Facts about Canadian trade.

In his announcement of an arms embargo on sales to Israel, Canada’s Foreign Minister forgot to mention that in the last decade, the Canadian Defense Ministry purchased Israeli weapon systems worth more than a billion dollars. (see also previously)

Israel Resilience Fund invests in 34 companies

Israel’s OurCrowd has announced that commitment by investors to its Israel Resilience Fund had increased to $17 million, enabling it to increase funding to a current total of 34 startups. In addition, PwC Israel will provide business support to portfolio companies in the fund.

Europe continues to invest

The tenth Europe Days conference in Tel Aviv (see previously) featured some 200 Israeli startups and entrepreneurs. All were hoping for investment from the 14 venture capital funds and 18 representatives of companies, authorities, and municipal bodies from Europe.

Europe invests in Israeli AI startup

Israel’s NeuReality (see previously) has raised $20 million including from The European Innovation Council and Israel’s OurCrowd.

Securing payments in Africa

Egyptian-based PAPSS (the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System) has selected Israel’s Thetaray (see previously) as its anti-money laundering (AML) and screening partner.

Sports Illustrated is (for 10 years) Israeli

Israel’s Minute Media has reached a 10-year licensing deal for digital and print rights to publish Sports Illustrated. The Israeli company will oversee all digital and print editorial operations across the SI portfolio.

Exits, takeovers and mergers – to 24/3/24:

US-based Gitlab is acquiring Israel’s cloud security startup for . Israeli-founded has Israel’s .

Startup investment – to 24/3/24

raised and achieved Unicorn status; raised ; raised ; raised ,

Free trade with Guatemala

The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that Israel signed with Guatemala in 2022 (see previously) has just come into effect. Guatemala has the largest economy (GDP & population) in Central America. It joins seven Latin American countries that also have FTAs with Israel.

The sweet smell of success

Israel’s iRomaScents (see previously) couldn’t sell its “scented movies” to the entertainment industry. So, it re-positioned the product as an aid to choosing perfume. Its AI Wizard was a knockout at CES Las Vegas where it accurately recommended fragrances to the public.