From Start-Up to Venture Capital with Elie Wurtman

On Thursday night, Elie Wurtman form Benchmark Israel treated us to an amazing dinner at the Mamilla Hotel’s rooftop restaurant.  Benchmark is an important Venture Capital firm, which has uncovered such successes as eBay, Twitter, and Zipcar.  We were joined by Judith Phillips, a Benchmark Israel analyst, and Hod Fleishman, a CEO from one of their portfolio companies, a road-safety firm called Green Road.  Overlooking a breathtaking view of new and old Jerusalem, we discussed issues facing venture capitalists and entrepreneurs from a variety of perspectives.  The conversation was lively, the food was delicious, and we so appreciate Mr Wurtman’s giving us such an amazing opportunity.

Shabat Dinner with the Medveds

The five of us finally gathered as one group for the very first time in Israel for Shabat dinner with Jon Medved. Mr. Medved, the CEO of ringtone company Vringo, invited us to his home in Jerusalem’s Baka neighborhood. We enjoyed his beautiful house and the company of his lovely family, and we welcomed Shabat with lively Jewish songs. At dinner, we discussed the benefits and challenges of building a career in Israel. Mr. Medved himself has seen a good deal of success lately; Vringo filed its IPO this week. Seeing an American businessperson like Mr. Medved who has spent his life as an informal ambassador to Israel’s economy and built successful companies in Israel made us all realize just how real the dream can be.