Ofir Richman

2 upcoming events you won't want to miss: Tomorrow, our annual conference will be held at BMeniv Financial Company – featuring financial courses and training, a lavish meal, networking, and industry leaders in a small boutique setup in the middle of the Ramat Gan stock exchange. I'm not sure if tickets are still available, but this is one of the few events each year that I attend in person. Those who know how virtually everything in my life is managed will understand the significance. Next week on Sunday, June 23, 2024 – the AI conference by Atzmait (the largest networking organization for businesswomen, managers, and independent women in Israel!) will take place digitally from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. I'll be opening with a lecture that usually blows a few minds/drops some knowledge bombs/slaps everyone who isn't yet in the AI game. This is a special lecture that has never been given over Zoom until now. It's free, so there aren't many excuses. In the following video, there's a short and random excerpt from my lecture at last year's BMeniv conference (this year I won't be lecturing, no business just pleasure, so there will be time for conversations): https://lnkd.in/dwAw_z5J

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Over the past decade, I have reviewed over 1,000 cv's in search for the best team members to join our team. I see a lot of people in Israel in need of jobs these days so sharing some tips from my experience as a manager and Organizational Psychologist that I hope can be helpful. If you have any questions or additional insights, please feel free to comment below or pm me. I divided the job-seeking journey into 4 stages: 1. Self-reflection 2. CV building 3. Networking 4. “Dating” your future boss In this post I will cover some pointers for the first 3 stages. Next post will cover pointers for the last stage. *Self-reflection* 1. Self-reflection and understanding what you are good at and what you are passionate about. 2. Who are you - Need to be able to answer this in 2-3 lines at the top of the CV. Are you a manager and looking to be in a leadership role or more of a hands-on executive? Is your focus marketing/sales/coding/project management? Pro tip: Ask your friends to be honest with you and share the value they see you bring. It will crystalize your own view as well. *CV and LinkedIn profile* 1. CV building - how does your future boss know you are great at what you do? What success and impact did you have that you can articulate with numbers? 2. The design is great. But the most important is the content. Make sure clear description in the header what you do and keep it short, with bullet points and a 1-pager. Make sure no mistakes. If there is even 1 typo, it is a no-go. 3. Passion talks. Years ago I hired a young man with very little experience because he came with great passion and told me how he taught himself code at age 11. See how you can find that story that highlights your greatness. *Networking* 1. Networking and asking friends for an intro or to put in a good word. Identify 10 people you will have coffee with to brainstorm your career. Some will give you great advice. Others will give you a good lead. 2. Don't only think about networking with those who can give you the job today but rather with those who know people that can help you. 3. The best way to build trust is to show your work in action. I once hired someone because he reached out and explained to me in a loom video why one of my client websites stinked and how that can be fixed. He didn't tell me what he does but showed me. What tips have you found as a manager that you would give future employees?

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WhatsApp Business and ChatGPT: A Dynamic Duo Transforming Customer Communication! 🌟 I'm thrilled to share an insightful new blog post from Commbox that delves into the revolutionary integration of WhatsApp Business and ChatGPT. This dynamic duo will transform customer service across industries, offering unparalleled efficiency and personalisation. In today's digital-first world, businesses must leverage cutting-edge technology to meet the high expectations of modern consumers. The integration of WhatsApp Business with ChatGPT is not just a technological upgrade; it's a paradigm shift in how we engage and support our customers. From healthcare to retail and education to municipal services, this powerful combination enhances customer interactions like never before. Explore the future implications of AI in customer communications and learn how to navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead. Take advantage of this must-read post that uncovers the potential of AI-driven customer service! Read the full blog 🔗https://bit.ly/3wVntfb #CustomerService #AI #WhatsAppBusiness #ChatGPT #DigitalTransformation #Innovation #CustomerExperience #FutureOfWork #Commbox CommBox

