- Israeli VCs adapting to high-capex deep tech.
- Consortiums and global partnerships are the future of funding.
- "Sovereignty" in tech shifts to "optionality" and multi-platform solutions.
- AI trust and traditional industries emerge as key innovation areas.
In a candid discussion with CTech, Tzahi Weisfeld, co-founder and chairman of Ignite Deep Tech, offered a compelling vision for the future of Israeli innovation. He delved into the evolving landscape of venture capital, the strategic importance of multi-platform environments, and the critical role of trust in the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence, predicting significant shifts in the nation's technological exports.
Weisfeld addressed the challenge of funding high-capex deep tech ventures in Israel, acknowledging that while not all VCs are equipped for such long-term, capital-intensive investments, the market is adapting. He highlighted the historical impact of companies like Intel and the recent "blessing" of Nvidia's investment, signaling a growing trend towards deep tech in areas like silicon and quantum computing. This shift necessitates a new investment paradigm, moving away from single VC rounds for SaaS companies towards consortiums involving local and global investors, corporations, and government funding, alongside non-dilutive funds.
The conversation then pivoted to the concept of "sovereign tech," which Weisfeld reframed as "optionality." He argued that in a rapidly changing technological landscape, countries and companies seek flexibility rather than strict reliance on single platforms. This leads to a future dominated by multi-cloud, multi-model, and multi-infrastructure solutions. Weisfeld asserted that Israeli companies possess a distinct advantage in navigating these complex, multi-platform environments, driven by security concerns and local government requirements, while also maintaining global optionality.
Looking ahead to 2030, Weisfeld predicted that while cyber security would remain a significant export, the emerging need for "trust" in AI would be paramount. He envisioned a surge in secure AI infrastructures, where the integrity and security of AI operations and data IP are guaranteed. This focus on trusted AI, coupled with the ability to operate across multiple AI models without being locked into a single version, presents a massive opportunity for Israeli innovation. Weisfeld stressed the importance of ensuring AI is trusted and secured, protecting sensitive data from IP risks.
Beyond the realms of cyber and AI, Weisfeld expressed a strong desire to see Israeli innovation penetrate "old industries" that have not evolved quickly enough. He cited construction and supply chain as prime examples, noting that even tech giants like Nvidia grapple with supply chain challenges. By applying AI and robotics to these sectors, Israel's talent pool can drive significant global change, fostering innovation in markets ripe for disruption.
“I think what you're going to see is a lot of this secure AI infrastructures and I think this is where Israeli companies could be really, really, really good at.”
- Tzahi Weisfeld, Co-founder and Chairman at Ignite DeepTech
