CTech’s Daily Israeli Tech News Roundup

Uzi manufacturer gunning for IPO. Uzi manufacturer Israel Weapon Industries is a subsidiary of defense holding company SK Group, which is aiming for a $560 million pre-IPO valuation. Read more.

Collagen startup raises funds. Regenerative medicine company Collplant secured $7.4 million in private placement. The company’s medical products use collagen harvested from genetically engineered tobacco plants. Read more.

Insurance technology accelerator. The city of Cologne is opening an innovation hub and startup accelerator for insurance technology, and recruiting Israeli experience. Read more.

Q&A with Utah Governor. In an interview with Calcalist, Republican Governor Gary Herbert touts his state’s robust economy, crediting low corporate taxes and reduced regulation. He also discusses state’s rights versus federal power, political polarization, trade, and Donald Trump. Read more.

Falafelman, an unlikely hero. Falafelman is an unlikely Israeli superhero with bright red hair, freckles, and a few extra pounds centered around his midsection. He cannot fly and is not exceptionally fast, but can shoot hot oil and throw falafel balls, the fried chickpea patties which are Israel’s national dish, at his enemies. Read more.

Kim Kardashian backs an Israel-linked fashion app. The reality television star is promoting a new shopping app called Screenshop that was developed by entrepreneurs in New York and Jerusalem. Like Shazam, but for fashion, Screenshop lets users screenshot any image with clothing in it and automatically create an online shopping list with similar items. Read more.

Exclusive interview with Kite Pharma Founder: Arie Belldegrun said he left his position as board member at Teva due to the company’s increasing generic focus. Read more.

J.P. Morgan Says "Sale" for Teva: managing director at New York branch Christopher Schott said that the decision to downgrade is based on the challenges facing Teva’s generic drug unit. Read more.

Management Changes at Venture Capital Firm: Jerusalem Venture Partners (JVP) has promoted Fiona Darmon and Yoav Tzruya to general partners. Read more.