CTech's Weekly Roundup of Israeli Tech News
Intel, Mobileye, Volkswagen team up on Israeli self-driving taxi venture; By backing Didi Chuxing, travel company Booking gets a foothold in “competitive” China, CEO says
By backing Didi Chuxing, travel company Booking gets a foothold in “competitive” China, CEO says. Booking CEO Glenn Fogel spoke Monday at Calcalist’s and Bank Hapoalim’s eighth annual digital and mobile conference INSPIRE Digital@Mobile. Read more
Ehud Barak. Photo: Moti Lewton
Ehud Barak on why he took up cannabis. In September, Barak, Israel’s most highly decorated soldier, was appointed as chairman of Israeli medical cannabis company InterCure. Read more
Human threat hunters are the next big thing in cybersecurity, says former Unit 8200 head. Venture firm Blumberg Capital announced the appointment of Ehud Schneorson as managing director in September, after he retired from command of the Israeli equivalent of the NSA. Read more
Lost? This startup’s hand-gripping device will guide you. TrekAce's wrist-strap serves as a navigator that directs the wearer in real time, using vibrations. Read more
As part of a startup residency program, Google leases new Tel Aviv building. Spanning 1,800 square meters, the building housed the offices of online gig marketplace Fiverr until recently. Read more
Israeli tech continues to draw more money in fewer rounds. The number of seed rounds raised by Israeli startups fell to a five-year low in the third quarter of 2018, as more money continued to flow to fewer firms. Read more
Japanese insurance company Sompo opens Tel Aviv innovation hub. In its first year on the ground in Israel, Sompo intends to invest in one to three startups and enter collaborations with five to ten more companies. Read more
Israel wants to make hiring of non-Israeli experts in the country easier. Among the changes considered are an expedited issuing of employment permits and the removal of compensation thresholds. Read more
As city bristles over real estate plans, veteran Tel Aviv mayor beats opposition. Ron Huldai was elected as mayor of Israel’s financial and cultural capital for the fifth consecutive time Tuesday. His win followed a close race with upstart Asaf Zamir. Read more
Startup Funding Rounds
Former Teva executives raise $60 million for metabolic disorders venture. Read more
Intel Capital, Sequoia back blockchain startup StarkWare in $30 million round. Read more
Automated drone company Airobotics raises $30 million to fuel global expansion. Read more
Foot traffic analytics startup Placer.ai raises $4 million. Read more
Maverick Medical AI raises NIS 2.5 million. Read more
