Founder of Online Disability Support Network Yoocan Launches Dedicated Accelerator

Moshe Gaon, the CEO and co-founder of online disability support network Yoocan Technologies Ltd., is launching technological hub dedicated to investment in assistive tech initiatives. Announced during Calcalist's Mind the Tech conference, held in New York last week, the accelerator-like venture will target early stage technologies and programs.

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Mr. Gaon is an Israeli entrepreneur and businessman with a long track record in the industry. He was a special advisor to former Prime Minister Ehud Barak during his 1999-2001 tenure, and an early investor in companies like Orcam Technologies, the visual aid company established by Mobileye co-founders Ziv Aviram and Amnon Shashua.

Yoocan was established in 2015 by Mr. Gaon and his brother, after Mr. Gaon's nephew was born with complex cognitive and physical disabilities. The website aims to create a community of users that share personal stories, tips, product reviews and advice. "We're a for-profit organization, we receive a commission on products sold through us," Mr. Gaon told Calcalist. "By 2020 we'll be the leading player in the industry."

The new accelerator, which also includes an investor club, will invest in global for-profit assistive technology startups with a prototype or working beta, in the domains of smart cities, smart homes, virtual reality, mobility and social, and lifestyle solutions. The accelerator will provide a pre-seed or seed investment of $25,000, and help participating companies raise additional funds. Companies will also have the opportunity to reach out to Yoocan members to test and evaluate products.

The accelerator already raised $1.5 million according to a company valuation of $5 million, Mr. Gaon said. Mr. Gaon himself is the biggest investor, with further investments coming from entities from Singapore, Costa Rica and Australia, and venture capital fund NFX. "We want to raise $2 million more, to accelerate the development of the community," Mr. Gaon said.