Hilla Ovil-Brenner, CEO of Yazamiyot, Israel’s largest women entrepreneurs’ community with 8,000 members, emphasized the importance of role models and communities for fostering female entrepreneurship at the “Champions of Innovation” panel during the Calcalist and Bank Leumi Miami conference. Yazamiyot works to amplify women’s roles in high-tech, and Ovil-Brenner expressed optimism about partnerships between Israel and Miami’s growing tech scene.
The event, opened by Miami-Israel Collective founders Ayal Stern and Lior Halabi, brought together innovators from both regions. Panelist Peter Paltchik, Israeli Olympic medalist, shared how he transitioned from judo to business by monetizing his athletic success through branding, lectures, and sponsorships. “Winning a medal is like an exit in high-tech,” he said.
Inbar Haham, co-founder of INcapital Ventures, encouraged attendees to leave their comfort zones, highlighting Miami’s emergence as a tech hub. Noa Tamir, CEO of Calcalist, stressed focus and kindness as keys to success, while Maya Eisen Zafrir, CEO of LeumiTech, advised women entrepreneurs to trust their instincts and seize opportunities.
Ori Tamuz, CEO of DoorLoop, praised Miami as an affordable and dynamic city for startups, citing its climate, U.S. market access, and lower costs compared to tech hubs like San Francisco. With 15 years in Miami, Tamuz declared it ideal for launching businesses. “If I could start over, I’d launch everything here,” he said.
The panel showcased the synergy between Israeli innovation and Miami’s growing tech ecosystem, highlighting collaboration, mentorship, and global market access as drivers for success.
