Israeltech

AI Can Write Code. But It Can’t Optimize It.

That blindspot? Meni Shmueli built DataFlint to fix it.

After years in Unit 81 and deep in the trenches of AI and big data, Meni saw the problem firsthand: GitHub Copilot and friends can generate code, but when it hits real-world scale - production clusters, terabytes of data, performance bottlenecks - they break.

DataFlint gives AI the context it’s missing. It integrates with code editors, retrieves actual performance data, and enables AI to write code that runs at s...

What happens when you mix a CISO’s vigilance with a VC’s capital? You get OurCrowd.

Yuval Illuz didn’t come up through the VC boys’ club. He built his career defending critical infrastructure, leading global cyber teams, and mastering AI long before it was trending. Now? He’s backing startups that win wars - economic and literal.

💥 Israel’s most active VC.

🛰️ Betting big on defense tech, SLMs, and agentic AI.

💸 Giving accredited investors early access to Databricks-level opportunities.

If you’re still raising money li...

Why do so many talented immigrants leave Israel within just a few years?

Abbey Onn, Executive Director of Nevo Network, joins IsraelTech to expose a challenge most don’t talk about: one in three English-speaking Olim leave Israel within three years and it’s often because they can’t find their footing professionally.

Nevo is changing that by creating long-term, high-impact support systems for immigrant talent in Israeli tech.

Abbey brings 20 years of leadership experience in higher ed and nonprofit sectors, including as CEO of InsideIL. She now pa...

What happens when AI gets hacked and it controls your car, your city, your reality?

Esti Peshin, one of the top cyber minds in Israel and the General Manager of IAI’s Cyber Division, isn’t here to predict the future, she is here to build it and protect it.

In this exclusive IsraelTech interview with Yoel Israel, Esti talks about the intersection of AI and cyber defense, the growing threats to connected infrastructure, the strategic role IAI plays in safeguarding nations, and why ChatGPT convinced her mother it’s always right.

<...

Is Tesla bluffing about full self-driving? Omer Keilaf, co-founder and CEO of Innoviz, joins IsraelTech to explain why LIDAR - not cameras - is the key to safe autonomy. ith over 20 years of experience building life-changing technologies and a background in Israel’s elite Unit 81, Omer isn’t only shaping the future, he’s already living in it.

From military-grade hardware to software-defined vehicles, this isn’t just a conversation about cars - it’s about national security, deeptech breakthroughs, and where Israel is outpacing global giants.

We cover:

- What LIDAR really is (and wh...

Meet Lital Leshem, the battlefield-tested investor reshaping Israel’s defense tech future.

From Gaza to global VC, Lital is now leading a $150M fund investing in unmanned systems, AI, sensors, and satellite comms — and she’s not shy about what’s broken in our defense ecosystem or who’s to blame.

🎙️ In this punchy, no-holds-barred sit-down with Yoel Israel, she talks:

Why Europe’s defense panic is Israel’s moment to lead

What went wrong on October 7th - and how we fix it

<...

What if the world’s harshest climates became the next frontier for solving humanity’s biggest challenges?

In this episode of IsraelTech, Yoel Israel sits down with Sivan Cohen Shachari, VP of Innovation at The DeserTech & Climate Innovation Center, to explore how Israel’s Negev desert is becoming a global proving ground for climate resilience and sustainable tech.

From her early work in educational leadership to shaping policy for desert communities, Sivan is now building a one-of-a-kind ecosystem uniting academia, industry, and impact-driven entrepreneurs to tackle desertification, food insecurity, water scarcity, and more...

Stop choosing. Just do everything you want.

In this episode of IsraelTech, host Yoel Israel sits down with the legendary Rona Segev, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at TLV Partners - one of Israel’s most influential VCs backing the country’s most promising deep tech and AI-driven startups.

Rona shares her unfiltered thoughts on:

🚀 What she really looks for in a first-check investment (hint: it’s not the deck)

🧠 Why being “different” matters more than being better

👩‍👧‍👦 Her journey from 24-year-old founder and mother of two sets of twins to board member...

Is Israel Missing the AI Train - Or Secretly Building the Future?

We sat down with Inna Tokarev Sela, founder and CEO of illumex.ai, in the heart of Tel Aviv to talk about why most enterprise decisions still aren’t based on data - and how that’s finally about to change.

