YKC: August...
"Keep your face to the sun and you will never see the shadows"
Welcome back to YKC. I’m in Tel Aviv until the end of August, so if you’d like to get coffee and catch up, please respond to this email directly.
My latest article in ISRAEL21c: Three take aways from Tel Aviv’s AI and cybersecurity conferences
I am documenting my experiences during the summer in Israel, with lessons learned and insights gained, on LinkedIn. To read my daily thoughts click here.
LinkedIn Ghostwriting: I'm offering LinkedIn ghostwriting services, and have been helping founders, investors, and executives amplify their voice, share their expertise, and build a highly visible personal brand online, in order to generate opportunities. If becoming recognized as a thought leader in your space is something that you would be interested in exploring further, I’d love to speak with you. You can book a time by clicking here.
“The harder the conflict, the greater the triumph”
-George Washington
AI skills essential in Israel’s high-tech sector amid war, survey reveals: On some days, I feel more optimistic about Israel then the US, in the long term. Though today, in reading the news, it’s like another day, another drama… this division is what caused the country to lose focus, and for our enemies to see weakness and attack. People’s mood here is not surprisingly somber, as it feels like a holding pattern, with this unscrupulous (but effective) attempt by the PM to hold on at all costs, even at the expense of the hostages’ lives. Though Brand Bibi will be short lived compared to the stronger Startup Nation brand, while he is still in office, he is causing A LOT of damage.
The vibe here can be tough, the country is clearly suffering from continued collective trauma, and it’s clear to everyone that the PM needs to go. And he will go. I don’t know if it will happen sooner than later, but when it happens, despite the doomsayers in the local media, there will be an outpouring of rage from the voters. Despite all the showmanship, because Oct 7th happened on his watch, history will judge him as some tragic Shakespearean character. But there are things we can control, and things we cannot, and so despite the situation there are plenty of agentic people here who have been stepping up, serving in the army reserves, building non-profits where the government basically abandoned its citizens to their own devices, and volunteering. But this dark period will end, and the country is positioned to take off due to the talent, drive, and now this chip on the shoulder (at least in tech) for the country to prove itself once more. Add to that, Israel is better situated to deal with climate change, and integrate AI into society, as people who are AI literate will thrive in this new world
But Oct 7th changed people here, as it did Jews all over the world. It showed us that we have much less margin for error, and that we didn’t have as many “allies” as we thought we did. The PM and the current government’s behavior is not surprising, as they never take responsibility for anything they do, but it also revealed some of the amazing people in this country. These are the people who never cease to amaze me by the actions they take in rebuilding the Startup Nation.
VersesAndVinesShop: My friend Azriel’s daughter Maytal needed a summer job so he made her launch an Etsy store :) Please shop, and share with your friends here.
Tech companies hiring: A great list of tech companies and startups hiring in Israel right now from Avi Lewis (who you should follow). For the full list head over to Goozali, which is a crowdsourced + constantly updated list of Israel tech positions here.
StageOne Ventures: They're hiring an Investment Analyst/Associate to join their core team and work with them on leading investments in the next promising tech startups! They invest in a wide range of companies developing infrastructure technology, from AI/ML, through Cyber, SaaS, to deep-tech and silicon and even Quantum. Ideal candidate should bring strong 2-3 years of research and analysis background from a consulting, investment banking or similar.*Note- this isn't a BD/ value creation role*. Best to reach out through someone in their network or send your resume alongside a cover letter to jobs@stageonevc.com
INVITATION: Night Celebrating Design & Fashion @Shenkar, Wed Aug 7: Spend your evening exploring the works of Israel's leading young creators, wandering through Shenkar's halls & galleries, learning how this important institution is helping them all to envision a bright & beautiful future. Including private tours & an in-English talk with Shenkar President Sheizaf Rafaeli. Oh, and there will be a bar for drinking & hanging too ;-) Starts on Wednesday, August 7 · 7pm IDT. Shenkar College. 8 Yeda Am Street Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv. Register here.
EDGE PITCH NIGHT: EDGE Pitch Night! This is your chance to see top startups pitch their innovative ideas to investors, VCs, and family offices. Experience a dynamic, fast-paced evening filled with thrilling pitches across diverse industries .Enjoy delicious food and drinks while networking with some of the brightest minds in the startup world. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to witness the future of innovation and make valuable connections. Be part of EDGE Pitch Night. Wednesday August 14, 6:30 pm. New York. Tickets here.
INVITATION: Film Festival Night @ Tel Aviv Cinematheque, Thur Aug 15: Join their young patrons of the arts community for a night on and off the red carpet at this international film festival, viewing four pieces of Israeli cinema (including English subtitles) in competition with each other for best of the fest. Starts on Thursday, August 15 · 9pm IDT. Tel Aviv Cinematheque. 5 Ha'Arbaa Street Yafo Tel Aviv-Yafo. Register here.
Tu B'Av Balagan PopUp Party @ Jewel Yacht Saturday 8/17: 2 Floor Yacht - 1 Indoor floors with Huge Windows to see the magnificent views, big tables for bottle service, great sound and amazing lighting with 350 person capacity! 1 Outdoor floor at the top to enjoy the breeze and the open sky views! August 17 · 10:45pm EDT. Jewel Yacht - Skyport Marina. 2430 FDR Drive New York. Tickets here.