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Good finds its way to the top! The Israeli tech scene is exploding, and the number of exits and investments we have seen in the last few months is mind-blowing. So, we have packed some of the most talked-about tech leaders into a virtual event titled "Unicorn Nation," which will take place on 6/27. Co-hosted with Asaf Wolff 🦅 and Bereisheet, this event will cover everything you need to know, from fundraising to exit strategies. Founders like Ran Ribenzaft, who sold his company to Cisco for $500M, and Arick Goomanovsky, who sold his for $265M, will share their tips on crafting the right exit strategy. On the fundraising side, we have brilliant founders like Amir Elichai Sivan B. and Hilla Ovil-Brenner from Arieli Capital who will provide their insights on what it takes to raise funds in today’s market. We’ll hear Guy Benjamin's story on how he was able to raise a $32M Series A round without a presentation, and more. Tomer Shani from Meitar Law Firm and Adi Hoorvitch Lavi, PhD from Poalim Tech will cover the landscape of investments, exits, and IPOs in the tech market. Ever wondered how to calculate your raise? Shlomo Neumann , a financial wizard who has led startup rounds and raised hundreds of millions, will answer that question and more. Lastly, we’ll have a special keynote from Haim Pinto, Cisco CTO to EMEA, who will share his views on the explosion we see in Israeli tech these days. Don’t miss out. Registration is FREE - https://lnkd.in/e45ZnFWn #fundraising #startup #unicorn #tech #startupnation #founders

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"𝗬𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗺'𝘀 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗛𝗥 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁." Yotam Tzuker, CEO and co-founder of Team Me, is featured on Calcalist כלכליסט's Growth+ project, where he met with Ronni Zehavi, CEO and co-founder of HiBob. They explored the challenges faced by early-stage startups over the past seven months and discussed how tough times foster resilience. Dive into their conversation through the link in the comments. Guy Katsovich | Yair Vardi | Poalim Tech #growth #PortfolioCompany #startups

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Reichman University is the leading incubator of academic entrepreneurship in Israel and the world The data speaks for itself: a study by Prof. Ilya Strebulaev from Stanford University was published and found that startups of founders who studied at Reichman University and Raphael Recanati International School, and received an investment from a US venture capital fund, are 11.3% more likely to reach unicorn status. According to the research findings, Reichman University is ranked second in the world (!). The study included only universities outside the US. The young Reichman University has produced 14 companies that have become unicorns, and in relation to its size and age, this is an unprecedented number. The findings emphasize the significant contribution of Reichman University, specifically the Adelson School of Entrepreneurship to the global technology and business industry, and its central role in the success of the State of Israel as a global technology leader!

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In a world where perception is almost everything, come hear us chat about how to build your brand to win 🦾 #loolventures #googleforstartups

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This measure, part of the broader "National Infrastructure Bill" enacted a year ago to close Israel's major infrastructure gap, is HUGE. It aims to overcome the "Utility Coordination" challenge, notoriously the weakest link in every project life cycle — key to delivering Israel's mega-projects on time over the next decade and essential for sustaining rapid economic growth. Why is this so crucial? - Israel's productivity gap (GDP per hour worked) is the biggest challenge to realizing its economic growth potential. - Alongside the demographic challenge, aggressively addressing the "Infrastructure Gap" is a top priority. - Approximately 25% of the productivity gap is attributed to infrastructure deficiencies in transportation, particularly mass transit. - Over the next 10-15 years, Israel will invest more than NIS 0.5 trillion in capital projects for Transportation and Energy (1.5-2% increase in investment of GDP annually). Streamlining projects = closing the "infrastructure gap" faster = GROWTH. Adi Hachmon Iliya Katz Yuval Avigdor Dana Dover Itzik Daniel Esti Feldman

