Tel Aviv is now the second startup ecosystem, second only to Silicon Valley. As a hub for some of the world’s most innovative young businesses, the rise in startup culture has brought Tel Aviv to the very forefront of the world’s attention. Life in Tel Aviv as part of a startup is known to be all about connections in the city to which entrepreneurs from all over the world descend. In search for a personal perspective on startup culture in Tel Aviv, we caught up with two of the most innovative startups in the city:
Michal Chafets, Head of Communications for Windward
Windward is the only company in the world that currently analyzes, aggregates and vets all maritime data, globally 27/4. Michal Chafets created Windward as an answer to the challenges presented to the transportation and shipping industry and the need for a data infrastructure that could create a complete history of each ship’s activities.
What made you decide to start the business?
Ship activity across the oceans impacts nearly every sector, from security to finance, and yet there is surprisingly little information on what’s happening at sea. My co-founder, Matan Peled, and I are both former naval officers, and we were very aware of just how much of a ‘wild west’ the oceans are and the transformative role technology could play in bringing visibility to this opaque world. Our company, Windward, is doing just that: we are using data sciences combined with deep shipping expertise to bring visibility to one of the most important but least understood parts of our world: the oceans.
How would you describe the startup culture in Tel Aviv?
There are many statistics that quantify the incredible amount of startups per capita in Israel and their outsized success. But what is truly remarkable, from my perspective, is the amazing energy and innovative thinking this ecosystem creates and, as a result, the wide range of issues and challenges startups are tackling, from biotech to fintech to design, to companies like ours that defy categorization.
How has this culture benefited the business?
Having so many smart people working on such a diverse set of issues and challenges in such close proximity has a hugely positive impact across the entire ecosystem, from the kind of talent that has been cultivated to the technological breakthroughs we’re seeing. At the same time, I think the impact on would-be founders and entrepreneurs is profound: when there is so much innovation taking place around you, it truly feels like the sky is the limit. It’s an incredibly enabling and empowering atmosphere - in our case, we are tackling a global challenge that impacts every sector that touches the maritime domain. It’s hard to imagine that a startup would have even dreamed of developing such a disruptive technology in another era and another place.
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced?
With so many startups concentrated in such a small geography, the fight for the best and the brightest is intense. And having recognized the level of Israeli talent, many of the big tech players, such as Google, Facebook and Apple, have opened R&D centers in Israel, putting further pressure on the local market. We’re all competing for the .01% of talent. While it’s hard to compete with some of the big players on pay, we have seen that many of the smartest, most talented people want their work to count and are looking for places, like Windward, where their work is making a real difference in the world.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned?
Perseverance is key. People talk a lot about the value of being able to fail fast, and while that’s often true, it’s equally important to have the mental mettle to continue pushing through even when those around you don’t initially understand your idea, or it doesn’t find immediate success.
What advice do you have for UK entrepreneurs looking to start a new business?
You need to stick with what you believe in. When you start a business, especially one that is chartering new ground, you will encounter scepticism from every corner. You need to remain focused on the opportunity – the problem you are tackling, the solution or offering you have created - and single-mindedly push to see it realized. In retrospect, everyone will tell you they always knew it was a great idea, but the reality is that at first it might just be you, a co-founder or a group of friends who truly believe in your company. Stick with it!
Learn more about Windward and the solutions they offer for transporting in only part of our world that is still largely unknown, the oceans.
Almog Koren, Founder of Almog Design
Almog Design offers a wide range of services and development solutions, headed by Almog Koren. After taking the risk and starting up his own startup, Almog took some time out to offer us unique perspective on the benefits of going it alone.
What made you decide to start the business?
After working in different high companies and advertising agency I decide that I can do more owning my own business. I was always an entrepreneur and took risk. Opening my own business came to me naturally
How would you describe the startup culture in Tel Aviv?
The startup culture is great, it has a unique vibe and I think it's different than most areas. I spent a couple weeks in Berlin attending TechStars I can say Tel Aviv is one of a kind for bad or worse. If I was to describe it, it would a culture that moves fast, takes risks and doesn't believe it can't be done.
How has this culture benefited the business?
For my development studio, Almog Design it has given the experience and expertise I can't get anywhere else mostly due to the fact you work with startups and learn through their experience. You have unique mix and can offer something else and unique. From my startup experience I would say failing is a big deal, but the culture here is more like “You failed, so what? What are you working on now?”.
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced?
I think the biggest challenge while there are a lot of investors in Israel there are very few "great ones" and there is too much hype in the current culture. I think it has lost that stealth mode were you just work on building something great. Now everyone is looking for PR, who you know and just comparing each other. I'm grateful to have found a great investor that I trust letting me working on what I like in different model than the traditional format.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned?
For me I would say the biggest thing that I learned is staying away from the hype, the PR and the "in crowd" and really not about building a "business, "startup", "raising money" or how much you raised. It's about building a product or products that people want to use the rest comes later.
What advice do you have for UK entrepreneurs looking to start a new business?
Take the risk, there really is nothing to lose and there is always something to learn. Find out what works in the UK and just build a great product.
Learn more about what Almog Design can do. From Meteor development to interactive games, Almog Design offers a wide range of services and solutions with a distinctive set of core values to trust in.
Author
Kat Kynes is a copywriter for Lottosend. Lottosend enable users to play lotteries from around the world online from desktop and mobile devices.