News

March 22
Unprecedented Number of Start-Up Submissions for This Year's Innovation Marathon

Although only 20 lucky start-ups will be presenting at this year's Innovation Marathon, the selection process has been a grueling one. Hundreds of applications from all stratum of Israeli society (Arab, religious, and female-sector alike) have been pre-screened to compete. Leading investors and tech executives are now at the climax of their decision: With only 30 companies to choose from, who will be the lucky companies?

March 22
Tech City's Own Eric Van Der Kleij to Attend Innovation Marathon

Where others have created globally recognized brands, products, and names, Eric Van Der Kleij developed an entire city of innovation! Van Der Kleij, CEO of the UK Government's Tech City Investment Organisation, leads the tech and innovation world among the UK's government and entrepreneurs. He is also responsible for developing the UK's Tech City, a global destination for technology, innovation, and investors. Hear Van Der Kleij speak at this year's Innovation Marathon!

March 21
VentureBeat's Matt Marshall to Highlight "From Sand Hill Road to Sands of Tel Aviv"

Although Israel (Tel Aviv, specifically) is known as the "Start-Up Nation", there are significant differences between emerging companies in the Middle East and the revered Silicon Valley. VentureBeat's Matt Marshall will highlight these unique and important distinctions at this year's Innovation Marathon, providing insight as to the benefits and disadvantages of developing a start-up in each hub.

March 20
Bertelsmann - Germany's Media Empire to Attend Innovation Marathon

For over 175 years, Bertelsmann has led the global business creativity sector. Today, Bertelsmann is world-renown for its ability to successfully manage technological innovation by merging creativity and entrepreneurship. Head of European Ventures, Jan Borgstadt will represent Bertelsmann at this year's Innovation Marathon as one of the events panelists.

March 19
From Russia With Love: Active Investors Seeking Israeli Tech Know-How

While several global investors will be at this year's Innovation Marathon, Russian venture capitals, specifically, are attending with a mission: to expand their horizons through Israeli innovation. Russian investors in attendance include Bright Capital and Fast Lane Venture's CEO and co-Founder, Marina Treshchova, who will also speak as a panelist.

March 18
UK-Israel Technologies Hub Director, Naomi Krieger, to Moderate at 2012 Innovation Marathon

Launched in 2011, the UK-Israel Technologies Hub is responsible for creating lasting partnerships and promoting innovation between the two nations. Hub Director and Harvard Kennedy School alumnus, Naomi Krieger, will be moderating a panel at this year's Innovation Marathon. As the Hub Director, Krieger focuses on the financial sector of technology between Israel and the UK. Don't be fooled by her youthful charm; Krieger is well versed in Tel Aviv and Wall Street finance, and has plenty of advice to offer this year's Marathon attendees!

March 18
VentureBeat's Matt Marshall to Interview RAD Group's Zohar Zisapel at Innovation Marathon

Looking for two good reasons to attend Bootcamp Ventures' Innovation Marathon? Israel's own Zohar Zisapel, a true leader in Israel's hi-tech industry and Founder of RAD Group, will participate in an intimate "fireside chat" interview with Venture Beat's Founder and CEO, Matt Marshall. Zisapel will serve as a panelist during a session to help understand what is missing among Israeli start-ups as global competitors. Through his founding of RAD Group, a collection of companies that merges all aspects of networking and communications, Zisapel essentially kick-started Israel's growth as an innovation hub.

March 16
"Founding Father" of Israel's Hi-Tech and Venture Capital Culture, Ed Mlavsky, to Speak at Innovation Marathon

Ed Mlavsky, widely known as the "founding father" of Israeli hi-tech and venture capital, and consequently a leading figure in Israel's economy, will participate at Bootcamp Ventures' Innovation Marathon! Mlavsky, is also responsible for over 300 joint projects between Israel and the United States, through his BIRD foundation (Bi-national Industrial Research and Development) totalling over $100 million in investments.

