Modelcode.ai founder Michael Fertik expands to Tel Aviv with new AI development center
Michael Fertik, who has invested in companies such as SentinelOne, NextSilicon and Sunbit, is establishing Modelcode Chai in Tel Aviv - a subsidiary that will serve as a local development center for his company, which deals with upgrading old code using AI.
Jewish-American entrepreneur and investor Michael Fertik, who has invested in several Israeli unicorns, is establishing Modelcode Chai in Tel Aviv—a subsidiary that will serve as a local development center for his software company Modelcode.ai, which specializes in code modernization and artificial intelligence.
Fertik founded Modelcode.ai about a year ago and currently serves as its CEO. The company provides solutions for upgrading legacy code using generative AI (GenAI). Headquartered in New York, it employs dozens of people. In addition to his work at Modelcode.ai, Fertik also manages the venture capital fund Heroic Ventures, which has invested in unicorns such as SentinelOne, NextSilicon, and Sunbit.
In a conversation with Calcalist, Fertik explained: "I established a branch of our company, Modelcode.ai, here called Modelcode Chai, inspired by 'Am Yisrael Chai’ ('The nation of Israel lives'). I have already hired three employees here and plan to hire many more in the future."
Fertik also spoke about his deep connection to Israel: "Since childhood, I’ve been visiting here three to four times a year. I’ve invested in 15 Israeli companies, always as the first investor. But even though I’m a Zionist, I never had my own company or team here. People often asked me why, and I never had a good reason—until now."
According to him, Israel does not have a global edge in AI research, but it is a leading country in AI applications: "Israel is the perfect country for AI, which is why this is the first time I’m establishing a company here. Being a Zionist isn’t enough—there are talented software engineers all over the world. You need the right combination of technology and market fit, and Israel is the perfect place for that."
