Omri Barak

As a result of the war, the Israeli defense industry and defense-tech companies have been at the forefront. In an article for Calcalist כלכליסט, Ofir Gomeh of Capital Nature explains how these companies can contribute to a more sustainable future 🌍

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4% of the Israeli #companies generate a quarter of the state's #income from #taxes - this amazing figure is the strength of the Israeli #hightechsector. But the more interesting figure concerns what is the contribution of the corporate tax and who generates most of it: only 15% of the hi-tech contribution to the country's treasury comes from #Corporatetax and the rest from #taxation on #employees' #salaries. There are many reasons for this, among them: the fact that #humancapital is the basis of the #technologicalindustry, and the high wages that its employees receive, along side the low corporate tax that countries (#Israel among them) offer to #technologycompanies in order to attract them to their territory. Will the united global taxation proposed to prevent the competing on the companies turn the tide? https://lnkd.in/ec4QgfsD (For the English version - Just use #GoogleTranslet) * The #data in the #article is based on the 'high-tech contribution to the state treasury' report made by the Israel Innovation Authority רשות החדשנות the The Chief Economist Department - אגף הכלכלן הראשי at the Israel Ministry of Finance - משרד האוצר #Technologysector #technologyIndustry #InnovationIndustry #Innovationeffect #Economy #Economy2024 #EconomyInsight #2024Insights

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Mark Zuckerberg's video announcement about ending Facebook's fact-checking system was long overdue, though for different reasons than what likely motivated his decision. According to Zuckerberg, Meta is aligning with Elon Musk's X (Twitter): reducing fact-checking, decreasing removal of offensive content, restoring political content recommendations, and implementing Community Notes. The fact-checking unit will move to Texas to address political bias concerns. Zuckerberg admitted "too many mistakes, too much censorship." This change was long overdue because commercial companies shouldn't moderate the internet - their focus on revenue led to polarization, hate speech, and election interference. Governments' acceptance of Facebook's censorship demonstrates their helplessness regarding internet regulation. But the shift isn't happening for the right reasons. Zuckerberg is publicly abandoning his previous ideology, adapting to fears about the new White House administration by embracing a Trumpist view of "free speech" where anything goes, including fake content. Meta plans to integrate human-like bots among users. Welcome to the era of the "new truth." And the truth is, what purpose do fact-checkers have in an era where truth is just a suggestion? And not necessarily the best one? The solution should have been applying public space rules (like those for journalism, television, and town square) to social media, with self-regulation and legal compliance overseen by government. However, with the incoming U.S. administration's questionable commitment to free speech and democracy, government intervention could worsen the situation. It’s possible that Zuckerberg understood all of this, which is why he leads towards the lesser evil in his view: all that’s required is for the government not to intervene directly on his platform. https://lnkd.in/dsSRK5qs

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🤔 So… what’s on the agenda for Content Israel 2024? Our schedule is packed full of every content-related topic under the Israeli sun! 👉 We’ll be covering how to create compelling content, distribute it effectively, and measure its success. Our speakers will also address challenges like content saturation and maintaining brand integrity, all in the context of a fast-evolving marketing landscape. Take a look at the schedule and tell us: which session are you looking forward to most?? 👉 Everwall and giveaway - post about the event and make your way onto the Everwall for a chance to win 3 grand prizes from our partner ZoecialMedia - Organic Social Media for Tech Brands 🏆🏆🏆 😱 Wait, you haven’t even registered yet? Over 250 people have already signed up and tickets are limited! Now’s the time!! And we have a discount code too. Use code IA25 for 25% off your ticket >> https://contentisrael.com/ #ContentIsrael #ContentMarketing #DigitalMarketing #Marketing

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You chance to launch a product during an event from Scalehub! Maximize awareness in tech community Get real feedback from other founders and experienced executives

