Since no one is really interested in interviewing me, I decided to do a self interview. This is my version of “self portrait”, especially since I can’t draw (or sing. or dance. Shows something about the qualities of VCs)
Why haven’t you blogged for since mid September?
Can’t really say. For some reason, I couldn’t bring myself to write. It’s not that I didn’t have anything to say. I actually had a lot to say, but my typing hands were heavy.
Do you think you are now officially back to blogging?
I can’t promise anything. But I will try. I will also be blogging at the Gemini blog.
Can you highlight the top 3 events that happened in your life in the past 60 days, just to fill the gap.
Sure. Business: We made another investment (eKoloko, an official post to come tomorrow). Music: I saw Pearl Jam live again, and I also saw Shalom Hanoch live. Sports: Patriots are back at it, Hapoel Haifa are not. Overall, seems like everything is “normal”.
Do you feel the Venture Industry in Israel is active again?
Absolutely. Deals are happening, especially since a lot of funds have dry powder to invest. However, Israel is part of the global venture industry, which is going through some turmoil. Nothing dramatic will happen in Israel in 2009/10, but we may see some changes in the local investment scene in 2-3 years.
What makes you optimistic?
AdMob. Mint. Gomez. Good companies are being acquired, and it feels that if we invest and support good companies, we will be rewarded.
Follow up question:
What changes in the local investment scene do you expect to see in the next 2-3 years?
Posted by: Lisa | November 09, 2009 at 12:33 PM
Lisa - I appreciate the question, now it's not a self interview anymore.
I think that the changes will continue from 2008-9:
* More international VCs will enter Israel, especially as the environment improves.
* Additional Israeli VCs will exit the market, like we saw before (Think of Concord, Walden, Star and others).
In addition, we will see new funds forming (This is something we haven't seen yet). Like we saw in the US, new groups will be built from partners that were previously in other funds (US funds or
local).
Finally, I believe we will see better and more frequent exits, especially as some of our local Web/Mobile companies mature. I am very optimistic for 2010-2011.
Posted by: Daniel Cohen | November 09, 2009 at 12:44 PM
More questions, this is getting fun ...
Q: Who are the most promising Israeli startups currently that you did not invest in and why? (Why are they the most promising)
Posted by: Yaron Samid | November 09, 2009 at 04:17 PM
Danny,
Should we invite you to another podcast? seems like you miss it.
Posted by: Ori Lahav | November 09, 2009 at 11:52 PM
If you don't mind, a few other rapid-fire questions:
1) Enterprise or consumer?
2) Online gaming or Real time?
3) Next Israeli acquisition?
4) What should come first, business plan or beta?
5) Latest business book you've read?
Posted by: Eze Vidra | November 10, 2009 at 09:10 AM
Answer to Yaron
"Who are the most promising Israeli startups currently that you did not invest in and why? (Why are they the most promising)?"
Needless to say, we are taking out Gemini companies. My favorite ones are:
1. Gigya: which I really like from many aspects: Growth, biz model, management. Missed it initially because they were doing something else, and then later due to valuation.
2. Imperva: Because they are building something substantial in the security space, they will IPO, and I missed it because I didn't know Shlomo Kramer when he started (Hopefully won't be missed again...)
3. 5min: I love the video space (Already placed 2 bets there), and I like the team. I think they are building something that makes a lot of sense (Similar to Outbrain in some ways). Still early, but promising.
Posted by: Daniel Cohen | November 10, 2009 at 01:04 PM
Answer to Eze
1) Enterprise or consumer? Consumer and SMB. Not Enterprise
2) Online gaming or Real time? Online gaming. Don't get the real time (From a biz model sense).
3) Next Israeli acquisition? Right now, the rumors are on Jajah. But seriously, in our space, don't really now. Everything is early.
4) What should come first, business plan or beta? Always beta. In other words, results first.
5) Latest business book you've read? Try to avoid them. Reading (again) the Amazing adventures of Kavalier and Clay and thinking about hyped industries.
Posted by: Daniel Cohen | November 10, 2009 at 01:08 PM
Answer to Ori Lahav
Yes.
Posted by: Daniel Cohen | November 10, 2009 at 01:08 PM