CTech’s Daily Israeli Tech News Roundup

Intel, Mobileye partner with China’s SAIC on self-driving cars. Intel and its subsidiary Mobileye are partnering with state-owned Chinese automaker SAIC Motor Corporation Ltd. to develop autonomous vehicles, Intel CEO Brian Krzanich announced Monday. Read more

Bitcoin is not a currency, says Bank of Israel Deputy Governor. Israel’s central bank will not recognize cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin as currencies, the bank’s Deputy Governor Nadine Baudot-Trajtenberg said on Monday. In December, Calcalist cited government officials saying that the Israeli Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Israel are exploring the possibility of creating an official Israeli state cryptocurrency. Read more

Israel-Based crowdfunding platform iAngels launches Blockchain fund. iAngels is raising a dedicated blockchain fund. After already investing $20 million the fund is currently going after additional investors, targeting $100 million in commitments by the end of 2018. Read more

iAngels co-founder on picking the right ICO investments. With blockchain technology needing to pick up the pace, any technologies that enable the blockchain to be faster and more scalable are appealing, writes Shelly Hod Moyal. Read more

Qumra raises $150 million for a new fund. The Tel Aviv-based venture capital firm invests in late-stage Israeli companies with annual revenues exceeding $10 million. Qumra previously invested in Fiverr, Riskified, and Signal Analytics. Read more

Digital marketing company Matomy replaces CEO after ten months. London-listed digital marketing company Matomy is appointing Liam Galin as CEO. Mr. Galin’s predecessor Sagi Niri stepped into the position in April. The company has shed 28% of its workforce over the last 12 months according to LinkedIn data. Read more

Kenon, Chery sell 51% of Qoros Automotive for $1 billion. As part of the deal, the investor, who is related to China’s Baoneng Group, has committed to spending $4.5 billion on the purchase of 300,000 vehicles from Qoros over three years. Qoros’ sales have so far reached 15,000 vehicles a year. Read more

German retailer Metro invites Israeli startups to join Berlin accelerator. In addition to mentorship, selected teams will receive up to 120,000 euro in funding and assistance in addressing potential investors. Read more

UST Global acquired Israel-based cybersecurity startup Bisec. As part of the deal, Bisec’s technology will be offered by UST Global subsidiary CyberProof. Read more