IsraelTech Live at Sarona - ft. Alon Leibovich of Ignite DeepTech

🗓 When: Thursday, May 15 at 12:30 PM
📍 Where: Sarona Market (look for the speaker and table outside on the grass)

Step out of the office and into the sun for a special outdoor edition of IsraelTech Live - happening right on the grass at Sarona Market.

You’ve seen us online. Now, come meet us in person.

Join us for fresh air and fresh perspectives as Yoel Israel (Founder, IsraelTech) and Alon Leibovich (Managing Director, Ignite DeepTech) dive into what’s next for Israel’s deeptech ecosystem - the opportunities, the challenges, and why this space is heating up globally - and how Israel can lead the way.

Some people bring their real lives to social media. We're bringing social media to real life

This isn’t your average conversation. It’s a casual, community-first meetup where you can learn, connect, and enjoy a mid-day break that actually inspires. We’re democratizing Israeli tech - not just online, but on the ground.

Bring your lunch. Bring a friend. Just don’t miss it.

👉 Register now to save your spot

Wildfires are getting worse. Can Israeli tech stop them before they spread?

In this explosive sit-down, we talk with Gadi Benjamini, Co-Founder & CEO of FireDome, a startup that’s taking an Iron Dome-style approach to wildfire defense. With AI-powered fire suppression systems, FireDome detects, contains, and stops fires before they destroy homes and lives.

🔥 Why does this matter?

California’s latest wildfires have already burned 16,000 buildings and caused $250 billion in damages. Insurance companies are pulling out. Communities are left defenseless. FireDome offers a game-changing solution—but will the world adopt it fast enough?

👀 In this interview, we cover:
🚒 The terrifying reality of California’s wildfires
🧠 How FireDome predicts and suppresses fires using AI
💡 What’s missing in wildfire defense today (and why it’s costing lives)
🇮🇱 Why Israeli tech is leading the way in climate resilience

💬 Could FireDome be the Iron Dome for wildfires? Drop a comment below and let us know what you think!

About Gadi Benjamini

Gadi Benjamini is helping communities and businesses around the world defend against wildfires with an AI-powered system inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome. His solution combines autonomous detection and eco-friendly suppression to stop fires before they spread - boosting resilience and response time in even the most remote areas.

About FireDome

FireDome delivers a two-tiered defense system designed to stop wildfires in their tracks. Its technology first launches a physical barrier to block advancing flames, then swiftly detects and extinguishes spot fires ignited by airborne embers - providing layered, proactive protection when every second counts.

This Week in Israeli Tech News

1. Ox Security Raises $60M to Tackle Application Security Overload

   Founded by ex-Check Point leaders, Ox Security is cutting through the flood of AppSec alerts by focusing only on the threats that truly matter.

2. Lemonade Hits $1B in Premiums as Growth Stays on Track

   The Tel Aviv-born insurtech just crossed a major milestone - reaching $1 billion in premiums with 27% revenue growth to kick off 2025.

3. Sett Emerges from Stealth with $27M to Transform Game Marketing with AI

   This Tel Aviv startup is building AI agents that help gaming studios create high-performing marketing content - 15x faster and 25x cheaper.

4. proteanTecs Raises $50M to Boost AI Chip Efficiency

   Haifa-based proteanTecs, founded by Mellanox veterans, is revolutionizing chip monitoring and reducing AI server power consumption by up to 14%.

5. Onebeat Raises $15M to Reinvent Retail Inventory with AI

   The Israeli startup is replacing static forecasts with real-time, adaptive execution - helping retailers cut waste, boost margins, and stay ahead of demand.

Culture Corner

Israel marked its 77th Independence Day with a quieter tone this year, reflecting the grief of a nation still at war and praying for the return of hostages held in Gaza. Despite the somber backdrop, the country paused to recognize its strength, innovation, and unity during an incredibly difficult year.

Here's a look at some notable highlights from the past year:
- Israel welcomed over 50,000 new immigrants despite the ongoing conflict
- Israeli tech remained resilient, with companies like Mobileye and Wiz making global headlines.
- The IDF carried out complex operations across multiple fronts while also rescuing hostages.
- Civil society stepped up, with thousands volunteering to support displaced families and soldiers.
- International allies reaffirmed support, including a historic joint declaration with Germany against terrorism.

5 Fun Facts About Israel Since 1948
- Israel is the only country to revive a dead language—Hebrew—into a national, spoken tongue.
- Tel Aviv has more startups per capita than any city in the world.
- Israel has the highest number of museums per person—over 230 across the country.
- The cherry tomato was invented in Israel by two Hebrew University scientists.
- Israel ranks among the top countries for life expectancy, innovation, and scientific research output.

Our Replies Are OPEN!

We love hearing from you! Got a comment on a video? A news tip we should highlight? Drop us a message - your voice is crucial in helping us democratize the Israeli tech ecosystem, and we’re listening!

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