Steve Brotman and Sam Silvershein recently returned from a week-long trip to Israel where they immersed themselves in the dynamic tech ecosystem of a country that is known as “Startup Nation.” Their visit was divided into two parts: one focused on deepening existing relationships and building new connections with Israeli investors, and the other as part of an exclusive Israel Tech Mission trip led by Kevin Ryan, featuring 40 tech leaders and investors. The experience left a lasting impression, both personally and professionally, and underscored why Israel is becoming a strategic focus for Alpha Partners.
Building and strengthening relationships
The first leg of the trip was about connecting and building trust. Steve and Sam packed their schedules with over 40 meetings with local VCs and investors in the effort to reinforce existing relationships and forge new ones. Israel’s venture ecosystem is uniquely collaborative and tight-knit, and that spirit was palpable in every conversation.
Whether speaking with partners from Norwest, Cyberstarts, or Emerge Ventures, it became clear that Alpha’s collaborative model –to invest in mid-growth companies by sharing intelligence and carry with early stage VCs – aligns well with the ethos of Israeli culture.
For Alpha, this visit wasn’t just about gathering insights – it was about building a bridge for future opportunities. We want to be the go-to partner for Israeli VCs when they need a reliable co-investor who they can trust, who understands the local market and can move quickly on quality deals.
The resilience of Israel’s tech ecosystem
What struck Steve and Sam the most was the resilience and adaptability of Israeli entrepreneurs and investors. Despite facing a multi-front war, the energy and drive within the tech community are as strong as ever. The sentiment shared by leaders like Gigi Levy-Weiss of NFX and Eyal Waldman of Mellanox was consistent: Israel’s challenges have only reinforced its innovative mindset. As Waldman put it, “Anyone who wants to make money can find Israeli companies worth investing in.”
This unwavering resolve is one of the key reasons Alpha Partners is so bullish on investing in Israeli founders and their tech. We see a unique opportunity to support companies that are not just building products, but solving global problems with a mindset to overcome adversity. The economic headwinds may be strong, but this market thrives on navigating through turbulence.
An insider’s perspective on Israel’s challenges and opportunities
During the second half of their trip, Steve and Sam joined the Israel Tech Mission led by Kevin Ryan, an experience that gave them unparalleled access to military, political, and community leaders who are shaping the country’s future. Some leaders they heard from include:
- Chemi Peres (Pitango VC): Chemi shared his optimism about Israel’s potential to create globally impactful companies, even amid conflict. He emphasized the importance of innovation born out of necessity, saying, “The land was built from people’s minds and visions.”
- Avi Issacharoff (Co-creator of Fauda): Avi’s talk was a raw look into the complexities of the current conflict and the resilience of the Israeli people. He deepened our understanding of the cultural context in which Israeli entrepreneurs operate.
- Dana Azrieli (Azrieli Group): Dana spoke passionately about her commitment to building Israel’s future — literally and figuratively. Her insights into the intersection of real estate, technology, and national identity highlighted the unity driving the nation forward.
Engaging with local entrepreneurs
Steve and Sam also spent time at the Google for Startups Campus in Tel Aviv, where they met with early-stage founders who are working on innovative solutions across sectors like cybersecurity, fintech, and healthtech. Meeting with these founders was a reminder of why we love this industry –because of its potential for technology to drive meaningful, scalable impact.
Looking ahead to 2025
As we reflect on this trip, it’s clear that Israel will continue to be a significant hub for Alpha Partners. We’re already planning a return visit in early 2025, where we aim to lead our own tech mission trip and bring a curated group of LPs and VCs to deepen our ties with the ecosystem.
In summary, this visit reinforced three core beliefs for Alpha Partners:
- Relationships are everything. Our commitment to building strong ties with Israeli VCs and founders will be key to unlocking future opportunities.
- Resilience breeds innovation. The challenges faced by Israeli companies have made them stronger and more resourceful, making an ideal environment for growth-stage investment.
- Shared values drive success. The spirit of collaboration and mutual support we encountered aligns perfectly with our investment philosophy at Alpha Partners.
We left Israel inspired, humbled, and excited about the opportunities ahead. The experience has strengthened our resolve to be an active participant in the growth of Israel’s tech ecosystem and a trusted partner for its leading investors.
