HR in War
“Israeli society has come together with an unwavering determination”
Valoo has experienced severe pain in the days following 7/10 - but its employees remain dedicated to the country and the company
“Since the devastating events that unfolded two weeks ago in the heart-wrenching Saturday, when Hamas terrorists committed unspeakable acts that affected countless lives, including innocent infants, children, elderly citizens, and other civilians – Israeli society has come together with an unwavering determination to support the victims and their families,” said Adi Weitzhandler, Co-Founder & CEO of Valoo.
HR in War is a new series exploring how companies in Israel are adapting in unusual times. At CTech we believe the world should know about the atrocities committed on 7/10 while at the same time highlighting the continued resolve and resistance of the Israeli tech ecosystem.
“Some of our employees have been called into reserve duty, while others are actively engaged in life-saving projects,” she continued. “One remarkable example is our tech lead who is tirelessly developing technology for real-time dubbing of testimonials and videos to raise global awareness about these events. Another founder has shown incredible leadership by orchestrating swift evacuations for citizens trapped in conflict zones, among other compassionate initiatives.”
Company name: Valoo
Your name and title: Adi Weitzhandler, Co-Founder & CEO
Names of founders and upper management: Meir Steigman; Adi Weitzhandler
Field of activity: Fintech, Secondary Market
Number of employees: 12
Office location: Ra'anana
On a scale of 1-10, how much did the war disrupt operations at the company?
Five. Since the devastating events that unfolded two weeks ago in the heart-wrenching Saturday, when Hamas terrorists committed unspeakable acts that affected countless lives, including innocent infants, children, elderly citizens, and other civilians – Israeli society has come together with an unwavering determination to support the victims and their families. Valoo employees also chose to do so.
What consequences have you experienced from these disruptions?
Some of our employees have been called into reserve duty, while others are actively engaged in life-saving projects. One remarkable example is our tech lead who is tirelessly developing technology for real-time dubbing of testimonials and videos to raise global awareness about these events. Another founder has shown incredible leadership by orchestrating swift evacuations for citizens trapped in conflict zones, among other compassionate initiatives.
In this time of crisis, our commitment to our customers remains resolute. Our dedicated employees continue to provide our clients with uninterrupted support. Simultaneously, we are ensuring that our essential day-to-day operations run smoothly, and our technological platform continues to serve our customers without interruption.
What are the two major challenges you are coping with these days?
In these challenging times, we face unique obstacles, including the emotional burden of dealing with heartache while striving to maintain our daily routines. Additionally, we are keenly aware of the necessity to provide support to our team members who are on reserve duty, those with families at home, and those who have tragically lost loved ones or friends in the Hamas attacks.
What support do you provide to employees?
We maintain open lines of communication with our team, assuring them that we stand by them and are willing to provide the flexibility they need. This includes the option to work entirely from home and the creation of a safe space where employees can openly express when they are not in a suitable mode for working, either physically or emotionally.
How do you communicate the situation to customers? Do you see hostility or support?
In the midst of all this, our customers remain the heart of our mission. Our Israeli customers, who face their own set of challenges, have our unwavering support. Meanwhile, our American and international customers have shown an inspiring desire to stand by the Israeli community and facilitate connections with relevant authorities.
Startups only: How do you communicate the situation to investors, and how are they reacting to it?
In a powerful testament to faith in Israeli high-tech, one investor who was in the process of investing in Valoo just before the conflict erupted didn't hesitate and completed the investment within days of the hostilities. This is a clear demonstration of their confidence that the Israeli high-tech industry will endure. We have also been heartened by calls from several investors who are eager to show their support. We haven't sensed worry on their part; instead, they have showered us with 100% solidarity and commitment.