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Fascinating talk with the talented Assaf Pashut from Chefee Robotics. Assaf came to talk to the students in my Entrepreneurship 101 course in the Arison School of Business at Reichman University. He talked about his amazing Robotic Kitchen (Chefee) that can prepare over 1,000 different recipes autonomously and shared about his pitch on Shark Tank (see video). Key takeaways: 1.     Keep it simple (he didn’t – his words). 2.     You have to love what you’re doing! 3.     There’s a reason they call it a rollercoaster! 4.     It’s going to take a lot longer than you think. 5.     Most of your assumptions will be wrong, until you hit the market. #entrepreneurship #startups #startupattorney #robotics

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Although the #hightechindustry is starting to recover, it's still in a slump. So why is its employees salary reach new heights? And which areas are marked by #venturecapitalfunds as the hottest? https://lnkd.in/eWiFiyE3 (For the English version - just use #GoogleTranslate) Full details can be found in the '#hightech status' report of the Israel Innovation Authority רשות החדשנות: https://lnkd.in/egEu36mp #Technology #technologyIndustry #InnovationIndustry #Innovation #Fundraising #VCs #Economy #Economy2024 #EconomyInsight #2024Insights

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Ready to shape the future of Israeli high-tech? 🚀 Mamram Seeds Class 2 is launching! Our excellence program is back and bigger than ever. If you're entrepreneurs who are combat service veterans or Mamram graduates just starting out and looking for the right framework to grow and find your founding team, this is the place. 8 months of an incredible journey that will prepare you for any challenge. Registration is now open and spots are limited, so secure your place with us in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The only place where combat service veterans and Mamram graduates are brought together around one table with a common goal: to create winning ventures. A group of 24 outstanding entrepreneurs - 12 Mamram graduates and 12 combat service veterans - will embark on an 8-month entrepreneurial journey. During this time, they will explore, learn, and closely encounter the leaders of the Israeli eco-system from various angles. Who knows what crazy startups might be born during the program? 🦄 We're looking for Israel's next technological leadership! If you're entrepreneurs who aren't intimidated by anyone, if you're innovators who aren't afraid of any challenge - this is your place to break through and grow. What will happen in the program? ✅8 months of self-discovery and identification as leaders and entrepreneurs ✅Acquire tools and methodologies in startup creation processes ✅Meet and hear from entrepreneurs at different stages, from early-stage startups to senior entrepreneurs in the country ✅Establish and develop your own venture at Mamram Labs ✅Tour companies and various entrepreneurial spaces, and discover new problem spaces ✅Connect with a group of winning leaders! ✅Join a global community of Mamram graduates and the organization's entrepreneurship programs alumni Spots are limited and demand is high - register now to secure your place in the next generation of high-tech leaders! 💨🏃‍♂️ Cohort #2 is on its way. To register -> https://bit.ly/4czKPXe (Registration is open until August 1) Thanks to our amazing partners - Team8 | lool ventures | Pearl Cohen | Google | Next October Ehud Naos | Ishay Gavriel | Ori Barzilay | Dina Walker | Doron Latzer | Guy Lachmann | Naama Yanko | Izhar Shay | Yossi Melamed | Yaniv Golan | Aviv Yonas

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English translation: The quantum is in the small details - very small 💫 The Israeli Center for Quantum Computing (IQCC) has been officially launched and operates a pair of quantum computers intended for research and development for companies, corporations and researchers in Israel and the world. The center was established with an investment amounting to NIS 100 million, of which two-thirds was invested by the #Innovation_Authority, is located at Tel Aviv University and is operated by the Israeli startup Quantum Machines, which was chosen by popular vote as part of the National Program for Quantum Science and Technologies. Dr. Aviv Zeevi Balasiano, Vice President of Technological Infrastructures at the Innovation Authority: "The laboratory will enable collaboration between academia and industry and will provide unique R&D services in a subsidized manner. This is going to be the first laboratory in the world that allows startups to try their technology and develop it in a national quantum laboratory." To the full article:

