Jerusalem Venture Partners (JVP) Media Center in Jerusalem, Israel, was the setting for a service day during the Forbes 30Under30 Global Summit. Wednesday, May 9, was devoted to developing skills in "Impact Storytelling." A parallel program offered in Rawabi.
Under the theme “Innovation, Exploration, and Inspiration,” Forbes brought young international entrepreneurs from around the world to Israel. Previously, in 2016 and 2017, Forbes 30Under30 regional gatherings were held in Israel. However, the global summit with close to 800 participants, was a first and for most of the participants, it was their first time in Israel.
Arriving in Jerusalem, on Tuesday, from Tel Aviv where they heard from speakers including basketball star Amar'e Stoudemire, model Bar Refaeli, and Dr. Ruth Westheimer, the participants enjoyed a late night experience in the Machane Yehudah Market
On Wednesday, Randall Lane, Chief Content Officer for Forbes Media, was at JVP with Erel Margalit, Founder and Chairman of JVP, to greet the talented and diverse group of participants. In 2007, Margalit renovated the abandoned old British Mandate Mint Building and sparked the Jerusalem innovation and startup scene. Today JVP hosts multiple startup businesses and tech related events in the renovated rooms and in the landscaped courtyard.
When asked why Israel was chosen as location of this first global summit, Lane replied to BJL, after two successful summits, Israel has been a great venue and participants enjoy themselves. It is a "crossroads with a historical perspective" and has status among nations. One goal of the summit Lang adds "is to leave the region better than we found it."
Participants interviewed appeared to agree. From India, New York City, London, Germany and Singapore, first time visitors were planning to come again. A musician last year from Germany, was back this year as an investor. Approximately 100 of the 30Under30 were from Israel, a number of them olim .
The afternoon was spent collaborating on a presentation for an Israeli startup, to explain to the public its value. There were 10 groups, with 10 Israeli startups. The service day session ended with presentation of their 10 compelling stories. The team working with Oriient, which has developed an accurate indoor GPS, with CEO Mickey Balter, won. The winner is to be invited to an upcoming Forbes Under 30 Summit, in either Boston, in September or Amsterdam.
From Jerusalem, the 30Under30 participants were off to a night in the desert, with sunrise at Masada. Not the end, but the beginning for these young entrepreneurs to build on their new international relationships and grow globally.
Participants 30Under30 Global Summit originally from Maryland, included Jackie Zitelman, Soom, and Nathaniel Mayberg, FreshFund.