March 15
Calcalist provides sneak peak of conference

Where can you find more information about Bootcamp Ventures' Innovation Marathon? In Calcalist of course! Calcalist, Israel's leading financial and economic press, is looking forward to the innovation and partnerships that are sure to result from this year's Marathon. As such, a complete story covering the anticipation of this event can be found here.

March 13
VentureBeat Coming to Israel in Search of Disruptive Technologies

More details here:
http://venturebeat.com/2012/03/11/venturebeat-heads-to-the-israel-innovation-marathon-in-search-of-disruption/

March 13
French Investors and Tech Execs Watching Israel-Innovation Marathon

More details here:
http://siliconwadi.fr/2570/evenement-le-marathon-israelien-de-linnovation-2012

March 7
Lenovo and Mangrove Capital Partners on board for the search for Israeli innovation

As the recently proclaimed “Start-Up Nation”, Israel is gaining popularity among global investors focused on the hi-tech market and looking for emerging innovation. Leading the way for other investors to follow-suit, both Lenovo, Israel’s leading supplier for personal computers an the second leading supplier worldwide, and Mangrove Capital Partners, an early-stage global venture capital firm and the first to invest in Skype, have both confirmed an interest in Israeli innovation. Lenovo recently invested tens of millions of dollars in Vertex Venture Capital, a top-tier Israeli VC, further bolstering Israel’s growing economy. Both Lenovo’s Dan Stone,Cheif Strategy Office, as well as Mangrove’s Michael Jackson, a company Partner, will be in attendance at this year’s Innovation Marathon to represent their companies and share ideas.

March 7
Samsung Ventures Europe Searching for Israel’s Next Wireless Sensation

Know a good place to invest in Israeli consumer IT, mobile/wireless, digital media, clean-tech and medical technologies? If so, tell Michael Jeon, head of Samsung Ventures Europe, when you see him at this year’s Innovation Marathon! SVE plans to identify, evaluate, and invest in opportunities that provide compelling strategic and financial investment rationale. Previous investments include Cambridge Broadband Networks, Scientific Magnets, and Novaled. Don’t miss the opportunity to rub shoulders with Michael and other tier 1 investors.

March 6
FrenchWeb to cover Israel Marathon for French hi-tech scene

This year’s Israel Innovation Marathon will not only be attended by foreign investors and brilliant minds alike, but its media coverage will span far past its Middle East home base. French Web, an official French media partnership, will be joining the mass of high-tech reporters and journalists planning to be one of the first publications covering the promising high-tech products and ideas presented at this year’s event. Founded in 2010, FrenchWeb began its career as a blog covering the world of French start-up. Now, boasting over 5000,000 readers per month, FrenchWeb expands its coverage to talented start-ups world-wide. Joining FrenchWeb at this year’s Innovation Marathon will be none other than Kima Ventures, a French VC looking to invest in a breakthrough Israeli start-up.

March 5
Reuters to Moderate Investor Panel on: What’s Missing? How Can Israeli companies compete on the global stage?

Aside from the global presence of investors and high-tech companies, this year’s Israel Innovation Marathon holds another added value; Tova Cohen , Reuters’ Israel Senior Financial Correspondent, will moderate a panel on how Israeli hi-tech companies can infiltrate the international arena when vying for investors and mentors. Reuters covers global breaking news in everything from technology and politics to entertainment and business. The panel will be held on March 27th, 2012, the first day of the Innovation Marathon, from 14:00-15:00.

March 5
Calcalist Official Israeli Media Partner for the Innovation Summit

This year’s Israel Innovation Marathon not only serves as a platform for the next big Israeli hi-tech companies to pitch their ideas and appeal to investors, but it also boasts an impressive guest list as well. Among the global media attending will be none other than Israel’s own Calcalist, the country’s leading financial and international relations newspaper. This year, Calcalist has parterned with the Innovation Summit, ensuring its coverage of cutting-edge hi-tech ideas and partnerships. Hi-tech reporter Assaf Gilad will also join the conference as a moderator.

