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“We are in a significant period of disruption and speed,” said panelists at Calcalist and Bank Leumi’s Mind the Tech London 2025 conference. The panel was moderated by Yarden Rozanski of Calcalist and featured Matt Robinson, Partner at Accel; Sia Houchangnia, Partner at Seedcamp; Shelly Hod Moyal, Founding Partner at iAngels; and Gajan Rajanathan, Partner at Highland Europe.

Gajan, I think almost everyone agrees that AI is a real revolution – like the internet or mobile revolution – that is changing the world. How does this affect the way you invest?

“We have to look at the fragile environment we are in and the changes the world is going through at the macro level. We don’t know much about the future of the field. Many corporations are in the same state of uncertainty, who will be the winner, who will disrupt, which industries will be disrupted, and that’s very challenging.”

Shelly, with your broad view of the market, do you see it the same way?

“It’s a significant technological change across all infrastructures and in everything that is done, and it’s all through AI. I very much agree with his approach.”

Sia, your fund focuses on very early-stage companies. How is AI changing the way companies are ‘born’ today?

“Companies today are born differently and grow faster. Corporations are willing to work with small companies, and the traditional barriers no longer exist. Large corporations are partnering with startups in ways they never have before.”

Matt, Accel has been investing in Israeli technology for years. In the last year alone, you’ve made five new investments in Israeli startups. What are you looking for in Israeli companies today?

“I think this is one of those situations where everything is changing, and we need to rethink everything rather than take things for granted in a world that is shifting rapidly, not just technologically but in every way. You have to be very fast and ready for all the changes.”

Matt, from your perspective, and Accel’s, can you identify differences between Israeli entrepreneurs and American or British entrepreneurs?

“There are differences between the groups. Israel is very similar to Silicon Valley and is very strong in technology and AI. Israeli entrepreneurs have the ability to enter the United States very quickly because of their global ambitions.”

Shelly, Israeli technology is often seen as its own separate economy, but it has also gone through a lot in the last two years. What would you say has changed in investor appetite?

“It is important to say that this is a different economy. Most Israeli companies sell directly to the United States, so we are much more sensitive to the American market. Business continued thanks to this focus. The big hit came mainly from the increase in interest rates and the global recession, while Israel’s domestic situation made it even more difficult to move forward. There is interest in Israel, but it has become more concentrated.”

Gajan, you focus on cyber and infrastructure, so you are part of the boom that Shelly just described. How do you choose between companies? What are the main factors that make you bet on one and believe it could be a winner?

“That’s an excellent question. Israel is a wonderful market for cyber, and advanced companies are emerging here out of Israel’s intelligence units. We are looking for companies that develop their most advanced product, one that fits the market and outperforms competitors. Many of these companies have one product that is particularly well-suited for acquisition.”

Shelly Hod Moyal adds that in cyber, networks connect entrepreneurs through strong personal relationships.