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➡️ The Israeli 76th Independence Day, celebrated today, is an opportunity to take another look at the Israeli #tech ecosystem and what makes it so unique. The key is five main ingredients that make it so successful and resilient: 1. Entrepreneurs 2. Investors 3. Engineers 4. Experience 5. The military service This year, we need this ecosystem to be stronger than ever. For the last three decades or so, Israel has cultivated generations of entrepreneurs based on these foundations, educating them to never give up, not to be afraid of #failure, providing tax and other incentives, building special funds to support tech #startups, and more. This is what makes #Israel the most amazing place to build a startup. Now, more than ever, it's time to partner with the amazing Israeli tech industry. Take a look at my Forbes article, written last year, but still very much relevant https://lnkd.in/dftUksRW #entrepreneurship

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Resilient people comprise a resilient team, which, in the end, translates to a resilient organization. Today, I continued introducing my team at AppFox to psychological resilience, which we have been exploring over a series of sessions I started some time ago. This time, I presented the BASIC Ph model developed by Israeli therapist Mooli Lahad. This model assesses how we manage stress and which coping mechanisms we use the most and the least. Their combination forms each person's unique coping style. Being aware of your coping "configuration" is crucial for understanding yourself and developing your resilience. I am so happy to contribute to the team's well-being by introducing the knowledge and skills I gained from my counseling practice.

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🌵 Introducing Cactus Capital: Cultivating Innovation, Empowering Students Nestled within the thriving ecosystem of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev's Yazamut 360° center, Cactus Capital stands as a beacon of opportunity for aspiring student entrepreneurs. Founded in 2018, it's not just Israel's first student-run venture capital fund—it's a driving force behind the next generation of tech innovation. 💼 Investing in Student Entrepreneurs: Raising capital can be a daunting task for new founders, but Cactus Capital changes that narrative. They provide exceptional BGU students and recent graduates with up to ₪100,000 in early-stage investment, along with full business support and access to a top-tier accelerator. They're not just investors; they're partners in the journey towards success. 📚 Transformative Education: Cactus Academy isn't just another analyst course—it's a transformative educational experience. They take the sharpest thinkers and doers on a deep dive into the world of venture capital, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in this ever-evolving industry. 🌍 Making an Impact: Backed by global companies and law firms including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud, and Notion, Cactus Capital is more than just a fund; it's a movement. From fintech to healthcare to climatech, their portfolio companies are revolutionizing industries and changing lives. 🌱 Joining the Movement: Whether a student with a bold idea or a seasoned entrepreneur looking for support, Cactus Capital is there to help turn visions into reality. Visit www.bgu.cactus.capital to learn more about how to become part of their growing community of innovators and change-makers. Cactus Capital: Where innovation blooms, and dreams take root. #CactusCapital #VentureCapital #BGUInnovation

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We are two days away from an incredible event. Join us as we host Unicorn Nation, a virtual gathering of Israel’s tech leaders, where they’ll share their insights on everything from fundraising to exit strategies. If you are an Israeli startup, this event is tailored for you. Guy Franklin will open the event with a panel on building the right exit strategy. The founders on this panel Guy Nizan Ran Ribenzaft and Vladi Sandler have sold their companies for over $1.1B to companies like Cisco and Rapid7 Next, we’ll transition to our keynote speaker, Haim Pinto, who will share his tips on positioning and penetration strategies for the U.S. market. Following that, we’ll have our fundraising discussions. Our panelists Amir Elichai Sivan B. and Guy Benjamin and Hilla Ovil-Brenner have raised over $200M in Seed to Series B funding and will share their tactics on how to raise in today's market. Tomer Shani and Adi Hoorvitch Lavi, PhD from Poalim Tech will provide a comprehensive overview of trends in Israeli tech. Finally, Shlomo Neumann will give us important tools on how to calculate our raise and burn rate, and will discuss the financial storytelling necessary for successful fundraising. This event wouldn’t be possible without our partners. A big thank you to Asaf Wolff 🦅, Chairman of Bereisheet one of the largest tech communities in North America, and Tomer Gilboa from Wogi, a leading digital product agency delivering amazing work to both startups and Fortune 500 companies. Registration is free - https://lnkd.in/e45ZnFWn

