Many of you undoubtedly know that Israel is one of the world’s top technological hubs.  Recognized by many Fortune 500 companies as a source of innovation and R&D excellence, Israel has created an economy for the 21st Century.

I am truly privelaged to have my career revolve around Israel’s technological abilities.  In my capacity as a General Partner in a VC that invests primarily in Israel and as a strong advocate for Canada-Israel industrial cooperation; I have seen the value Israeli innovation can bring.

I travel to Israel frequently visiting portfolio companies and business and government representatives.  I will be in Israel next week.  I look forward to this trip more than others in the past.  I am getting the sense that a re-alignment is occuring - not so much an absolute change, but a reminiscence of Israel’s tech hay-day of the early-to-mid 90’s.  Venture Capital is becoming scarce and entrepreneurs are very thirsty. 

As traditional sources of venture capital continue to try up due to a continued pension squeeze in the US, opportunities for those with an appetite for risk will open up.  Although not as many entrepreneurs will be funded, and start-up valuations will have declined, the long-term prospect for growth and profitability for entrepreneurs and investors hasn’t been this good since the tech boom days. 

Technological globalization, inseperable Israeli components in key industries and the fire in the belly of the Israeli entrepreneur make me very excited for the future.