OurCrowd Global Investor Summit Convenes In Jerusalem (Photo Essay)

By BJLIfe/Sharon Altshul
Posted on 02/15/23

February 15, 2023 - Jerusalem, Israel – 2023 –OurCrowd Global Investor Summit returned to the Jerusalem International Conference Center on February 15, 2023. After a three-year absence due to the pandemic, the conference hosted more than 9,000 attendees, from over 81 countries, including delegations from Asia, Latin America, Australia, Europe, the US, the Middle East, and North Africa, plus an online option.

The delegation from Morocco was organized by OurCrowd Arabia Head of Business Development MENA Youssef Seffar in cooperation with the Moroccan government. The Moroccan Pavilion at the Summit included companies from a wide variety of industries, including fintech, AI, drones, Metaverse and Web3, solar energy, as well as technologies for physical fitness, training, human resources, and real estate. Participants lined up to speak with people in the Abu Dhabi and Morocco information centers.

As Seffar commented, “Morocco has great potential as a gateway to Africa and Europe, and now when we add our strategic relationship with Israel, the sky is the limit.”

On the morning of the Summit, OurCrowd CEO Jon Medved, and OurCrowd Arabia Chairman Dr. Sabah al-Binali participated in a press conference highlighting the growth of Morocco’s tech ecosystem as well as the overall impact that the Abraham Accords are creating in the region.

In the afternoon, al-Binali hosted the panel entitled, “What’s Next for the Middle East: Insights from Leaders of a Regional Power, and noted, “This is the first time that the OurCrowd Global Investor Summit hosts major delegations from the UAE and the Gulf region and we are very pleased to have such strong representation in attendance. This is a testament to the growing commercial ties between the countries and I look forward to developing this further as we build out OurCrowd's business in the UAE and across the Middle East.”

 In his remarks to open the Summit's morning plenary, Israeli President Isaac Herzog told the audience in the large convention theater, "We are a nation that combines people of the Jewish faith who came from over 100 origins, we have Muslims of all denominations, Christians of all denominations, Druze, and Circassians, in a small strip of land where we all live together and practice our democracy and beliefs. And I truly believe that this historic moment in the story of the State of Israel is actually an exemplification of the unique stature of our society and the way it is so exciting, the way it is open, and the fact we debate so many issues." 

Further, he added, "And in fact, we are at a critical juncture in a national debate about the way our democracy is structured. I think the same way you see the innovative spirit of the State of Israel, you also see it in this debate. And I am very proud of my brothers and sisters, the Israelis taking an active role in the debate from all of its sides. All I can say about myself is that I'm doing my best to direct this debate into a constructive dialogue that will lead to an agreed-upon result that will strengthen, foster, and protect Israeli democracy. I can say that I don't know if I can reach results, but I can say that I'm giving 100% effort with the hope that I can reach the same 100% results. I can't promise 100% results. I can promise 100% effort."

OurCrowd is an online global venture investing platform that empowers institutions and individual accredited investors to invest and engage in emerging technology companies at an early stage. Since its founding, OUrCrowd reports securing more than $2.1B in investment commitments. 

Cutting-edge technologies saving the planet and saving lives were spotlighted throughout the day in sessions that filled the Convention Center. 

OurCrowd Summit is celebrating 10 years and it was obvious that participants were glad to be back. The day was full of high energy, innovation, networking, and vegan meat options. As at the last Summit, the lines to try the vegan burgers were the longest wait.

US Ambassador to Israel, Thomas Nides who participated in a fireside chat at the end of the day before thousands in the main hall said, “The Abraham Accords made Israel a stronger democratic Jewish state. The early adopters created an unbelievable message to the world. It just makes the region stronger and just makes Israel stronger.”

The photo essay provides a glimpse at some of the booths, startups, and people at the 2023 Summit. Including Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Fleur Hassan Nahoum, Ahdeya Ahmed Mohamed, Ismaeel Abdulla from Bahrain, and from Yeshiva University Dr. Noam Wasserman and Stephanie Strauss.

At night the festivities continued at the Machane Yehudah Market where there was reported to "be a great vibe."