CTalk: AI, Blockchain Not Enough to Succeed in Tech, Says Citi Venture Exec

Ornit Shinar, head of venture investments in Israel for financial services multinational Citigroup, spoke with CTech reporter Adi Pick about the areas of investment Citi is particularly interested in, which fintech fields are overhyped, and how the lack of regulations affects technological advancements.

AI and blockchain are not enough to succeed in tech, Shinar said.

Citi has been active in Israel since 1996. In 2011 it opened a local development center. In 2013, Citi partnered with the Israeli Ministry of Finance on a fintech and cybersecurity startup accelerator in Tel Aviv.

Speaking on a panel at the conference, Shinar said that a major dilemma in the fintech realm is the relationship between banks and regulators, as one pushes forth towards innovation while the other one sets limits to it.