Foreign investors have their sights set on Israeli startups, particularly as representatives from numerous European investment bodies prepare to attend the tenth annual Europe Days conference in Tel Aviv this week. This gathering aims to strengthen connections with Israeli entrepreneurs and startups.
The event, scheduled for March 19 at the Meierhoff Gallery, is expected to draw at least 14 venture capital fund representatives and 18 officials from various European companies and bodies. Over 200 Israeli startups and entrepreneurs are set to participate, showcasing innovations in industries like AI, food-tech, health-tech, biotech, eHealth, cyber, climate-tech, and fin-tech.
Despite security concerns, this year’s Europe Days conference will be live-streamed to accommodate those unable to travel to Israel. The participating investors, primarily from Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, collectively manage over 1.5 billion Euros, with around 600 million Euros available for investment.
European interest in Israeli tech remains strong, with European entities investing heavily in Israeli startups. In 2023, European companies acquired Israeli startups through deals valued at over $4.4 billion, a significant figure considering global challenges such as the financial downturn and conflicts in the region.
Gilli Cegla, CEO of Novawind and the driving force behind Europe Days, highlights the appeal of Israeli innovation to global markets. Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, European companies recognize the value of investing in Israeli tech for its groundbreaking solutions and successful business models.
As Europe looks beyond its borders for innovation, Israel stands out as a hub of technological advancement, attracting substantial investments from European venture capital funds and financial institutions. This partnership between European investors and Israeli startups signifies a promising future for tech collaboration on an international scale.