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"Originality is key." 💡 Our very own Dana Shaviv, UA Technical Lead, Social, recently spoke in a webinar with experts from AppsFlyer and TikTok to discuss the state of ad creatives in app marketing. In this highlight from the event, Dana discussed the power of not just creative ideas, but also the plan that guarantees their success. Combining an understanding of current trends with awareness of your brand’s originality fosters better collaboration between marketing campaign managers and the creative team. Read more 📰 : https://lnkd.in/gTvdeHxJ #SciPlay #appmarketing #creativestrategy #mobilegames

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Startup Nation Central's H1 2024 Report is out! The report highlights how despite the challenges, the Israeli tech ecosystem has shown remarkable resilience and growth in the first half of 2024. Drawing from the business-engagement platform, Finder, the data shows a resilient and vibrant ecosystem, despite the challenges. Here are some key insights: 📈Private funding in H1 2024 saw a remarkable 31% increase, totaling $5.1 billion. 📈 It is the first time since the 2021 bubble that the trend is upward, showing that Israel is more influenced by global trends than by its local turmoil (for this parameter specifically) 📈Cybersecurity alone represents 52% of private funding 📈M&A exits surged to $4.1 billion, marking a 70% increase from H2 2023. It would be interesting to look at valuations and read the story behind the acquisitions. 📈Global investors participated in rounds accounting for 93% of all funding 📈 The ecosystem is gaining in maturity: more companie are public (despite a flat H1 IPOs), and we see more startups growing into unicorn and refusing to exit to larger, foreign groups (notoriously Wizz) 🌟 Fun fact: Historically, Israel's private investment in tech roughly represent 5% of the US tech investments at all time. Access the report here- https://okt.to/sQlvR0

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🙋‍♀️ Did you know 20% of social media advertising budgets are wasted on 80% of creatives that fail A/B tests? In an interview with Walla one of the biggest Israeli news platforms, Founder and CEO 🚀Asaf Yanai shares how Alison.ai is turning the old-school ad game on its head by providing deep insights, actionable strategies, and next-gen creative solutions at the click of a button. Trusted by industry giants like Google, Meta, Warner Bros., and LG, Alison has already proven its impact on the advertising world. Now, with a record-breaking $13.3M seed funding round, the company is set to expand even further. 💡 Why Alison? ● No more guesswork: Leverage AI to analyze and refine creative performance in real time. ● Stop wasting money: AI identifies what works, cutting waste on underperforming creatives. ● Trusted innovation: Built on cutting-edge AI technology, with tools for content generation, sentiment analysis, and more. Asaf’s vision: “As it has changed and reshaped many industries, artificial intelligence is also revolutionizing the worlds of advertising and marketing - and Alison is at the forefront of change.” Ready to disrupt the way you advertise? https://lnkd.in/efXj5xYH #AlisonAI #Innovation #AIRevolution #MarTech #AdTech #FutureOfAdvertising

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"𝗬𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗺'𝘀 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗛𝗥 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁." Yotam Tzuker, CEO and co-founder of Team Me, is featured on Calcalist כלכליסט's Growth+ project, where he met with Ronni Zehavi, CEO and co-founder of HiBob. They explored the challenges faced by early-stage startups over the past seven months and discussed how tough times foster resilience. Dive into their conversation through the link in the comments. Guy Katsovich | Yair Vardi | Poalim Tech #growth #PortfolioCompany #startups

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Sometimes, we come across an ideas.rip story that truly brings added value. In 2023, while participating in the The Zell Entrepreneurship Program at Reichman University, Chen N. and Yiftach Meitar teamed up with Dr. Omri Lubovsky, Head of Orthopedics at Barzilai Hospital. They wanted to tackle a critical issue: preventing misuse of painkillers, a problem impacting millions worldwide. While the idea gained strong validation in Israel from both patients and doctors, challenges with navigating the U.S. healthcare system made it difficult to secure funding and transform the project into a venture-backed company. For Dr. Lubovsky, this remains a life mission, so if this idea resonates with you, don’t hesitate to reach out. You could help make a real difference. Read the full story: https://lnkd.in/dSkfWR6Z

