Rehovots' HiTech: Striking a Deal

Israelis like to deal with people they know. Word of mouth travels fast in this tight-knit community, so often an introduction from one well-connected individual is all you'll need. Networks - not only from universities but also from childhood neighborhoods, schools, military corps, kibbutzim, and political groups - have a strong influence on deal making. Partner with a local firm. It can smooth your way into the business community. If your firm wants to invest in Israeli companies, one approach is to back a fund run by a venture capital firm. This will create instantaneous deal flow and give you a good listening post. Subscribe to the U.S. Commercial Service Gold Key Service. It is designed to provide U.S. companies with personalized business contacts in the Israeli market. California-based companies can receive direct business assistance from the California Technology, Trade and Commerce Agency Office of Global Economic Investment located in Jerusalem. This office in Jerusalem can assist you to develop and move your business deals to the next level. The TTCA's California and Jerusalem offices can help to identify and introduce potential clients to you. They can also provide you with letters of support to gain access to key decision makers, and schedule appointments for you when you are in the region.

Source: Andrea Zvonicek, Jim Miwa. Country Market Report Israel: Market Opportunities in Biotechnology 2003. California Technology, Trade & Commerce Agency Office of Export Development