A Closer Look at the Start-Up

Over the past few years, Israel has consistently ranked #1 in global R&D spending, startup density, and venture capital investment per capita. Besides Silicon Valley, Israel boasts the highest concentration of high-tech companies in the world. This course delves into the factors that have propelled Israel to become a powerhouse of innovation and creativity. We will explore the historical and societal elements that contributed to this success, the unique characteristics of Israeli startups, and the key components of innovation management within the Israeli ecosystem. How does this differ from more conventional approaches, and how can managers from various countries and cultures apply these lessons? A pressing question is how Israel's tech sector maintains its momentum in the face of severe crises. Following the Covid-19 pandemic, Israel's economy experienced significant growth. However, Oct 7th and the recent war presented a new set of challenges and constraints. Despite these severe challenges, Israeli startups have exhibited remarkable resilience, agility, and innovation, adapting to the new reality and identifying new avenues for growth, from business and product perspectives. In a bottom-up process, with limited government support, the people of the Israeli tech ecosystem found ways to not only regain momentum, but also enhance current capabilities, develop new ones, and continue build and deliver. A recent report by Startup Nation Central, highlights that in the first six months since October 7th, 2023 and the outbreak of the war in Gaza, Israeli cyber companies have raised $1.1 billion, and M&As by Israeli companies have totaled $3.7 billion, with six of the nine companies sold being cyber security firms. As part of this course, students will hear firsthand from founders and tech ecosystem leaders how their companies adapted to the new reality, and how the crisis became an opportunity for change, and in some cases a blessing in disguise. The course offers a solid academic foundation in the innovation methodologies employed by leading entrepreneurs in Israel's vibrant high-tech economy. It combines in-class lectures with visits to top tech companies that have offices in NYC. Lectures are led by professors from Reichman University and prominent figures from the Israeli innovation scene, including entrepreneurs, top investors, and policymakers. This blend of academic expertise and real-world experience is at the heart of the course.