Israel Active

I reported previously on Israel’s Argus Cyber Security and its systems to prevent electronic car hijacking. Argus has just been acquired by Gemany’s Continental AG, an automotive manufacturer, for an estimated $400 million.

Florida Governor Rick Scott is visiting Israel at the head of an almost 70-strong delegation including businessmen and university heads. Scott is a supporter of the Florida-Israel Business Accelerator which helps Israeli startups make inroads in the US.

Israeli companies will now be able to take part in the Power Africa initiative to help overcome Africa’s energy crisis and to connect consumers across the continent. The initiative includes accessibility to government agencies, financial grants, professional and legal counsel.

The value of Israel’s foreign currency deposits increased to a new all-time record at the end of November of $112 billion – an increase of $770 million from its end October value.

Israel’s Sodastream has launched 'Sparkling Gold,' a fine alcoholic concentrate to be added to sparkling water. The new alcoholic beverage contains 10% alcohol and resembles the taste of a fruity Riesling wine. Sparkling Gold is being piloted in Germany and feedback is very positive.

I reported previously that Israel’s Visualead was helping Chinese online retailing giant Alibaba from trading counterfeit goods. Obviously, Alibaba must have been so impressed, that they bought the company – its first Israeli acquisition.

Israeli video marketing platform Innovid today announced it has agreed to acquire Israeli real-time data intelligence company Taykey . Innovid will gain access to Taykey’s big data platform and 14 patents including natural language processing and AI-based machine learning.

The London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) has partnered with Israel-based startup Zirra.com. Zirra will provide the LSEG’s fundraising program ELITE with company research tools powered by automated signals, artificial intelligence (AI), and big data.

London-based insurance market Lloyd’s has signed a deal with Israeli maritime data provider Windward. Windward will provide Lloyd’s member companies with software that forecasts accidents and dangerous conditions like hostilities breaking out in a specific area.

US cloud storage company Dropbox is expanding its activity in Israel and moving to new offices at Tel Aviv’s Azrieli Sarona tower.  Dropbox aims “to attract the leading talent in Israel and allow our teams to work together seamlessly”. Amazon and Facebook have offices in the same building.