From building her career at SAP and Sisense to launching illumex and pioneering the “Generative Semantic Fabric,” Inna shares what no one else is saying about enterprise AI adoption, governance, and what the West (including Israel) must do to stay in the AI game...

🇮🇱 Legacy, Leadership & the Future of Israeli Innovation | Chemi Peres on IsraelTech

What does it mean to carry the Peres name in today’s Israel - and what does the future of defense, venture capital, and peacebuilding look like through the eyes of someone shaping all three?

In this rare sit-down, Chemi Peres - Managing Partner & Co-Founder of Pitango Venture Capital, Chairman of the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, and son of Israeli visionary Shimon Peres - opens up like never before.

We talk about:

- His jo...

ISRAELI TECH’S SECRET WEAPON: TOO BOLD FOR BUSINESS OR BUILT TO WIN?

In this hard-hitting conversation, we sit down with Jason Wolf, Co Founder & Managing Partner at Iron Nation, to talk about what really makes Israeli startups unstoppable - and why the global investment world is sleeping on some of the best deals out there.

💰 The $20M fund that kept Israeli startups alive after October 7

💡 Why Israeli chutzpah is a business superpower (or is it a liability?)

📉 The shocking truth about what industries are being underfunded

🌍 How Iro...

Hillel Fuld is back - and he’s got a message for Israeli startups: Wake up.

Hillel Fuld is back! As IsraelTech’s first-ever return guest, Hillel joins us for an unfiltered, no-BS conversation about the state of Israeli tech, scaling startups, and what founders keep getting wrong.

Named by Forbes as “The man transforming Startup Nation to Scale-up Nation,” Hillel has mentored 600+ entrepreneurs, guiding them from brilliant ideas to thriving businesses. He’s been featured in CNBC, Inc., Fast Company, and beyond - and today, he’s sitting down with us to talk abou...

Israeli Founders: Want to Crack the U.S. Market? This VC Thinks You’re Doing It Wrong. 💥

Israel’s startup founders are among the best in the world, but when it comes to scaling in the U.S., the playbook isn’t always clear. Lia Cromwell, Partner at UpWest, sits down with IsraelTech to reveal what most Israeli entrepreneurs get wrong about breaking into the U.S. market - and how to fix it.

🎤 In this no-filter interview, we talk about:

✅ Why relocating to the U.S. is non-negotiable for Israeli startu...

From Microsoft to Magenta VC: Ran Levitzky’s Journey in Israeli Tech 🇮🇱💡

What does it take to spot and invest in the next wave of Israeli unicorns? Ran Levitzky, Co-Founder & General Partner at Magenta Venture Partners, has spent years shaping the Israeli tech ecosystem from every angle—software engineering at Microsoft, product leadership at Google & EA, and venture capital at Viola Ventures before launching Magenta.

In this exclusive IsraelTech sit-down, Ran breaks down:

💡 The Israeli-Japanese VC collaboration behind Magenta and why it’s different

🚀 How Israeli startups turn crisis into opportuni...

Wildfires are getting worse. Can Israeli tech stop them before they spread?

In this explosive sit-down, we talk with Gadi Benjamini, Co-Founder & CEO of FireDome, a startup that’s taking an Iron Dome-style approach to wildfire defense. With AI-powered fire suppression systems, FireDome detects, contains, and stops fires before they destroy homes and lives.

🔥 Why does this matter?

California’s latest wildfires have already burned 16,000 buildings and caused $250 billion in damages. Insurance companies are pulling out. Communities are left defenseless. FireDome offers a game-changing solution—but will the world adopt it fast e...

🌍 Innovation at its Core: Yuval Passov Talks Startups, Tech, and Resilience! 🌍

In this exciting sit-down with IsraelTech, we had the honor of speaking with Yuval Passov, the visionary Head of Google for Startups, who’s spent over a decade shaping startup ecosystems across Israel, Africa, and the Middle East

Yuval dives deep into his journey from founding Google Israel's gaming team to mentoring global startups, leading digital health programs, and fostering groundbreaking innovation in emerging markets. We explored:

- How Israeli founders redefine “chutzpah” by pushing limits in tech and...