March 4
Israel Marathon and Venture Beat's Demo Launch in Silicon Valley Join Forces

20 lucky start-ups who will be pitching at this year’s Innovation Marathon in front of a panel of judges from 15 countries have an extra bonus. This year, start-ups will automatically qualify to compete in Venture Beat’s Demo Launch. Based out of Silicon Valley, the Demo Launch is first and foremost, a competition where select start-ups from across the globe are invited to pitch their ideas to top investors and entrepreneurs looking to be a part of the next “big thing”. Previous Demo Launch winners not only received priceless guidance but also the promise of financial growth such as Shimba Technologies, a mobile tech company, that received $25 Million in funding last year. For community participants, Israeli start-ups and investors alike, Israel Innovation serves as a platform to interface with the world’s top investors whether in Israel, Europe, or the United States.

March 1
VentureBeat, official US media partner for Israel Innovation Marathon

Matt Marshall, VentureBeat's Founder and Editor-in-Chief, himself an entrepreneur, will be attending as well as playing an active role in this year’s Israel Innovation Marathon. Since its inception in 2006, VentureBeat is the most highly rent financial and hi-tech media outlet for investors. VentureBeat profiles small businesses as well as leaders in the technology field, both guiding investors in their decision-making as well as informing the public on trends and breakthrough innovations. Have a question to ask Matt on the conference? Register to send him a tweet!

Feb 29
Registration Now Open to attend the “go to” start-up event for hi-tech professionals, investors, and venture capitalist. Seats Limited

Reserve your spot now to be one of only 200 people in attendance at this year’s Israel Innovation Marathon. In this intimate and interactive setting, 20 of Israel’s most promising start-ups will compete for the professional and financial support from European and Israeli investors, technology companies, and entrepreneurs alike. Be amongst Israel’s hi-tech and financial community to witness game-changing ideas and stimulate dialogue in this innovative setting.

Feb 27
Russia’s FastLane Ventures Announces First Visit to Israel

Since launching operations a year ago, Fast Lane Ventures has affirmed itself as one of the most active investors on the Russian Internet scene. This year, Fast Lane Ventures announced its plans to invest in Israeli start-ups. Among its most notable start-ups have been online shoe retailer Sapato, daily deal site KupiBonus, airfare search service Jizo, real estate database DomDomgeo and Q&A content provider Relevant Media Group. Marina Treshchova, CEO and co-founder will be a panelist at the Israel Innovation Marathon, bringing years of rich experience in the telecom industry.

Feb 25
How many investors does it take to choose Israel’s best start-ups?

What do England, Turkey, Italy, Romania, Germany, China, France, Brazil, Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Israel, USA, Austria, Canada and Russia have in common? They will each have investors from their country presenting at this year’s Israel Innovation Marathon. Some of the panelists include CEOs and Founders of major VCs and companies like Lenovo, Samsung, and Google. While each speaker will provide insight into their own company’s success, they will also be looking for the next up-and-coming Israeli company to invest in. This “dream-team” of panelists will also provide an incredible learning and networking opportunity for all attending.

Feb 15
Wall Street Journal Names Tel Aviv Europe's #1 Hi-tech hub

Although London and Berlin are both high-ranking tech hubs in the Europe region, sunny Tel Aviv seems to recently outweigh their success, ranking as #1 hi-tech hub, according to the Wall Street Journal. As of February, 2012, Tel Aviv is home to more than 600 start-ups who have access to venture capital 20-times that of Europe. Come join the professional community welcome BootcampVenture’s 18th Innovation Marathon that will take place in the Jewish homeland, the country the world knows as the “Start-up Nation”.