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Everyone is tired of fluff. But how do you get rid of it for good? Last week, I was invited to speak to the students of the startup MBA program at the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology. Here’s the 3-step exercise I shared with them on cutting out fluff: 1. Start with 50 words to describe your startup. 2. Reduce it down to 10 and as you do so, identify the fluffiest statements—the ones that don't contribute value, cause confusion and where the company description still makes perfect sense without them. 3. Once you hit 10 words, reverse the process and go back up to 50, adding in more clarifying and descriptive words. To leave out the fluff, you first have to be aware of the fluff in the first place. By first reducing and then adding back in - founders have a much easier time identifying where words act more as fillers, and where they are absolutely crucial to the meaning and message. Hope this helps.

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🚀 Exciting Announcement! 🎙️ I'm thrilled to share that I was recently interviewed for the first episode of a new podcast series by "People & Computers," hosted by the insightful yehudak konfortes; As one of the few Israeli experts in AI standardization and its integration with local regulation, I have been spearheading Israel's efforts globally since 2017. In this inaugural episode, we delve into critical discussions on the international AI arms race, focusing particularly on the regulatory elements where AI standardization plays a pivotal role in global-local dynamics. We explore the regulatory landscape intertwined with AI advancements, offering a unique perspective on how nations are navigating this complex terrain. As Head of Delegation to both SC42 (International AI Standards) and JTC21 (EU AI ACT Standards), as well as a Contributor to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) (US) and Standards Council of Canada (SCC) (Canada), I hope to add value by bringing a fresh and unique perspective. 🎧 Tune in to the podcast on Spotify: https://lnkd.in/duhjdvxb While my podcast under ISRAI.AI (link in comments) is in English and geared towards a professional audience, the "People & Computers" series is in Hebrew and aimed at the general public. Hope you enjoy this short episode and, as always, be in touch and let me know your thoughts! Join us as we unpack the dynamic and ever-evolving world of AI! #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #Podcast #AIStandardization #InternationalRelations #TechRegulation #SC42 #PeopleAndComputers European Commission ISO - International Organization for Standardization IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission)

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לכל מי שמחפש קשר ישיר לחברות ביטוח - האקסלרטור המקוצר והאיכותי הזה בשבילכם (והפעם נפתח ללא תשלום! ) Kobi Bendelak For those who thought of turning to the world of insurance but have not yet done so -* Join our 7th cohort - *Insurtech Israel Bootcamp* I'm excited to announce the launch of another special acceleration cohort of our joint business partnership. This time , our focus will be on supporting on startups that are considering entering or have recently begun to enter the insurance world. Our aim is to provide intensive support, equipping with the necessary tools, knowledge, and connections to thrive in the insurance industry both locally and globally. Here's a brief overview of the schedule: 10/03 - Opening of registration for the program 16/05 - End of registration 03/06 - Selection Day (physical event in Israel with virtual participation for partners abroad) 16/06 - The cohort starting day 18/07 - Graduates event - On TLV' s seashore Startups, therefore it is recommended that you register for the program (*the program is free of charge but requires an investment of time and involvement*) which will open up to you many contacts in the world, a lot of knowledge about the world of insurance and speed up the activity significantly yours in this complex world. Our past experience shows that the program has greatly helped the mature startups To register, please use this link - https://lnkd.in/eVVtqYdJ Key Highlights of Our Program: Our program boasts an impressive lineup of partners, including from the insurance space , *AIG, IAG from Australia , Lloyd's of London, AON, Sompo insurance from Japan, AF group & Broker Tech Ventures from USA, Migdal insurance & Direct Insurance from Israel , and from the technology and business space Dell Technologies, Sapiens, Microsoft, Milliman, Deloitte, ReSource Pro, Bolttech, and more*. These collaborations provide an unmatched platform for your growth.

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