Sarona Ventures Extraordinary Talks [🇮🇱 TechShield Edition]

In this episode of "Extraordinary Talks," host David Debash from Sarona Ventures engages with Marcello, the Managing Director at Alchimia Investments, on their investment strategies, particularly focusing on the Israeli tech scene. Marcello shares insights into his background, Alchimia's global investment focus, and the particular allure of Israeli technology for foreign investors. Marcello emphasizes Alchimia's proactive involvement in the Israeli market, detailing their strategy to invest and foster growth among Israeli tech startups. He mentions that despite the current challenges, such as political instability and logistical issues impacting travel and direct engagement, there is a significant opportunity for investors. Marcello advises that now (Q2 / 2024) is an opportune time to invest in Israeli tech due to decreased competition for deals, which could yield higher returns and easier access to promising ventures. The resilience of the Israeli market, proven through continuous investment, growth, and startup success, remains attractive to Alchimia. Marcello confirms their commitment to continue investing in Israeli tech, indicating strong belief in the potential returns and strategic advantages of this vibrant ecosystem. He concludes by reflecting on the broader implications of the current global and regional scenarios on investment strategies, maintaining a positive outlook on the future involvement in Israeli tech.

In this compelling episode of TechShield, we're honored to feature Eyal Waldman, the visionary former CEO of Mellanox Technologies (acquired by NVIDIA) and current Chairman of Waldo Holdings. Waldman, a distinguished figure in the tech world and a pivotal player in Israel's technological ascendancy, shares profound insights on the intersection of technology, society, and geopolitics in Israel's evolving landscape. Delving into the heart of Israel's challenges and opportunities, Waldman discusses the pivotal role of technology in fostering economic resilience, bridging communities, and even serving as a catalyst for peace. From recounting his illustrious journey with Mellanox to exploring the implications of recent geopolitical events, Waldman provides a nuanced perspective on why he remains optimistic about Israel's future and its tech ecosystem's global impact, and what makes these times a unique investment opportunity in Israeli tech. Listeners will gain an insider's view into the strategic importance of innovation and unity in driving not just economic success but also social cohesion and international relations. Whether you're an entrepreneur, tech enthusiast, or someone keen on understanding the complex dynamics shaping Israel, this episode promises enlightening perspectives on the power of technology to effect positive change. Tune in to explore how Eyal Waldman's experiences and insights underscore the critical role of tech in Israel's path forward, and why he believes in the potential of Israeli innovation to make a meaningful difference on the global stage.

AI Decoded: Unveiling the Future of Israeli tech with Dr. Eli David Ever wondered what the future holds for AI? Join us as we chat with Dr. Eli David, the visionary behind Deep Instinct and Deep Cube. In this episode, you'll discover: The incredible journey of Dr. David, from chess prodigy to AI leader and entrepreneur with IPO'ed company and an exit on his latest startup. How AI is transforming the Israeli tech landscape, even amidst challenges and what make these time a special investment opportunity 🇮🇱 The mind-blowing predictions for AI's impact on businesses and society. This is your chance to gain insights from a true AI expert!

Welcome to a groundbreaking episode of TechShield Podcast, presented by Sarona Ventures. This time, we're honored to host Moti Shatner, an esteemed entrepreneur and thought leader in Artificial Intelligence and FinTech. Moti, having co-founded transformative companies like Bluevine and Trenario, shares his invaluable insights on the trajectory of Israeli tech and the pivotal role of AI in shaping our future. In our conversation, Moti takes us through his illustrious journey from the early days of FinTech to the forefront of AI innovation. He discusses the resilience of Israeli entrepreneurs amid global and local challenges, emphasizing the adaptability and global mindset that set them apart. Moti's current focus on large FinTech investments and his dedication to educating emerging talent highlight his commitment to advancing the tech ecosystem. Through this episode, you will gain a deeper understanding of the intricacies of starting and scaling tech ventures in today's market. Moti's perspective on the evolution of AI and its potential to revolutionize industries provides a fascinating glimpse into what the future holds. Tune in to be inspired by Moti Shatner's journey and his vision for a tech-driven world, where innovation and resilience go hand in hand.

Sarona Ventures proudly presents another insightful episode of the TechShield Podcast season, dedicated to shedding light on the Israeli tech scene's resilience and innovation since October 7th. In this compelling episode, we sit down with Don Stalter, Partner at Global Founders Capital and an esteemed angel investor, known for his hands-on approach and deep connections within the tech world. Don shares his experiences and insights into the robustness and global outreach of Israeli tech companies during these challenging times. Despite the adversities faced, Don highlights the unprecedented opportunities and successes that continue to define the Israeli tech landscape. He shares inspiring stories of resilience, agility, and the global mindset of Israeli entrepreneurs that have not only navigated but thrived through the crisis. With a detailed look into the journey of Israeli companies making substantial impacts worldwide, Don underscores why now, more than ever, is the golden era for investing in Israeli innovation. Join us as Don Stalter reveals the secret sauce behind the resilience of Israeli startups and their unwavering march towards groundbreaking achievements, even in the face of turmoil. Spread the word and share this episode with anyone interested in the power of perseverance, innovation, and the promising future of Israeli tech.

