Dafna Winocur Biran

Israeli Founders: Stop guessing. Start connecting. My partner Eze Vidra just launched Israel VC—a curated, no-fluff, and free directory of every active investor in the Israeli ecosystem. After 20 years of writing and investing, Eze Vidra has turned "market noise" into a clear signal for founders. No paywalls, no outdated spreadsheets—just the data you need to find your next partner. Check it out below. #IsraelVC #TechEcosystem #Founders #VentureCapital

50

‏3‏ ‏תגובות‏

Geography still matters for Israeli startups, but not in the way most people think. The market is constantly evolving. Yesterday at the All Founders Conference, hosted by Guy Franklin, a comment from Ed Sim got me thinking about how founders choose where to build, and scale. We often talk about the U.S. tech ecosystem as if it’s one giant market. In reality, different cities serve different functions, and choosing the right one is a very strategic choice for founders to make. The Bay Area plays a unique role for certain categories of companies, today more than in the past few years. If you’re building deep infrastructure, developer tools, AI infrastructure, core platforms, the density of talent, capital, and early adopters there is hard to replicate. The data from Bot Memo reflects this dynamic: In 2025, the San Francisco Bay Area captured more than 75% of U.S. AI funding, roughly $122B out of $159B nationally, reinforcing its position as the center for deep tech and AI infrastructure. There’s a reason companies like CopilotKit have built a strong presence in the Valley. When your product sits close to the foundation of the tech stack, being in the ecosystem where those stacks are shaped matters. Meanwhile, New York has increasingly become the home for application-layer innovation. Fintech alone represented 24.5% of New York’s AI-related funding ($5.4B). The city has become the natural home for a wide range of application-layer companies in fintech, cybersecurity, proptech. vertical SaaS, and marketplaces. It’s an ideal location for businesses that sit closer to real industries, real customers, and real distribution channels. The proximity to financial institutions, large enterprises, media, and global markets creates a different kind of advantage. For founders thinking about the U.S. market, the takeaway isn’t “one city is better.” There is no one size fits all. Different ecosystems optimize for different stages and categories. Infrastructure companies often gravitate toward the Valley. Application companies increasingly scale in New York. Understanding that distinction can be very meaningful for Israeli founders and save them a lot of time. What are your thoughts on the optimal spot to set up shop in the US for your company?

43

‏5‏ ‏תגובות‏

In a world where AI will impact nearly every industry, Israeli startups continue to lead with speed, differentiation, and deep tech. I shared my thoughts with CTech by Calcalist on how founders can stay ahead, what AI really means for VC, and why capital efficiency matters more than ever. Link in the 1st comment. iAngels

98

‏3‏ ‏תגובות‏

🚀 Tech Evolution: Strategic Workforce Transformation at Hailo In the dynamic world of AI and edge computing, Hailo is demonstrating a masterclass in strategic adaptation. The Israeli AI chip startup is strategically reallocating its workforce, reducing headcount by approximately 10% while simultaneously positioning itself at the forefront of 𝗣𝗵𝘆𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 AI and robotics innovation. The future belongs to companies that can pivot swiftly and purposefully. Hailo's approach is refreshingly transparent: this isn't a cutback, but a deliberate restructuring. ➡️ With $344 million in funding and a clear vision, they're reshaping their organizational structure to focus on high-potential commercial opportunities in edge AI processing. 🔹 Their specialized AI processors are set to revolutionize smart devices, enabling real-time, energy-efficient deep learning across industries like: • Security • Healthcare • Robotics The launch of Hailo-10, their generative AI acceleration module, further underscores their commitment to cutting-edge technology. 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆: Successful tech companies don't just adapt—they strategically transform. 💡 Are you ready for the next wave of AI innovation? #AIInnovation #TechStrategy #EdgeComputing #WorkforceTransformation #AITech

