CTECH: Latest Israeli Innovation & Technology News Feb. 4, 2025
AI in every classroom? Inside Israel’s ambitious education overhaul. The Ministry of Education’s plan aims to prepare students for the future—but can it overcome old challenges? Read more
From LATAM to Israel: LIP Ventures’ $90 million leap into Startup Nation. The VC fund helps Latin American investors and family offices invest in Israeli tech: “Innovation can bring us as humanity to a better point.” Read more
Can India break into the AI race? $1.15 billion fund paves the way. India aims to develop its own AI capabilities, responding to global tech tensions and its need for digital autonomy. Read more
Intel pulls the plug on AI chip designed to rival Nvidia. The Falcon Shores processor, developed using technology from Israeli company Habana Labs, will be repurposed for internal tests as Intel struggles to keep pace in the AI race. Read more
Israeli UAV firm Lowental Hybrid lands $5M Seed funding with backing from Palo Alto founder Nir Zuk. The startup’s hybrid tech promises to boost UAV endurance by fivefold. Read more
Check Point CEO: “I wouldn’t have taken the job if I didn’t think we could close the gap with Palo Alto.” After Gil Shwed built Check Point into Israel’s most valuable company with $1 billion in annual profit but slow growth, new CEO Nadav Zafrir tells investors: “We need to take risks and move faster.” Read more
AI chip access is “a top priority” for Netanyahu ahead of Trump meeting. Israel seeks exemption from US export restrictions to protect tech and defense sectors. Read more
Fortissimo bets big on Stratasys with $120 million investment. Private equity firm acquires 14% to raise its stake to 15.5%, with the deal valuing shares 10.6% above Nasdaq’s closing price. Read more
“It’s OK to be sad”: Founder psychology is getting a revamp in Israel. Between pandemics and war, Startup Nation has every right to break the stigma of asking for help and treating the mental health of its entrepreneurs. Read more
“From $5 million to $1 billion”: Gil Shwed celebrates Check Point’s journey as he transitions to executive chairman. The company closed 2024 with $2.56 billion in revenue and $1 billion in profit. Read more
Cyber unicorn Semperis surpasses $100 million ARR amid growing demand for identity security. The Israeli cybersecurity company capitalizes on increasing cybersecurity threats, especially for Fortune 500 companies using Microsoft’s Active Directory. Read more
Wiz uncovers major DeepSeek data exposure. The Chinese AI startup left sensitive information unsecured, raising concerns over AI security risks. Read more
“Austin is like Israel without the PTSD”: Why Israeli investors are flocking to the Texas capital. Serial entrepreneur Micha Breakstone spoke to CTech about the growing community of Israelis in Silicon Hills. Read more
Seraphic Security secures $29 million Series A to transform any browser into a secure one. Its patented technology provides invisible, robust protection without the complexity of VDI and VPN. Read more
Tenable acquiring Israel’s Vulcan Cyber in $150 million deal. Cybersecurity giant to integrate Vulcan’s technology into its security exposure platform. Read more
UVeye secures $191 million to scale its AI vehicle inspection systems. Debt funding makes up $150 million, helping the startup scale its partnership with Amazon and global markets. Read more
Oligo Security raises $50M Series B to stop cloud application attacks in real time. The cybersecurity company’s platform detects vulnerabilities before they become exploits, ensuring organizations stay secure. Read more
Finout raises $40 million Series C to help businesses control cloud costs. With major customers across industries, Finout plans to accelerate its U.S. and Israel workforce expansion. Read more
The startups arming the IDF: Inside Israel’s wartime tech boom. With defense contracts soaring, startups are proving their value on the battlefield—securing global interest in their solutions. In 2024, around 300 security startups secured over $330 million in Ministry of Defense contracts. Read more
From bootstrapped startup to a $5B powerhouse: Cellebrite’s outgoing CEO reflects on 19 years of highs and controversies. Yossi Carmil on Cellebrite’s rise, its human rights challenges, and why he’s stepping down at the peak of success. Read more