Sarona Ventures' special TechShield Podcast season is here. We're making it easy for everyone to understand what's been happening in the Israeli tech scene since October 7th and how life is moving on. In this special TechShield episode, Adi, the pioneering CEO and co-founder of BuyWith, shares the journey of her Israeli-based, globally-operating company that's transforming e-commerce through live shopping experiences. BuyWith sets a new standard by enabling real-time, interactive buying sessions on e-commerce sites without the need for code integration, a breakthrough that's capturing the attention of major brands worldwide. Amidst the challenges of the post-October 7th landscape, Adi's insights into steering a tech company through turbulent times while securing an overall of $9.5 million in strategic investments highlight the resilience and innovative spirit of the Israeli tech ecosystem. Adi’s story transcends the narrative of business success; it's a testament to the adaptability and global reach of Israeli tech in the face of adversity. By maintaining a laser focus on execution and leveraging international teams, BuyWith not only navigates but thrives in the global market, showcasing the unparalleled potential of Israeli innovation on the world stage. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersections of technology, entrepreneurship, and the unique strengths of Israeli tech companies operating globally. Make sure to share this with someone who'd love to hear it.

Sarona Ventures' special TechShield Podcast season is here. We're making it easy for everyone to understand what's been happening in the Israeli tech scene since October 7th and how life is moving on. In our first TechShield episode, we were thrilled to have Or Lenchner, CEO of BrightData, join us. The last quarter of 2023 was BrightData's most successful period ever, and we're talking about a company with previos war earnings over $100 million a year. We dived into how they achieved this success, even with 10% of their team joining the IDF reserves due to the war. We explored the strength and resilience of Israelis and Or's prediction that Israeli tech companies are on the brink of a major breakthrough. Definitely a must-listen. Please, share this with someone who'd love to hear it.

In this extraordinary talk from #SV2TLV, Alex Bouaziz, CEO of Deel, interviews the legendary Jeffrey Katzenberg of DreamWorks. Dive into Katzenberg's intriguing journey from the streets of New York City's politics to the glitz of Hollywood. Discover the mentorship that shaped his career, his transformative experiences at Disney, and his insights into the world of animation. As he ventures into the realm of next-generation VC with WndrCo, Katzenberg shares his vision for the future, the potential disruptions from AI in the creative industries, and the evolving landscape of movie theaters post-COVID. This episode is a masterclass in understanding the value of exceeding expectations in both the professional and personal spheres.

This episode is brought to you from Silicon Valley come to Tel Aviv (#SV2TLV) - Sarona Partners' yearly event, where we host VCs, unicorn founders and thought leaders from SV and Israel for a two days event, of talks, panels, and workshops. In this Podcast episode Morris Levy, Managing Partner at Sarona Partners is moderating a panel of the top Silicon Valley's Venture Capitals: • Sujay Jaswa - Founder & Managing Partner @WndrCo • Sarah Pinto Peyronel - Partner @Emerson Collective • Yasmin Razavi - General Partner @Spark Capital This discussion reflecting on the changing landscape of startup fundraising, they explore the shifts in strategies and mindsets. The conversation highlights the importance of building valuable products, acquiring customers, and securing funding, particularly in challenging times. Growth investing is examined from the perspective of moving away from rigid playbooks to embracing unique and adaptable approaches tailored to each company's individual journey.

Welcome to Sarona Partners' Extraordinary Talks! Get ready to dive into the dynamic world of investments, startups, tech trends, and beyond, as we embark on a captivating journey through innovation and entrepreneurship. In this exciting episode, we have the distinct privilege of hosting one of our esteemed Limited Partners, none other than Johann 'Hansi' Hansmann. Hansi, an accomplished Austrian investor renowned for orchestrating triumphant exits, nurturing burgeoning startups, and propelling business expansion, graces our show. As a cherished personal friend of us, Hansi's insights promise to inspire and enlighten. Tune in and immerse yourself in this enriching conversation!" -------- 🌐 Hanswomen group 🔗 Sarona Partners' LinkedIn -------- Thank you for joining us on this insightful episode. Stay tuned for more engaging discussions and unique perspectives, only on Extraordinary Talks.