5 reasons why Israeli startups are so successful

Tel Aviv – The heart of Startup Nation

I was inspired to write this post after our company was listed as one of the Top 16 Israeli Startups to Watch on this blog. Looking at all the amazing companies we shared that honor with, I reflected on how amazing, and seemingly unlikely, the success of Israeli startups has been.

I have a unique perspective on this: I spent nearly 4 years living in Israel, working in the startup scene. I was able to see the unique nature of the ecosystem from an outsider’s perspective. I am now back with an Israeli startup, though I am living outside the country, and it has reminded me of how unique the ethos of Israeli startups are.

The most amazing thing on what we know about “The Startup Nation,” as coined by Saul Singer and Dan Senor in their seminal book by the same title, is that it sits in an area with nearly zero natural resources, though it has one in abundance – Brain Power. Just like the dream of making the desert bloom, Israelis have done something no one thought was possible.

Did you know that Israel has, per capita, the most startups in the world?

Before I moved away from Israel last year, I wrote a post on LinkedIn about my experiences that got some amazing feedback, probably more than any other post I’ve ever written.

Now that I am back with an Israeli startup, I am reminded of the reasons I see for this success:

1. The Army

Nearly every Israeli over 18 is required to serve in the military, or do national service. This creates an entire adult population that understands hard work, leadership, and fearlessness.

Having not served in the Army, being “too old” when I arrived, I have observed that there is very much of an ethos to get it done. There is a goal, and regardless of what the barriers are, you are expected to get it done. That has created a work force of hard headed, innovative people who have complete faith in their abilities.

Additionally, the Army has provided intelligence soldiers with the kind of technological training that even MIT graduates would dream of getting.

Unit 8200 offers some of the best technology training in the world

If you are not familiar with Israeli startups and their technology, you need only look at the every day devices and platforms you use. Though you may not know it, you use Israeli technology everyday.

2. Genius Ideas

3. Hutzpa

4. Work Under Difficult Conditions

5. Amazing Technologies