3

Waze Co-Founder Uri Levine Launches $40M Double Down Fund to Back Israeli Growth-Stage Companies Uri Levine is partnering with Pasha Romanovski, to launch Double Down, an opportunity fund dedicated to supporting Israeli growth-stage companies that have already reached tens of millions of dollars in revenue, with some even operating profitably. Unlike traditional VC models, Double Down will not target early-stage startups or take board seats, but will instead focus on fueling existing portfolio companies to scale globally. The fund has already secured around $20 million toward its $40 million target and plans to begin operations in late 2025. Its backers include private investors and family offices in Europe, the United States, and South America. For Levine, Double Down continues his long-standing mission to support entrepreneurs and amplify Israeli innovation on the global stage. https://lnkd.in/d22crhdT #VentureCapital #Investment #GrowthStage #OpportunityFund #PrivateEquity#IsraeliInnovation #StartupNation

43

‏1‏ ‏תגובה‏

Super Excited to share that Vertex Ventures Israel  is joining Apono’s $34M Series B. On a personal note (and with real excitement 😄), it’s rare to see an access-management platform deliver such high value  yet such low friction at scale. From the beginning, Apono felt different and the signals were clear: High usage. Strong customer pull. A deeply granular  Zero Standing Privilege (ZSP) approach that solves real access challenges in daily enterprise workflows. The category is shifting fast toward dynamic, context-aware access, especially as AI agents become part of every environment. Apono is exactly where identity security is heading. Zero Standing Privilege is becoming foundational. Proud to partner with Rom Carmel, Ofir Stein, and the entire Apono team and excited for what’s ahead . 💫

150

‏6‏ ‏תגובות‏

ALIVE Israel HealthTech Fund closes $200 million venture fund https://lnkd.in/dd7nRSG7 Rafael Beyar Ari Shamiss Michel Habib Dudi Klein Heli Yunick Marina Chernai Braverman Maccabi Health care Services Leumi Partners Assuta Medical Centers Carilion Clinic Consensus Business Group Vessi Medical Medisafe® Magenta Medical Ltd. Append Medical Navina OncoHost Nevia Bio Cynerio (Acquired By Axonius) BEYEONICS™ Vision BEYEONICS™ Surgical Innovalve Bio Medical Ltd. Zeev Zehavi Iris C. Beck Michal Guindy Toni Cohen

85

‏6‏ ‏תגובות‏

A Special BizLabs Session with Gigi Levy-Weiss Today we hosted a unique and intimate session for the founders in our BizLabs Technology Scalerator, a candid conversation with one of Israel’s most influential tech investors: Gigi Levy-Weiss. Gigi, formerly CEO of 888 and a senior executive at Amdocs, is considered one of the leading “super angels” in the industry. He has invested in companies like Playtika, Similarweb, Moon Active, MyHeritage and many more, and he co-founded NFX, a venture fund managing over $1B and investing in pre-seed and seed-stage startups. But beyond the impressive résumé, he brings a sharp worldview on how real, scalable companies are built: a culture of learning, rigorous performance, and an obsession with what truly matters. During the session, we discussed what actually catches his attention when meeting a founder: Not “another nice SaaS,” but startups that can scale fast, win global markets, build a real competitive moat, and leverage AI and data in smart and meaningful ways. And he was clear: the Haredi angle can be an advantage, but only when it translates into real business value, not just a nice story. Our founders came prepared, sharp, and focused, with their numbers in mind and a global mindset. It was a rare opportunity to learn directly from someone who operates at the top tier of the tech world and is willing to share his insights openly. Proud of our BizLabs community and of the Haredi entrepreneurs who continue raising the bar every day. The next generation of Haredi innovation is here — and it’s playing in the big leagues. Bizmax | The KEMACH Foundation | Nitzan Adler | Eli Dynovisz

14

Proud to see Buzzy Platform featured as part of this important delegation connecting Israeli mental health innovation with NHS leaders, healthcare organizations, and investors in the UK. It was a privilege to take part in this meaningful initiative and contribute to the conversation around how AI, physiological data, and early prediction can help transform mental health care at scale. Excited for what’s ahead 🇮🇱🇬🇧

