Innovation Modules:
FinTech
FinTech
Like elsewhere around the world, Israel’s FinTech sector is dedicated to bringing new tech solutions to support and enable banking and financial services. From crypto to insurance-tech, web 3.0, FinTech cybersecurity, AI-based platforms, quantum and financial planning software, Israeli startups are bringing new payment processing, e-commerce transactions, social trading, accounting and other tech-fueled ways to make our day-to-day transactions easier to manage.
While made in Israel, because of this country’s small market size, the solutions are actually earmarked for the markets of Europe and North America. Many companies also move their headquarters overseas. So, on the one hand, Israel boasts high-quality human capital in the local labor market which enables FinTech to establish R&D centers in Israel. Similarly, the FinTech sector’s contribution to the local economy remains low.
As of July 2023, there were 614 FinTech startups in Israel. In global terms, this is a substantially large number of firms relative to the size of Israel’s population. For example, Israel’s FinTech output is on par with other technologically advanced economies such as Switzerland and Hong Kong, and is ranked higher than the UK.
Some of the Israeli FinTech-related unicorns (companies with a valuation of at least $1 billion) include: Papaya Global (cloud-based payroll management solutions for businesses), Rapyd (online payment solutions for international businesses), Earnix (AI-based marketing analytics and data monitoring solutions for insurers and banks), Payoneer (online money transfer, digital payment services), and Melio (B2B payments platform for small businesses).
(Sources: Israel Securities Authority 2023, Calcalist, Forbes, Tracxn)
Meirav Harel
Activity description:
Meirav Harel is a top-rated speaker in FinTech. She is very keen on sharing her knowledge about the future of finance - so don’t hesitate to meet with her! Whether you choose a lecture, panel, or workshop, you will leave with a better idea about what impact innovative technologies - blockchain, NFTs and cryptocurrency – are having on the future of finance, banking, and regulations. The lecture or panel can include top officials from the Bank of Israel, regulators, FinTech companies, banks, or investment houses. The lectures are adjusted according to the level of the audience (beginner, corporate, institutional, MBA and regulatory). Workshops will be custom-made for your group. Sample topics for lectures, panels, and workshops include Web3, blockchain, FinTech, AI in finance, NFTs, Metaverse, the future of money, finance, banking, CBDCs, cryptocurrencies, and the digital future.
Meirav Harel specializes in innovative technologies and their impact on the future of banking, finance, regulations, macroeconomics and businesses. She has been dubbed as one of the "36 Top Women Revolutionizing Crypto 2022" by TechRoundUK, been featured in the "100 Most Inspirational Women in Blockchain 2020" list, and was twice named to the "Women in FinTech Powerlist'' by Innovate Finance UK. With over two decades in finance, Harel served as Business Development Manager of LeumiTrade, Bank Leumi’s award-winning Financial Trading website, and was a candidate for the position of Director General of The Bank of Israel. She is presently an Ambassador to EWPN (European Women in Payments Network), serves as a Board of Directors Member at Excellence Investment House, and is a lecturer of the Full Blockchain & Fintech Course at Reichman University and at the MBA program of the College of Management in Israel.
High
Jerusalem / Tel Aviv
Amazon Israel
Activity description:
A visit to Amazon Israel’s offices in Tel Aviv is an opportunity to learn about some of the e-commerce giant’s leadership principles, pitching tips and building blocks of its innovation culture in the FinTech space. Tour the Amazon premises and join a lecture or a panel discussion exploring Amazon’s culture of innovation. It is an opportunity to learn how the company combines innovation, customer-centricity, and technological prowess to dictate the market. You can request specific fintech-oriented content such as pitching advice or meet with Fintech startups for a panel session.
Amazon has transformed the way the world shops and consumes goods. From its beginnings as an online bookstore to being a global e-commerce powerhouse, Amazon’s business model is one to learn from.
None
Tel Aviv
OurCrowd
Activity description:
A visit to OurCrowd is an opportunity to hear about cutting edge companies in the Fintech sector and the ADIO partnership. You can engage in a conversation about FinTech companies, attend a panel discussion, or meet with a portfolio company. The conversion/lecture will explore relevant FinTech portfolio companies, and the panel discussion will feature a conversation between OurCrowd portfolio startups. In-house speakers may include Jon Medved, OurCrowd founder and CEO, Alon Tal, OurCrowd Partner & SVP, Investor Relations, Josh Wolff, OurCrowd COO, Denes Ban, OurCrowd Managing Partner, and Allie Feuerstein, Director of New Business.
HealthTech Valley is a collaboration between the Migdal insurance group, Sheba Medical Center, and the City of Ramat Gan. They bring together academia, medical centers and industry partners to offer better healthcare. HealthTech Valley is collaborating with global leaders to strengthen the well-being of global & local communities. While the ecosystem's core activities are HealthTech and BioTech, they are also promoting R&D collaborations and programs with the Agro - Tech and FoodTech industries.
OurCrowd can also be found in the FoodTech, CyberTech, and HealthTech innovation categories.
Medium / High
Jerusalem / Tel Aviv
MassChallenge Israel
Activity description:
Immerse yourself in the MassChallenge Israel Accelerator Experience to gain a better understanding of what accelerators do, how startups launch, and the solutions now being designed for the FinTech sector. Meet industry leaders from the startup, accelerator, VC, governmental and nonprofit spaces, and join MassChallenge staff for a lecture, panel, or a workshop. Lecture/conversation topics cover FinTech and innovation trends in Israel, and a panel will engage MassChallenge Israel professionals in an interactive discussion with one or more FinTech startup founders. An interactive workshop is an opportunity to connect, communicate and create, going beyond learning about startups to actually take part in the innovation. All activities can be tailored to the needs and goals of your Israel Trek and the interests of the participants.
MassChallenge Israel invites visitors to meet and learn from their growing community of startup innovators. MC Israel accelerates outcomes-driven partnerships between startups and industry to encourage innovation across banking, insurance, asset management, and other financial sectors. The MassChallenge FinTech Program is dedicated to supporting mid to late stage FinTech founders on their journey to scale their companies. The program goes beyond traditional mentorship, offering strategic advising from their network of corporate partners who bring deep industry knowledge and insights.
MassChallenge Israel can also be found in the Agri - Tech, FoodTech, CleanTech, and HealthTech innovation categories.
High
Jerusalem
