CTech's Tuesday Roundup of Israeli Tech News
In Israel, some tech companies see combat experience as a major plus; Website usability company WalkMe raises $90 million
In Israel, some tech companies see combat experience as a major plus. Going as far as calling it affirmative action, some tech executives say they prefer to hire former warriors, claiming the unique prowess gained on the battlefield is perfect for handling the stressful and demanding nature of a career in tech. Read more
Website usability company WalkMe raises $90 million. WalkMe adds a layer of on-screen guidance prompts on top of existing websites, helping users navigate through web pages. Read more
One family’s business cost Israel over $300 million in public health damages in 2018. The Ofer family owns or holds stakes in various industrial companies, including Israel Corp., private power company OPC, and oil refining company Bazan. Read more
Israeli gender wage gap widened in 2018, report says. Israeli women earned on average 31.6% less than their male counterparts in 2018, according to Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics. Read more
Coming soon to a bar near you: cannabis-infused beer. Local companies Kaneh-B and Beer Bazaar are aiming high—to make cannabis-infused beer available to the general Israeli public as of next month. Read more
Amazon lowers shekel conversion fees for online purchases. The commission went down to as low as 2.2% of the total purchase sum, a significantly lower rate than that offered by most Israeli credit card companies. Read more
Charge-while-you-drive startup ElectReon partners with German energy company EnBW. ElectReon develops a real-time wireless electrification system for electric transportation, aiming to reduce dependence on fuel and charging stations. Read more Switzerland's national rail company SBB scouts for Israeli tech. SBB is looking for collaborations with Israeli startups on eight technological challenges, in areas including passenger occupancy optimization and alternative energy storage and distribution. Read moreWipro scouts for Israeli technologies. A delegation of Wipro executives, led by Pratik Kumar, the CEO of Wipro Infrastructure Engineering, arrived in Israel last month to meet with local entrepreneurs. Read more
First flight from Tel Aviv to Australia to take off in April. Israel’s national career El Al will initially offer three roundtrip flights, aimed to gauge interest in the potential of launching such a route indefinitely. Read more
