Hope for Israeli Startups

December 25, 2008 - 11:36 PM by DavidS

Tivo, Skype, Java, and other technologies that we now wonder how we did without – all of them were first displayed and demonstrated at the world’s premier hi-tech show, DEMO. Being able to present at DEMO is a prestigious accomplishment, and in order to get in, you’ve got to have something special.

demo

This year, there are ten slots for Israeli companies at DEMO ‘09, and the lucky companies chosen to present this year – out of 300 applicants! – will be announced this Monday in Tel Aviv (yours truly has been invited to check it out). Those going on to the show (this year being held in Palm Springs, March 1-3) are practically guaranteed a shot at the big time (over the past four years, DEMO presenters have raised well over $2.5 billion dollars after the show). Previous Israeli entrants have included, among others, G.ho.st, which gives users a “personal computer” of their own from any terminal in the world, with it’s own operating system and software, and Vringo, which pioneered the business of video ringtones. Attending the show are dozens of computer businesses pros and journalists, as well as angels and VC’s.

Click to see video about DEMO \'09

Speaking of money: Is there any out there for startups anymore? Haven’t all the investors been scared off, after losing their shirts on the stock market and almost every other investment vehicle? Some have, sure. But in recent conversations with a whole raft of entrepreneurs, I’m hearing that there is money out there – and that because of the crisis, they may even have an easier time getting some. With stocks now considered suspect, investors are looking for places to put their money – and startups with good ideas and a good model are more attractive than ever, because they’re seen as a better bet than speculative stocks right now. Of course, that could just be the “happy face” talk they’re putting on to impress me (or reassure themselves) – but there’s a definite logic there. Besides, there’s this company, which just a couple of months ago netted $19 million in VC money. Not a bad take during a recession – or a boom, for that matter!

Tags: , , , , , , , , • Category: Business, General, Medical Breakthroughs, Technology, design 

Comments

3 Comments on Hope for Israeli Startups

  1. Joel Katz on Fri, Dec 26th 2008 12:10 PM

    2. Can you explain how there are “ten slots for Israeli companies at DEMO ‘09″.

    thanks.

  2. Yonah Tuvia on Mon, Dec 29th 2008 3:59 PM

    3. the Israel21 site is excellent for raising pride in Israel amongst the world and amongst Jews…however, it does not properly allow guys like me to invest in Israel. Billionaires know how to contact and make deals…but lesser companies like mine need to find Israeli counterparts whom we can form alliances and make money. I am very interested in doing so with an Israeli firm but have been unable to find one firm in the few years i have been looking at Israel21….not a good track record for either of us! There should be a place where i can list what i want and have Israeli firms contact me…I want to sell a product that is either one of a kind, or else so superiour to all competition that there is no competition For EXAMPLE: if a “health food suppliment” it would have to be quite effective in a relatively short time, NON-toxic, and has dramatic affects that are quite noticed and needed, in effect making it a cure or at least a very effective treatment. I for my part invent things and often can innovate improvements on other’s inventions as i did in 1992 for the Israeli defense industry. ashrei108@aol.com

  3. RL Nadler on Mon, Dec 29th 2008 5:30 PM

    4. Where is the show being held in Palm Springs? Would like to attend and cover show in a new blog I’m creating.

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