What have been your biggest learnings at Algotec, and how do you apply them as a board member in your portfolio companies?
At Algotec, I gained invaluable insights into the crucial role of deep domain expertise in creating best-in-class products. Equally significant is maintaining close proximity to the customer—understanding their specific needs, how they utilize products, and identifying their primary pain points. These principles continue to inform my decisions as a board member for other companies, particularly in guiding the design of their MVPs and efforts to achieve product-market fit.
How critical is Informatics to the future of Healthcare and how has it adapted in age of GenAI?
Informatics plays a pivotal role in the future of healthcare, particularly in the era of GenAI. The ability to access and leverage large-scale, high-quality data—cleaned, tagged, and structured—is paramount. Such data fuels the development of reliable insights and enables the creation of valuable healthcare products and services. As GenAI technologies advance, the demand for robust informatics capabilities will only grow, underscoring its indispensable role in shaping the future of healthcare delivery and innovation.
Remilk were identified in Wired Magazine (Nov 23) as one of Europe’s hottest startups.What did you see in the business and leadership styles of Aviv Wolff and Ori Cohavi that led you to invest?
When I first met Aviv and Ori, I was impressed by their long-term vision to tackle a global challenge with a transformative solution. They prioritized financial incentives, excelling in product quality while reducing costs. They built a skilled team, quickly adapted when necessary, and their enthusiasm inspired everyone. Their strategy was clear and well-executed, showing they knew where they were going and how to get there. These indicators demonstrated their strong potential to transform an industry.
‘Index Ventures raises $2.3bn to capitalise on machine learning breakthroughs’ (FT 11.07.24).Are we in the midst of a speculative frenzy or simply a new phase in the wider funding cycle?
The recent surge in funding for machine learning and GenAI marks a significant milestone akin to the early promises of cyber-fiction literature decades ago. While the potential downsides remain uncertain, there’s no denying these technologies’ transformative impact on markets, research, and employment. Viewed through this lens, while it may appear speculative, the Gen-Ai revolution could parallel or even exceed the internet revolution in its scope and influence.
Reuters recently reported that Israeli startups raised $2.9bn in the second quarter of 2024, the highest in two years, according to IVC Data and Insights and LeumiTech.What is your assessment of the Israeli tech scene at present?
At present, the Israeli tech scene is experiencing a robust revival characterized by a new wave of startups. This resurgence spans traditional tech domains like SaaS as well as cutting-edge areas such as energy, semiconductors, and dual-use technologies crucial for global resilience. A notable trend is the emergence of tech professionals leaving secure, well-paid positions to launch their own ventures—a phenomenon not seen in years. This dynamic reflects Israel’s enduring innovation ecosystem, proving its resilience to the 2022-3 crisis and its adaptability to the needs of the new Gen-AI and the world’s instability atmosphere. Seeing this new vintage of startups makes me thrilled about the upcoming results for investors.