8200 isn’t just a unit; it’s Israel’s tech engine—and a global force

Yoel Israel sits down with Chen Shmilo, CEO of the 8200 Alumni Association, to uncover how Unit 8200 alumni are shaping Israel’s tech ecosystem and driving innovation across the globe.

A visionary builder, CEO of the 8200 Alumni Association, and Fulbright alumnus. With over half a decade of experience driving innovation and empowering startups, Chen shares how Israel’s most elite tech unit, 8200, shapes the country’s tech ecosystem and beyond.

From helping underrepresented entrepreneurs to breaking into new indus...

What Keeps Israeli Tech in the Lead?💻

Curious about what’s driving Israeli tech forward? We sat down with Asaf Horesh, Managing Partner at Vintage Investment Partners, for an inside look at the venture capital scene.

From his time at Wharton and BCG to leading at Vintage, Asaf shared:

💡 How Israeli tech is bouncing back after October 7th.

🌍 Why resilience defines Israeli startups—and what global investors think about it.

📊 Vintage’s unique approach to investing, covering everything from early-stage startups to new trends like climate tech.

<...

Israeli startups don't wait for permission—they move fast, break barriers, and redefine what's possible. But what makes Israel's tech ecosystem truly unstoppable? 🌍

In a recent IsraelTech chat with Nancy Shapira from Gartner—an industry leader with 20+ years in marketing—we explored why Israeli cyber and fintech ecosystems are the strongest and most unique in the world. From their roots in the army's problem-solving culture to the challenges of scaling globally, Israeli founders thrive on resilience, innovation, and the drive to tackle impossible problems.

Nancy put it best: "[Israeli startups] go, they go and th...

IsraelTech is proud to partner with HaGesher Group, a trusted partner of Israeli tech companies looking to recruit in the U.S.

For more information on our partner HaGesher Group, you can go to https://hageshergroup.com

Is Israel's Overregulation Choking Its Future? 🔍

In an eye-opening interview, Gilad Alper—former member of Israel’s National Economic Council, renowned libertarian economist, and fierce advocate for free-market policies—doesn’t hold back:

👉 Israel—one of the most overregulated economies in the developed world—risks losing its edge. While tech thrives...

IsraelTech is proud to partner with HaGesher Group, a trusted partner of Israeli tech companies looking to recruit in the U.S.

For more information on our partner HaGesher Group, you can go to https://hageshergroup.com

From Startup Nation to Scale-Up Nation: A Visionary Conversation 🌐🇮🇱

What’s next for Israeli tech? Yariv Lotan, VP of Product, Development, Data, and BI at Startup Nation Central (SNC), sits down with Yoel Israel to reveal how SNC is transforming Israel’s ecosystem into a global innovation powerhouse. 🌍✨

🔍 Discover how SNC has...

IsraelTech is proud to partner with HaGesher Group, a trusted partner of Israeli tech companies looking to recruit in the U.S.

For more information on our partner HaGesher Group, you can go to https://hageshergroup.com

From Startup Nation to Scale-Up Nation: A Visionary Conversation 🌐🇮🇱

What’s next for Israeli tech? Yariv Lotan, VP of Product, Development, Data, and BI at Startup Nation Central (SNC), sits down with Yoel Israel to reveal how SNC is transforming Israel’s ecosystem into a global innovation powerhouse. 🌍✨

🔍 Discover how SNC has...

IsraelTech is proud to partner with HaGesher Group, a trusted partner of Israeli tech companies looking to recruit in the U.S.

For more information on our partner HaGesher Group, you can go to https://hageshergroup.com

Can Your Business Handle the Truth About Innovation? 🌍✨

Forget cookie-cutter answers—Yaron Flint’s mission is to flip the script on corporate innovation! In his latest book, Innovative Business Development: Implementing Transformation from Within, Yaron uncovers why many companies are stuck in the wrong approach, challenging leaders to dive deeper for real, transformative solutions that are practical...

IsraelTech is proud to partner with HaGesher Group, a trusted partner of Israeli tech companies looking to recruit in the U.S.

For more information on our partner HaGesher Group, you can go to https://hageshergroup.com

Building momentum like a surfer riding the wind with Upwind Co-Founder Lavi FerdmanYoel recently sat down with Lavi Ferdman, Co-Founder and SVP of Growth at Upwind, to explore how this innovative tech team is making waves in cybersecurity. With a shared history from the IDF’s elite Mamram unit, Lavi and his co-founders have honed a culture of low...

