Today, Israel is one of the biggest tech hubs in the world, with more entrepreneurs per capita than any other country. There is one start up for every 1,844 citizens (or 2.5 times the U.S. rate).
One key area, which Israel is heavily focusing on, is Cyber Security, which in the 21st Century has become a universal issue.
Cyber crime now costs the UK economy up to 27 billion pounds a year and companies are becoming more and more aware of the potential to cripple a growing company. The latest report from the department of cultural media and sport found that 2/3rd of large UK business were hit by a cyber-breach in the past year but only one in four of those attacked, have taken any recommended actions to identify and address vulnerabilities.
Whilst the UK government has invested 1.9 billion, the industry must act to protect themselves. Here in the UK, whilst there is recognition of the problem, there’s also awareness that there is a skills shortage in this industry.
As Julian David, TechUK CEO noted upon his return from Israel in March: ‘If the UK is to keep pace, we must be proactive in our defence and work with the most innovative companies because there’s a lot we can learn from the Israeli approach’.
In 2015 alone, Israel which is the size of Wales raised north of $3.6B dollars for its companies, a jump from $2.2B dollar in 2014. In other words, the Israeli ecosystem is taking off, and there is a strong value proposition to be a part of it.
This section of ItSecurityGuru will address key news within the cyber and tech realm in Israel, showcase the latest events and keep you up to date with all that you need to know.
I hope you enjoy.
News:
OurCrowd, an Israeli equity crowdfunding platform, is fundraising for a new $50 million fund that will invest in early-stage digital companies, according to TechCrunch. http://ow.ly/fen4305Lx4x
Gauzy, an Israeli startup that produces glass crystals used in technology glass screens, has raised $7 million in Series B funding. Lazarus Fund led the round.
http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/business/1.750230
Voyager Labs, an Israeli artificial intelligence company, has emerged from stealth mode with $100 million in funding. Investors include OCAPAC Holding Company, Horizons Ventures, and angels Ronald Cohen and Lloyd Dorfman
http://news.nocamels.com/2016/11/01/israeli-ai-startup-voyager-labs/
Articles to read:
How Israel is rewriting the future of cybersecurity and creating the next Silicon Valley
http://www.techrepublic.com/article/how-israel-is-rewriting-the-future-of-cybersecurity-and-creating-the-next-silicon-valley/?linkId=30213995
How Israel builds its hi-tech start-ups
http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-37643758?utm_content=socialchampEkxLZgo0AW&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=socialchamp.io
A Spotlight On Israel
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/spotlight-israel-sramana-mitra
Events:
The second annual Bank Innovation Israel was held this week in Israel, brought together global leaders to explore the future of fintech — with a particular eye on local entrepreneurism.
Ones to book:
London:
CATO Networks UK Launch with founder and CEO – Shlomo Kramer
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cato-networks-uk-launch-with-founder-and-ceo-shlomo-kramer-tickets-28529907722?aff=efbneb
Mind the Tech
Technology and Innovation Conference
In November 2016, top tier economy and government representatives from Israel and the UK will gather in London to take part in an exclusive invite-only high-tech and innovation event.
http://newmedia.calcalist.co.il/conferences/2016/london/#contact2