Registration Now Open to be chosen as one of the top 20 innovative companies to pitch to International investors

Are you an Israeli start-up company seeking an additional round of funding to further expand your technology or product? BootcampVentures is providing a rare opportunity for 20 lucky start-ups to pitch in front of top investors from 13 countries, visionaries who were amongst the first investors of Facebook and Skype, and seek new discoveries at the 2012 Innovation Marathon. Participants will also benefit from valuable networking sessions, including face-to-face interactions with over 150 attending industry leaders and key tech media from around the world. Don’t miss the chance to elevate your company to the next level. Entrepreneur submission deadline is Feb 26. To apply click here.

Peres Peace House to host 2012 Israel Innovation Marathon to promote entrepreneurship amongst Arab and Jewish Israelis

BootcampVentures is proud to announce its partnership with the Peres Peace House, where the 2012 Israel Innovation Marathon, the country’s leading start-up event, will be held on March 25-26th. Attended by hundreds of professionals in the hi-tech community, the marathon provides a unique opportunity for 20 hand selected Israeli start-ups, both Israeli Arab and Jewish owned, to pitch to leading international investors, such as Klaus Hommels, European investor of the year, and seek further funding for their cutting edge technology and products. The Innovation Marathon is fully committed to promote innovation emerging from all stratums of Israeli society. Founded in 1996 by the President of Israel and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shimon Peres, the Peres Center and Peace House fosters socio-economic cooperation and people-to-people interaction between thousands of Israelis and Palestinians to fulfill its goal of peace-building between the two peoples.

Klaus Hommels, European investor of the year and early investor in Facebook, Skype to be Keynote Speaker at upcoming Innovation Marathon

BootcampVentures has just confirmed that leading European business angel, Dr. Klaus Hommels will be the keynote speaker at the 2012 Israeli Innovation Marathon. Mr. Hommels invests in promising start-ups that have the potential to become major players in the Internet space.  Nominated as the European Investor of the Year, Klaus has played a pivotal role in numerous early stage Internet investments including Skype (acquired by Ebay for USD 4.1 billion), Xing (IPO in 2006), QXL.com (acquired by Naspers Group) and Adjug (sold to Hubert Burda Media). His current investments include Facebook, King.com, Stardoll, Woo Media and Spotify.
Klaus will be leading the innovative marathon centered around Israel’s 20 most promising start-ups who will pitch in front of a panel of major investors throughout Europe and the United States. As the country’s leading start-up innovation .

More about Dr. Klaus Hommels:
Klaus Hommels is a seed and early-stage venture capitalist based out of Zurich, Switzerland. He has founded his own venture capital fund by the name Hommels Holding through which he has been investing mainly in Internet businesses.  Klaus Hommels joined AOL Germany in 1995 as a board member responsible for business development, content and advertising sales. He was also involved in the establishment of Freenet, worked for Apax Partners and was a partner of Benchmark Capital before founding his own venture capital fund Hommels Holding.  Klaus graduated with a Master’s degree in Business Administration from University of Fribourg in Switzerland and holds a PhD degree in Finance from the same university. He was named “most successful European entrepreneurial private investor of the year” in 2006 by a group comprised of IESE, INSEAD and the University of St Gallen.

World Heading to Tel Aviv: Financial and strategic investors and executives from 13 countries to participate at March 27-28 Innovation Marathon

Considered Israel’s go-to start-up event of the year, international investors, entrepreneurs, and hi-tech professionals will be attending the 2012 Israel Innovation Marathon on March 27-28th to look for the next innovative start-ups. In its 18th year, BootCampVenture’s innovation summit series offers a unique opportunity for 20 handpicked Israeli start-ups to officially pitch themselves to a panel of top investors, including Samsung Ventures, BDMI, Arts Alliance, 360 Capital, Google, Kima Ventures, Bright Capital, BDC Ventures and many more. BootCampVentures is a valued partner to top foreign investors due to its expertise in pre-filtering, selecting and preparing companies throughout all stages of the capital raising and business development process – a discipline uniformly appreciated by entrepreneurs, investors and partners alike. For further details on the conference click here to home page