Budget cuts, military reserves, and still hitting marketing goals? Sophie Melnik and Shiri Grossbard, the founders of GCMO, show how it’s done. 💪

Yoel sat down with these powerhouse leaders—Sophie Melnik, a seasoned CMO known for her innovative global marketing strategies, and Shiri Grosbard, an entrepreneur with a talent for employer branding and community-driven success. Together, they shared how G-CMO has built a lifeline for Israeli marketers navigating crises.

💡 Highlights you can’t miss:

Marketing in Crisis: How Israeli marketers are hitting their goals even during times of war...

🌍🌌 What happens when Israeli innovation meets space exploration?

Join Assaf Wise, CTO of Earth & Beyond Ventures, as he sits down with IsraelTech for an exclusive deep dive into how Israeli startups are leading the charge in satellite technology, defense systems, and groundbreaking deep tech. With over 23 years of experience, including serving in the elite Intelligence Corps (Unit 81) and being part of several R&D teams, Assaf has been at the forefront of developing innovative, high-reliability systems across various fields.

🚀 From developing miniaturized satellites to tackling the harsh environments of space, Israeli companies are pushi...

Battery Ventures - The best-looking VC crew around? You bet. 😎

But there's more to this global fund than meets the eye. The real focus of the firm is on building long-term relationships with startups, mentoring them, and offering a large support system with endless knowledge.

We sat down with Barak Schoster Goiman, partner at Battery Ventures, who brings extensive experience in AI, cloud, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and DevOps. Previously, he co-founded Bridgecrew (which was later acquired by Palo Alto Networks) and held senior leadership positions at Palo Alto Networks and RSA Security. Now, thr...

Want to know what it takes to build a startup in Israel's thriving tech scene?

Get ready to be inspired! We sat down with Hanan Brand, the powerhouse behind Israel's startup scene. As Vice President and Head of the Startup Division at the Israel Innovation Authority, Hanan is the driving force behind the government's support for hundreds of groundbreaking companies.

With over 15 years of experience in venture capital and executive roles, Hanan is a true industry veteran. In this exclusive interview, he shares insights into the Israel Innovation Authority's role in shaping...

Dreaming of building a cybersecurity empire? Hila Zigman, a seasoned entrepreneur turned General Partner, knows the challenges firsthand. As a Co-founder and now General Partner at Cyberstarts, the world's first VC firm backed by cyber entrepreneurs, she's seen it all.

In this exclusive interview with IsraelTech, Hila shares invaluable insights on:

>> The startup grind: Overcoming early hurdles and building a solid foundation.

>> The VC world: Navigating the investment landscape and securing funding.

>> Portfolio power: Managing a diverse group of cyber companies.

>>Investor insights: Understanding what investors...

🌟 Meet Hilla Ovil-Brenner: Startup Whisperer & Investor Powerhouse at Arieli Capital! 🚀✨

About Hilla Ovil-Brenner:

Hilla is a force in the startup world with over 20 years of experience. She has been:

>> Former Managing Director of Techstars Tel Aviv Accelerator

>> Investor, 3x Entrepreneur, and Startup Mentor

>> Champion for the Israeli Startup Ecosystem

Hilla is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs at all stages connect the dots to success. As a passionate connector, she creates moments of magic by bringing together amazing people. Her belief in the ripple effect of helping...

What if you could analyze massive datasets in record time? SQream makes data analytics revolutionary – see how.

SQream leads the charge in Big Data and AI analytics acceleration, harnessing GPU technology to deliver rapid data insights across global enterprises. For over a decade, SQream has empowered industries with cutting-edge solutions that redefine data analytics efficiency.

Ami Gal, renowned for his strategic prowess and startup expertise, is dedicated to solving real-world challenges through innovation. With a background in product management and a passion for mentoring, he continues to drive growth and transformation in th...

Did you know you could revolutionize the future with Intel Ignite for Deep Tech Startups?

We had an amazing time interviewing Alon Leibovich, a powerhouse entrepreneur and leader. Alon’s raised tens of millions in financing and sealed deals with Fortune 500 companies. He’s built and scaled B2C and B2B businesses, using his organizational psychology background to offer some truly unique perspectives.

