📰 Walla: The Israeli High-Tech Association launches a new Startups Forum featuring an investors’ panel.

According to Walla News:

Hanan Brand, Deputy CEO and Head of Startup Division at the Israel Innovation Authority, expressed optimism about an increase in the number of new companies in the coming year: “The funds continue to believe in us. This is an excellent time to be an entrepreneur.”

Amid economic and security instability, the Israeli High-Tech Association of the Manufacturers’ Association of Israel launched the Startups Forum today (Wednesday). The forum aims to support and provide professional guidance to early-stage startups.

During the launch event, held last week at the Herzog Fox & Neeman offices in Tel Aviv, an investors’ panel discussed challenges and opportunities for young startups. Participants included Gili Elkin, co-founder of the ICI Fund; Yael Greenbaum-Cohen, partner at aMoon; Hanan Brand; Rinat Berman, CEO of Fundit; and Ziv Elul, entrepreneur, investor, and CEO of Pery.

“The decline in the number of companies began back in 2014, but I believe we will see some recovery and even an increase in the coming year,” said Brand. “It’s particularly impressive during a year marked by war and military reserves mobilization. The funds’ continued faith in us is amazing. This is an excellent time to be an entrepreneur.”

Insights from Panelists:

Gili Elkin, ICI Fund:

“Fundraising is a nightmare—a tough experience even in good times, and now it’s even harder. Although there’s a lot of money in the market, we’re seeing a decline in investments that’s not necessarily directly impacted by the local situation but rather by a global crisis affecting other countries as well. The local challenges here influence things less than people think.

That said, only 1 in 200 companies succeeds in raising funds. Thus, building good chemistry between entrepreneurs and investors is crucial. Ultimately, this is a long-term game, and a strong relationship can significantly impact success.”

Yael Greenbaum-Cohen, aMoon:

“The relationship between an entrepreneur and an investor is like a marriage; it requires a high level of mutual trust. This trust is especially important in challenging scenarios like down rounds, which can be painful for both sides. The stronger the trust, the longer and more successful the journey together can be.”

She added, “Entrepreneurs must be disciplined in choosing which funds to approach. Ensure the fund doesn’t have investments in competing companies, research the investor’s portfolio, and reach out to partners in the fund.

When U.S. funds paused investments at the start of the conflict to assess the situation, it became evident that raising funds abroad requires boarding a plane, building relationships, and investing in face-to-face connections. Only then can the funding follow.”