Israel stands firm in its unyielding battle against terrorism, a reality that we acknowledge and confront with relentless resolve. Amidst this struggle, our nation’s technological prowess remains robust and unassailable.

During these challenging times, Israel’s tech ecosystem stands strong and proud. Businesses continue to serve and delight their customers, as always.

Resilience isn’t just a slogan. It’s the enduring spirit that has made Israeli tech what it is today.

Israeli tech companies deliver.

No Matter What.

Fast Facts: 

 

    • Resilience is one of the primary characteristics of the Israeli tech ecosystem. The Israeli tech ecosystem has flourished over the years due to resilience, agility, and boldness. It is precisely these characteristics that strengthen us, even at times of great difficulty. This is the story of Israeli tech. We always deliver. And when obstacles get in our way, we overcome them, always.

       

    • Israelis have been through crises before and have always maintained business continuity. This was true during earlier rounds of conflict, as well as during COVID, and economic crises. Similarly, when the Russia-Ukraine war started, Israeli companies displayed the agility and speed needed to make the necessary adjustments to keep business as usual. Today is no different.

       

    • Israeli tech is a mature ecosystem with vast experience. Israeli tech leaders are well versed in crisis management – whether it’s related to conflict, economic turbulence, or other factors. They know how to work through it and deliver.

       

    • Israeli tech is already adapting to a “new normal”. Yes, there is trauma and an ongoing conflict. But even with that, we are already close to being back to full operation mode – offices are open, the vast majority of the workforce is active (only 10-15% have been called to military service), and companies have made the necessary adjustments in order to continue delivering their service at the highest level to customers worldwide.

       

    • Israeli tech companies are agile and acting swiftly. We are ready to maintain normal operations, even if the war continues for some time. Tasks and roadmaps are being prioritized, and companies with global team members are providing redundancy from abroad where needed.

       

    • Israel is not a warzone. The Iron Dome allows Israelis to sustain a fairly normal day to day. We can all work remotely, allowing all available team members to work together effectively from the office or home.

       

    • Innovation won’t stop. There is a rich history of transformative companies and products that have grown out of the Israeli tech ecosystem during and after periods of crisis.

       

    • We’re not alone. Over 450 multinational tech corporations have a presence in Israel. Their ongoing support and commitment are proof of the confidence they have in our ability to always deliver. (Examples include Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Nvidia, Meta, and many others).

       

    • Government support. The Israeli government has always been active in supporting the Israeli Tech ecosystem and is now allocating funds to ensure the health of our world-renowned tech scene.. In fact, the Israel Innovation Authority has already issued an emergency funding plan extending $100 million in special aid to startups. This initial aid is expected to grow significantly.

       

      • Unfortunately, in Israel, we are used to working under crisis and uncertainty. But fortunately, all Israeli hi-tech companies are well-experienced dealing with worst-case scenarios.

         

      • We are strong, and as Golda Meir said 50 years ago – our secret weapon is that we have no other place to go, so we can’t lose. This is ingrained in the Israeli mentality, both in life and business.

         

FAQs

 

  1. Are Israeli tech companies able to deliver normal services during this time?

    The short answer is yes. Israeli companies are strong, resilient, and committed to delivering for their customers and partners. They have adapted to a “new normal” and are able to continue business as usual, even during such a challenging time.

     

  2. How are the companies managed when the CEO and other senior leaders are called to reserve duty?

    The tech workforce has been impacted by only 10-15% due to military service. Most companies have the vast majority of the team and leadership focused on business continuity. Where individuals are unavailable, swift handovers to fellow leaders have been done to ensure that the business continues to function and flourish. In addition, many experienced industry leaders are volunteering their time to support younger companies during this time.

     

  3. How will product roadmaps be impacted by the loss of resources during this time?

    Prioritization is key. At times like this, Israeli business leaders are well-versed in prioritizing and execution. Commitments will be met as companies continue to deliver.

     

  4. Are some early-stage Israeli startups at risk?

    Steps are being taken by the Israeli government and investor community to ensure that good companies have enough runway to get through this period.

     

  5. Is this a good time to invest in Israeli startups?

    During the past decade, Israel’s tech sector has become the largest and fastest-growing industry in the Israeli economy attracting huge investment from abroad. While investment has slowed over the past year due to global economic uncertainty, Israeli companies continue to innovate and offer great investment opportunities.

     

  6. Are most Israeli companies working? Is it safe to return to the office?

    All Israeli companies continue to operate fully and have adapted to a new normal. Offices remain open and are safe for employees and visitors as they all contain protected safe rooms whenever necessary. The Iron Dome allows Israelis to sustain a fairly normal day to day.

     

  7. How long will the war last? Is there a chance this will extend to months, like the Russia-Ukraine war?

    At this stage, it’s hard to predict how many weeks this war will last, but it’s important to emphasize that the Israeli tech ecosystem has already adapted to the situation and has what it takes to provide business continuity even if the war doesn’t end swiftly, thanks to effective strategies such as leveraging talent outsourcing and having reliable backup communication providers, as well as relocating essential personnel out of Israel.

     

  8. Can Israeli companies shift resources to offshore locations?

    The short answer is yes. Tech companies are transferable in nature and can shift operations where needed to ensure business continuity. In fact, many companies already have redundancy in key functions spread over multiple locations worldwide, while others made this shift swiftly after the war started.

     

  9. There is a strong tie between the Israeli high-tech and the military. Did the focus of the startup companies shift to supporting the war?

    Much like wider Israeli civil society, the local tech community has supported the war effort in multiple ways including logistics and technology. While startups are giving their time and expertise, this is coming in addition to the normal running of their businesses. Maintaining a strong tech ecosystem is viewed as equally important to Israel’s long and short-term resilience.

     

  10. What can be done to help the Israeli tech ecosystem?

    More than anything else, please show your support by continuing to do business with Israeli companies as you have done.

     

  11. Can you travel from/to Israel?

    Israel is open and people are flying in and out.

     

  12. What key economic factors contribute to the Israeli economy’s strength, stability, and resilience during challenging times?

    The Israeli economy is strong, stable, and based on solid foundations. In the past, it has demonstrated its ability to recover from difficult periods. Prior to the war, the Israeli economy had a current account surplus, a low debt-to-GDP ratio, and high foreign exchange reserves. Economic activity in Israel was at a high level, despite some moderation in growth that was recorded in recent months. The labor market is tight and in a full employment environment.