31

‏2‏ ‏תגובות‏

Israeli startups raised $1.635 billion across 22 funding rounds in December, marking the strongest month for venture funding in the country since 2022 and the highest monthly total recorded this year. Several late-stage financings, alongside a steady flow of early-stage deals, combined to produce a level of activity not seen in three years. https://lnkd.in/dUmXiV9F

12

🇮🇱Israeli innovation doesn’t stop - it redefines what’s possible🇮🇱 Had the pleasure of joining a great discussion on Boker Calcali ("The Economic Morning Show"), about the current pulse of Israeli tech - a sector that keeps proving its strength, agility, and creativity even in challenging times. Thank you Maayan Priluk for hosting with depth and energy, and to Batsheva Moshe and Amit Harel for sharing the stage and sharp perspectives. #Resilience #DTCP #IsraeliTech #VentureCapital #Innovation

112

‏10‏ ‏תגובות‏

StageOne Ventures has raised a new $165 million venture capital fund to invest in early-stage enterprise technology startups in Israel. The new fund marks another milestone for the firm after 25 years of investing in Israel’s tech sector. With the launch of its fifth fund, StageOne Ventures now manages more than $650 million in total assets. The new fund will focus on startups developing technologies such as AI infrastructure, cybersecurity, physical AI, agentic orchestration, and vertical AI. Yuval Cohen | Tal Slobodkin | Netanel Meir 🔗 Read full article link in comment #stageoneventures #funding #vc #startupnews #businessupdate

2

‏1‏ ‏תגובה‏

I am filled with optimism and inspiration every time I read the periodic reports about Israel's Tech Ecosystem by Startup Nation Central. It is truly exciting. I'm honored and happy to be part of this amazing ecosystem. Here are my key take aways on the first half of 2025 that showed continued growth, in both private funding and M&A: Funding: * In H1 2025, Israel’s private tech sector raised $9.5 billion across 367 rounds based on reported and estimated deals, marking a 58% increase in capital raised, compared to H2 2024.  * Early-stage activity gained some momentum in H1 2025, with capital invested in pre-seed and seed rounds rising by 50% compared to H2 2024 (from $406 million to $607 million). * Compared to the previous half (H2’2024), Private funding in the U.S. rose by 23%, while Israel saw a significant 62% jump.  * Compared to the first half of 2024, U.S. private funding is up 62%, while Israel’s is up 41%. * In the EU, funding is down by 20% compared to the first half of 2024. In Asia, funding saw a sharp 42% fall, compared to the first half of 2024. M&A * Compared to H1 2024, first-time M&A rose 734%, and 30% excluding the $32B Wiz acquisition by Google. * M&A activity in H1 2025 remained strong, with 60 first-time deals totaling $38.9 billion, making it one of the most active recorded first halves. Even excluding the high-profile Wiz acquisition, which closed in Q1, the remaining 59 deals still totaled $6.9 billion, a clear sign of broad-based strength in Israel’s exit market. * Compared to H2 2024, first-time M&A activity rose 20% in H1 2025 (60 vs. 50 deals), while total deal value fell slightly from $7.2 billion to $6.9 billion (excluding Wiz).  https://lnkd.in/dSpFXn5X

22

‏2‏ ‏תגובות‏

Appreciated the conversation with, Zachy Hennessey at CTech by Calcalist on the 2026 VC landscape, AI, cybersecurity, and the continued strength of the Israeli startup ecosystem. I remain a huge believer in the Israeli founder ecosystem. I have rarely seen a cohort so committed to success and so quick to adapt to customer and market feedback. This gives them a tremendous edge in the AI era when things shift on a daily basis.