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"Don't be afraid to make any mistakes. Don't get in love with your product, get in love with the solution." In a recent episode of Tech Salescraft, Elad Ben-Israel, Co-Founder and CEO of Wing, delves into the challenging yet rewarding path of navigating the startup landscape. With extensive experience in tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon, Elad shares his insights on the importance of innovative sales strategies and the evolving role of a CEO in a tech startup. Explore our latest blog for a detailed look at how Elad’s journey and Wing’s approach to building impactful tech solutions highlight the significance of passion, leadership, and community in driving startup success.👇 https://lnkd.in/ez37nbQ7 #StartupStories #TechSalesRecruitment #TechSalescraft #TechSalesBlog

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🚨 24-hour countdown! 🚨 Tomorrow, we're pulling back the curtain on how Israeli startups can ace #SOC2 compliance without breaking a sweat. And it’s all happening in Hebrew! Ready to see how Scytale can transform your compliance game? Join us for a live demo with Matan Ephron, our compliance solutions consultant, who’ll walk you through: • The must-know secrets of SOC 2 compliance for Israeli companies • A foolproof roadmap to SOC 2 compliance • A live tour of our platform that automates the SOC 2 process  • Expert tips on how we handle your audit-readiness from start to finish Don’t miss this chance to get ahead of the game. Set your alarms and get ready to level up your compliance game with us. 🚀 See you tomorrow! Register here: eu1.hubs.ly/H0cm8sn0

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WhatsApp Business and ChatGPT: A Dynamic Duo Transforming Customer Communication! 🌟 I'm thrilled to share an insightful new blog post from Commbox that delves into the revolutionary integration of WhatsApp Business and ChatGPT. This dynamic duo will transform customer service across industries, offering unparalleled efficiency and personalisation. In today's digital-first world, businesses must leverage cutting-edge technology to meet the high expectations of modern consumers. The integration of WhatsApp Business with ChatGPT is not just a technological upgrade; it's a paradigm shift in how we engage and support our customers. From healthcare to retail and education to municipal services, this powerful combination enhances customer interactions like never before. Explore the future implications of AI in customer communications and learn how to navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead. Take advantage of this must-read post that uncovers the potential of AI-driven customer service! Read the full blog 🔗https://bit.ly/3wVntfb #CustomerService #AI #WhatsAppBusiness #ChatGPT #DigitalTransformation #Innovation #CustomerExperience #FutureOfWork #Commbox CommBox

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I was recently included in the list of the 1,000 most active angel investors in Israel https://lnkd.in/erPY8utD (I invest in Israel, the US, and Europe) The authors (Joey Faur and Oz Hassine from Flashpoint Venture Capital) gave some great tips on reaching out to angel investors. Since the article is in Hebrew, I am providing the translation below for your convenience. ''When crafting your pitch, keep the message short and focused, and make sure to include several key elements: 1. Opening: Briefly introduce yourself and your startup. 2. Value Proposition: Highlight what sets your startup apart and why it’s an excellent investment opportunity. 3. Achievements: Emphasize significant accomplishments, such as winning competitions or participating in accelerators. 4. Meeting Request: Clearly state your intention to discuss a potential investment. 5. Attachments: Include relevant materials, like an investor pitch deck, but avoid overloading with unnecessary information. 6. It's important to maintain conciseness—a message that’s too long won’t get read. When an angel investor shows interest, you need to be fully prepared for the meeting. Have a deep understanding of all the details related to your idea—financial data, forecasts, key performance indicators, competitors, and anticipated challenges. Your pitch should focus on the investor’s areas of interest and address potential questions even before the angel asks them. Even if you don’t secure an immediate investment, continue to nurture the relationship with the angel investor you met. Regular updates on your startup’s progress can keep the door open for future investment opportunities. Avoid Common Mistakes Now, let’s discuss two common mistakes you should avoid: 1. Failing to Do Research: Research investors before reaching out to prevent unnecessary misunderstandings. 2. Understanding Angel Risks: Acknowledge the risks angels face, such as dilution of equity and later-stage investments. Showing angels that you understand their perspective can increase their trust in your ability to make good use of their money.'' ---- Interested in investing in VCs & startups? let's connect.

