Tech salaries keep rising
High demand for Israeli tech talent continues to push up local wages. The average pay for software professionals in Israel in the third quarter of 2018 increased by 6% year-to-year. Algorithm developers are the highest paid, but data scientists had the biggest pay rise (15%).
Best Israeli workplaces
Google is still the best company to work for in Israel, with Facebook second as per last year. But Microsoft jumped ten places to 3rd, displacing Intel which dropped to 7th. The Dun & Bradstreet list analyzes wages, benefits, career development, support provided, employment stability, and wellness.
Top multinationals invest in Israeli fund
Israel’s Team8 (formed from ex-IDF security unit 8200) has setup a second $85 million venture fund for technologies and startups focused on big data and artificial intelligence. It has attracted 14 multinationals including Walmart, Softbank, Airbus, Microsoft, Moody’s, Cisco and Barclays.
Walmart’s $250 million Israeli venture
The world’s largest retailer, Walmart, has announced a strategic entertainment deal with Israeli interactive video technology developer Eko (formerly Interlude ). Reported to be worth $250 million, the joint venture will help Walmart compete with Amazon.
$1.64 billion exit for Mazor Robotics
Israeli robotic surgery company Mazor Robotics has been acquired by medical equipment giant Medtronic for $1.64 billion. Hadassah surgeons in Jerusalem used Mazor’s Renaissance Guidance System last year to perform the world’s first dual robotic surgery .
The best hotel in the Middle East
Conde Naste Traveler Magazine has named Tel Aviv’s Hotel Norman as the best hotel in the Middle East and Africa. Four Jerusalem hotels were included in the magazine’s 2018 Top Hotels in the Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards.
Funding nanotech research
Yissum, the technology transfer company of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, has launched a $9 million fund dedicated to the university’s nanotech research. The fund will focus on innovations in the fields of smart materials, 3D printing, quantum science, and renewable energy.
An Israeli medical incubator in Atlanta
Haifa’s Rambam Hospital is partnering with Georgia Institute of Technology to establish a new MedTech incubator for Israeli-based companies in Atlanta, Georgia. The joint biomedical and digital health innovation center will speed up bringing medical products to the US market.
$100 million finance deals not rare
Until a few years ago, Israeli startups looked to be bought up for a few million dollars. These days, Israeli entrepreneurs are looking to grow their businesses rather than exit. Six Israeli companies have held financing rounds of $100 million or more in the past 12 months.
$250 million cybersecurity exit
Singapore's governmental holding company Temasek has acquired Israeli cybersecurity startup Sygnia for an estimated $250 million. Originating from Israel’s Team8 foundry Sygnia offers cyber security consulting and incident response services to businesses and organizations.