.
From Silicon Wadi to Silicon Valley
Israeli NGO ICON (Israel Collaboration Network – ) has setup Silicon Valley 101 (SV101) an immersion program for Israeli entrepreneurs examining potential expansion to Silicon Valley. SV101’s latest group of 10 new startups is now being selected.
Chinese incubator for Israeli autonomous car startups
A new accelerator has been launched to promote Israeli autotech startups in China. It will include 10 participants, focused on autonomous vehicles, driver experience, and 3-D printing. The accelerator aims to shorten the companies’ time to market in the country.
Three joint homeland security projects
The Israel-US Binational Industrial Research and Development (BIRD) Foundation is granting $2.3 million to 3 US-Israeli security projects. Israeli startups involved are Blue White Robotics (drone control), S.H. Goren (indoor GPS for first responders) and Cawamo (video security).
Nine more US-Israeli projects
The BIRD Foundation granted $8 million to another 9 joint US-Israeli projects in Jan. They include Advanced MemTech (oil-water separation), Agroscout (drones to detect crop diseases) and MDI Health Technologies (personalized medication). Also to DosentRX, GaitBetter, Raicol Crystals and three more.
An all-Israeli takeover
Israeli ad-tech company Perion Network Ltd has taken over Israel-founded data analytics firm Content IQ for $73 million. Perion will integrate Content IQ’s 51 New York and Tel Aviv employees into its local offices. The acquisition will also help Perion comply with new “cookie” laws.
Osem-Nestle to promote Israeli food-tech startups
Nestlé SA is setting up a food-tech innovation arm under its Israel-based subsidiary, Osem Investments. Nestlé, with an annual turnover of $100 billion, sees Israel’s huge potential and expects to help at least two Israeli startups enter the global market by the end of 2020.
Snyk becomes a Unicorn
Investment in Israeli startups continues in 2020. Israeli cybersecurity startup Snyk has completed a $150 million funding round, at a company valuation of more than $1 billion – another Unicorn.
Appsflyer becomes a Unicorn
Israel’s Appsflyer provides marketing analytics and more to help companies with mobile app products. Appsflyer has just raised $210 million in funds, giving the company a value of $1.6 billion and the status of a Unicorn – a company with a market value over $1 billion.
Just what I want
Israel’s WeBuy is beta-testing the first on-line, on-demand platform for local shopping. It connects customers to local businesses selling only those products and services they are looking for. Shoppers receive offers for those items and communicate with the seller. Plus, they earn reward tokens.