Counter BDS – buy Israeli bonds
Izzy Tapoohi has been president & CEO of Development Corporation for Israel/Israel Bonds since October 2011. He advocates that in an era of boycotts, divestment and sanctions (BDS), “The best defense is a good offense”. And investing in Israel’s economy is the greatest form of offense.
More billion-dollar companies on the way
"Israel has produced ten billion dollar unicorn exits over the last two years," says Jonathan Medved, CEO of OurCrowd. "This pace is about to accelerate.” Webydo and Meta are the next candidates. And many more are in the pipeline.
Another $25 million for WalkMe
I featured Israel’s WalkMe in a previous newsletter. The user-friendly app allows website owners to build step-by-step guidebooks for using their sites. WalkMe has just raised another $25 million in an oversubscribed round of funding.
Flying high at Paris Air Show
11 Israeli companies are exhibiting products at the Paris Air Show that ends on 21 June. They include Elbit Systems, Rafael, Israel Aerospace Industries, UVision, Elta Systems, Aeronautics Ltd and Ashot (part of IMI).
Increasing digital performance
Israel’s XLMedia has just acquired Israel’s Marmar Media, combining the two Digital Performance Marketing companies into one.
Waze is the most-loved sharing app
Israeli-developed traffic application Waze is among the best “sharing” apps, according to a study by research group Arc360, a division of Israeli app testing firm Applause. Waze had over 300,000 reviews and although only fifth overall, the top four apps only had a few hundred reviews.
Hong Kong learns from Israeli startups
Israel's tech sector makes for a great study for Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Science and Technology Park recently held a business-matching session when a dozen Israeli tech hopefuls met with potential Hong Kong collaborators and customers.
A ‘golden era’ for UK-Israel trade
“The past few years have been a golden era for Anglo-Israeli business,” said British Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills Sajid Javid during the annual British Israel Business Awards event. Mr Javid, self-described as a “proud British-born Muslim”, told the audience “I share Israel’s love for freedom and democracy.”
Israel’s antioxidant in Japan
Israel’s Algatechnologies has signed a supply and long-term collaboration agreement with Japan’s Fujifilm Corp. for its AstaPure natural astaxanthin ingredients. Fujifilm already uses Algatech’s astaxanthin antioxidant for its nutrition supplement and cosmetics product line named Astalift.
$10 rides through Manhattan traffic
Israel’s app-based company Gett is offering black cab rides between Manhattan’s 110th Street and Battery Park for just $10 plus tax and tip, irrespective of traffic. Gett is expected to take much of the business from current market leaders Uber and Lyft.