36

‏2‏ ‏תגובות‏

The hardest thing in FinTech? Earning trust. Especially in InsurTech, where skepticism runs deep and stakes are high. Faye is breaking through — building a travel brand that’s not only trusted, but loved. This episode is about how they’re doing it. Omry Ben David, Elad Schaffer

20

‏1‏ ‏תגובה‏

The Time to Build is Now: Capital is Aggressively Chasing Quality in Israeli Tech. I've been seeing a significant surge in funding for Israeli startups, often raised in stealth mode. Recently, companies like Tenzai secured a $75M seed round, expanding rapidly beyond their initial plan due to high demand from investors like Greylock Partners, Battery Ventures, and Lux Capital. Other major rounds include Majestic Labs ai, Wonderful, and Sweet Security as well as companies in stealth that raised tens of millions, like Shai Morag's new startup. Funding is flowing to experienced Israeli teams with a clear vision. This conviction is driven by top-tier US VCs (including Bessemer Venture Partners, Lightspeed, Accel and Sequoia Capital) who are accelerating their investment pace in the region. We at Remagine Ventures are excited by this concentration of talent and market validation. We are actively looking to back the next wave of ambitious Israeli founders building significant companies in stealth mode at the very beginning of their journey. If you are currently building, we would love to connect. The message to founders is clear: If you are building groundbreaking technology, the capital is here for you! And if you'd like to get the weekly funding news from Israel in your inbox, sign up to the #FIRGUN newsletter (link in the first comment) #Israel #startups #funding #venturecapital #founders

76

‏8‏ ‏תגובות‏

Founder: “It feels like everything is possible in AI right now.” Me (VC): “That’s true. And that’s exactly what makes this moment tricky.” Investing in pre-seed Israeli AI startups never felt more exciting or more disorienting... At Remagine Ventures, we’re falling in love with ideas at an unprecedented rate. - Companies are adopting new tools, enabling young startups to get traction - Models are improving monthly. Tooling is cheap. - It genuinely feels like the entire market is up for grabs. But beneath the excitement, there are real headwinds. - OpenAI reportedly ran at an ~$8B loss in 2025, with some predicting insolvency by 2027. It needs massive funding to keep the lights on - VC funding hit record highs, but AI now takes half of all VC dollars (which is increasingly concentrated in mega-deals) - Enterprise pilot → paid conversion sits at just 12% (McKinsey & Company, 2025) So while it feels like everything is possible, not everything is viable. If we're realistic, most AI startups will fall in one of these buckets: - Some companies will build enduring businesses - Some will find strong strategic buyers - Many will struggle quietly as economics, competition, and buyer expectations catch up. At pre-seed, the hardest part isn’t spotting what’s impressive. It’s spotting what’s resilient: 1) real wedges, not demos 2) painful problems, not cool tech 3) credible paths to distribution, not just early usage 4) founders who can navigate model shifts, pricing pressure, and buyer fatigue 5) a reinforcement learning advantage - the more data we get, the better the product becomes So when a founder tells me “everything is possible,” my next question is usually: What makes this company one that can last when the excitement fades? Pictured: an AI photoshoot with Chewbacca

36

‏10‏ ‏תגובות‏

Blocks.diy, a Tel Aviv-based AI-powered workspace platform, has raised $10M in seed funding led by monday.com with participation from Qumra Capital and Entrée Capital. Founded by monday.com alumni and led by CEO Michal Lupu and CTO Tal Haramati, the company enables professionals to build custom work tools and AI agents through simple conversations, integrating seamlessly with existing business tools and data. With this funding, Blocks aims to accelerate its mission of empowering non-technical users with intelligent productivity solutions while maintaining full data control and integration, further expanding its growing adoption across industries such as healthcare, venture capital, construction, and tech operations. INVESTORS: monday.com, Qumra Capital & Entrée Capital ROUND: Seed AMOUNT: $10,000,000 HQ: #TelAviv #Israel #VentureCapital #Blocksdiy #mondaycom #MichalLupu #TalHaramati #QumraCapital #EntreeCapital #TradedVC

3

‏1‏ ‏תגובה‏