$220 million to focus on Israeli startups
European venture capital firm Forestay Capital has closed its second fund at $220 million, with a key focus to invest in Israeli startups and help them expand in Europe. Forestay said, “… we will continue to support Israeli tech innovation in the enterprise AI space for the long run.”
Israel’s largest rental deal
Google is to lease some 60,000 square meters in Tel Aviv's ToHa2 Tower at an annual rental of NIS 115 million. The tower is still under construction – due to be completed in early 2027. It will be the largest office rental deal in Israel’s history, both in terms of space and rental value.
Big demand for counter-drone defense
Israel’s D-Fend Solutions (see previously) is expanding its US presence due to growing demand. D-Fend’s anti-drone systems have been installed worldwide by militaries, law enforcement and homeland security agencies, and even major international airports.
Startup investment – to 7/7/24
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Partnership to secure smart cars
Israel’s Argus (part of Germany’s Continental AG) has partnered with Microsoft to develop a next generation, end-to-end platform for automotive and mobility security. The Argus Vehicle Security Platform, plus Microsoft’s software and GenAI, secure software-defined vehicles (SDVs).
Driving economic recovery in the North
Startup Nation Central is partnering with Tzafon Medical Center near Tiberias to help drive economic recovery in northern Israel. Startup Nation Central will help Tzafon train medical staff, create global partnerships, and connect to the local and global health tech innovation ecosystem.
3-week response
eHealth Ventures specializes in early-stage health tech startups. It operates a fast-track investment program that promises a response to all investment requests within three weeks. A positive response guarantees an investment of NIS 3 - 3.5 million within three months and acceptance into its incubator.
$80 million Korean fund
The South Korean NHOC Global Open Innovation fund will invest in DeepTech (engineering and scientific innovation) startups in Israel & South Korea. It will be one of the largest international investment funds, aiming to invest $80 million in some 30 startups from both countries,
Best funding quarter in two years
Israeli startups raised $1.9 billion in funding in the second quarter of 2024 – its best quarter since Q4 2022. A further $1 billion was raised by Wiz – the highest raised in one round in Israeli history.
Agrifood tech startups are thriving
Despite the war, Israel’s agrifood tech sector is thriving with 400 companies and nearly $100 million oof private funding in Quarter 1, 2024. Many companies have relocated from Northern Israel to the center and food security has become a major focus.