The Bridge: a way to collaboration and success

Leading Israeli start-ups and venture firms joined their Australian counterparts in Sydney today for “The Bridge” – a first-of-its-kind Israel Australia Investment Summit.

Conceived by the Israel Trade Commission in Australia, “The Bridge” was co-organised by the Israeli Ministry of Economy and Telstra, and offered an intense series of discussions, networking opportunities and deal-making sessions aimed at bringing the best and brightest leaders from the new economy together and facilitating investment opportunities.

Director General, Israeli Ministry of Economy, Amit Lang said: “We look forward to fostering a closer relationship between Israel and Australia and building on the technology sourcing service that we provide to Australian companies by facilitating this first-of-its-kind event.

Israel’s start-up culture and reputation for innovation and disruptive technologies is world-renowned, and Australian companies should tap into that pool of talent and creativity. We would like to see a larger presence of leading Australian companies in Israel. 300 multinational corporations have chosen Israel as their base for R&D for a good reason.”

Israel Trade Commissioner to Australia Ethy Levy added: “The summit showcased the ideas and talent behind a diverse range of successful Israeli start-ups. Speakers shared the secrets behind the success of the Israeli Innovation and Start-Up Eco system and present new ideas and disruptive technologies.

“It was a unique opportunity for local VCs and other Australian investors to learn about the significant investment opportunities available in Israel, and to make personal connections that are ordinarily very difficult without leaving Australian soil”, Commissioner Levy added.

The event was held at Telstra’s Sydney headquarters.

The summit  featured 50 speakers on the day, including:

 

• Amit Lang, Director General, Israeli Ministry of Economy
• Chemi Peres, Managing General Partner & Co-Founder, Pitango Venture Capital
• Avi Hasson, Chief Scientist, Ministry of Economy, State of Israel
• John Medved, Founder of OurCrowd
• Representatives from a range of Israeli start-ups
• Telstra’s CEO Andrew Penn, Chief Technology Officer Vish Nandlall and Chief Scientist Hugh Bradlow
• Paul Bassat, Director of Square Peg Capital (in Australia)

The event featured a panel discussion moderated by Ethy Levy. The panel included Israel’s Chief Scientist Avi Hasson and Australia’s Assistant Minister for Innovation Wyatt Roy.