At Intel Ignite Tel Aviv, Alon is the go-to guy for startup founders, providing insight, motivation, and guidance. Intel Ignite is all about finding the brightest tech minds and...

From Pro Hacker to Security Guru

Tal Kollender, CEO and Co-founder of Gytpol, is sharing her fascinating journey from professional hacker to leading cybersecurity expert in her interview with IsraelTech.

Here's why you don't want to miss this:

Tal's experience as a former hacker gives her a unique perspective on cybersecurity threats.

Discover how Gytpol's automated solution helps businesses keep their networks safe from misconfigurations.

Learn valuable insights to stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape.

Ready to forget spreadsheets and presentations for project management? Go beyond project management with Proggio!

IsraelTech interviewed Yaniv Shor, CEO of Proggio, about the revolutionary platform that adapts to your ever-changing needs.

Proggio isn't just a project management tool, it's a complete portfolio management solution built for scalability and success. It empowers businesses to ditch outdated methods like Gantt charts and spreadsheets, providing a clear, real-time view of hundreds of projects across your entire organization.

Tune in to the interview to hear Yaniv, a seasoned entrepreneur and author, discuss how...

Ever wondered how top brands stay cyber-secure? 🌐 Dive into our conversation with Slava Bronfman to learn about the innovative solutions driving industry standards in cybersecurity!

🛡️Cybellum creates a live digital replica of every software component within a device. This allows product security teams to manage cyber risks continuously and effectively, ensuring that connected products are always secure and compliant.

🛡️Leading brands like Jaguar Land Rover, Supermicro, Arthrex, Danaher, and Faurecia rely on Cybellum's cutting-edge Product Security Platform to ensure their products are secure and compliant at every stage of the lifecycle.

...

Meet Google's driving force behind the vibrant startup ecosystem in Israel, Janina Lax.

As the Head of the Early Stage Startups Program, Janina has dedicated over a decade to empowering innovators and reshaping the tech landscape.

As a seasoned professional and alumna of Saïd Business School, she expertly guides startups through their foundational stages, helping them harness the power of Google Cloud services to scale and innovate.

The Google Cloud for Startups program is designed to empower early-stage startups with the technology, resources, and support they n...

When people think about the hi-tech scene, ultra-Orthodox Jews [Haredi community] do not generally come to mind. However, in recent years, there is a growing contingent within the haredi world looking to integrate more. As a result, several fast-moving start-ups and organizations are coming to the fore.

Yitzik's journey is a testament to bridging tradition with technology. He's the visionary Haredi HiTech entrepreneur behind MeGo! 🎬  

From pioneering Bizmax in Jerusalem to leading the charge at iSale, his path is marked by innovation and empowerment. With a rich academic background and a passion for c...

There’s a New Sheriff in Town! Like any gold rush, the LLM revolution is an exciting target for cyber bandits who know how to exploit these weaknesses in your security posture.

Don't worry because Lasso Security has you covered.

Introducing our guest for the week, a serial entrepreneur and investor who turned into a digital sheriff. Elad Schulman, Co-founder and CEO of Lasso Security 🔥

Lasso Security is a pioneering comprehensive Large Language Models (LLMs) cybersecurity startup that is committed to addressing the evolving threats and challenges that businesses are begin...

In the fast-paced world of startups and entrepreneurship, the right support can make all the difference between success and stagnation. That's where Hetz Ventures, led by Co-founder and Managing Partner Judah Taub, comes in—a beacon of hope and opportunity for visionary minds seeking to revolutionize industries.

Hetz empowers innovation and drives meaningful change in the startup ecosystem. With a deep understanding of technology and a passion for disruptive ideas, Judah Taub and his team are committed to providing more than just financial backing. 

Hetz handpicks their LPs from Israel and beyond as well as targetin...

Introducing our guest for the week 👉 Avery Schwartz, General Partner at Greenfield Partners.

Greenfield Partners stands at the forefront of venture capital, distinguished by its strategic investments in transformative technology startups. They identify and nurture innovative companies becoming synonymous with success in the tech ecosystem.

Its approach, characterized by a deep commitment to due diligence and a forward-thinking investment strategy, has consistently propelled startups from nascent ideas to industry leaders.

Avery Schwartz's addition to the Greenfield fold brings a new dimension of expertise and insight. Known for his...