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Adam Fisher partner Bessemer Venture Partners has some of the biggest exits in Israel Wix, Fiverr, Mellanox, and has invested in some of the best companies. So I was super curious what are the practice reps that he does or did to become the best. And it's a combo of skill & luck. Link to the full episode in the comments.

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William Ackman's Pershing Square Capital Management, L.P. raised $1.05 billion in for 10% of its #shares and its buyers are revealed: who are they And what is the #Israeli connection? https://lnkd.in/d9dJu5Cx (For the English version - just use #googletranslate) #capitalmarket #wallstreet #fund #hedgefund #investments #invesmentmanagment #investors #savings #pensionfundinvestments #economy #economy2024 #insights2024

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In a recent interview with People and Computers, YL Ventures Partner, Marketing, Sharon Seemann shares her fascinating journey in Israeli tech and #VC. She dives deep into how her diverse background, spanning law, business, and Unit 8200, shaped her unique perspective on the tech ecosystem and ultimately, YL Ventures' #marketing strategy. Sharon also sheds light on the challenges and opportunities women face in the industry. Read Sharon’s insights in the full interview, here (Hebrew): https://hubs.la/Q02Kyj110

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Is Mark Zuckerberg aiming to outpace Google? His growing fixation on dominating the #AI landscape is becoming increasingly apparent. The Information revealed this week that Meta is developing a new AI-based search engine. This is not very surprising, and Meta is not the only one developing tools to bypass Google search. Now, Meta appears to be intensively gathering data, assertively establishing its dominance among the global AI titans. In the coming days, the technology giants will present their quarterly reports, with investors' eyes focused mainly on the amount of investment by the companies in the field of AI, and more importantly - on the amount of revenue from AI. If analysts are to be believed, Meta is probably the company whose amount of investment in the field has increased at the highest rate Regarding revenue, one can expect from Meta, a company that declares its AI tools to be free, that this strategy will pay off in the coming days. The company's main move is the development of the #MetaAI personal assistant, which should compete against the heavy guns of the industry - OpenAI's #ChatGPT, Google's #Gemini, Anthropic's #Claude and xAI's #Grok. The significant initiative, spearheaded by Zuckerberg himself, is the development of #AGI - Artificial General Intelligence, also known as "super-intelligence," which will surpass human intelligence in its capabilities. The quest for AI supremacy is often seen as the holy grail for CEOs of AI firms, marked by a fierce and deeply personal rivalry among industry giants such as Zuckerberg, OpenAI's Sam Altman Sama OpenAI, Google's Sundar Pichai, Anthropic's Dario Amodei, and Elon Musk. Aware of the stakes and the #AIrisks, yet they advance with the determination and speed of Olympic athletes. Nevertheless, there is a distinction among the competitors in this field, with Anthropic's AGI likely to be the safest, and it is anticipated that Google will also prioritize safety. Contrarily, Sam Altman was previously dismissed due to concerns over his handling of artificial intelligence development, and it appears there has been no significant change in his approach since his reinstatement. Regarding the remaining two, it must be acknowledged that Elon Musk is the least dangerous. Despite his impulsive and unpredictable nature, he has frequently voiced concerns about the dangers of AGI, acknowledging the risks this technology could pose to humanity. Zuckerberg, unlike others, never halted in the red, not even following the Cambridge Analytica incident, nor after incurring substantial fines from regulators, and even as investors withdrew from the stock due to a lack of enthusiasm for the Metaverse. Zuckerberg appears to be motivated by a relentless urge to demonstrate something to someone. He faces no financial constraints, holds sway over the board, and grapples with ethical principles. read the whole story in ynet (Hebrew) https://lnkd.in/d3Wz86qA

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