Making Australia a (Project) Better Place
After Israel, Denmark, and talks with Portugal and San Francisco, it now seems that Shai Agassi's Better Place is looking to take the electric fuelling infrastructure to Australia "an island that is the sixth largest country on Earth"
The company announced today a deal to set up a $660 million network in Australia, through partnership with two key groups - AGL Energy and Macquarie
This is a significant move, that will help prove the company's ability to scale its business well beyond small markets, and create one of the largest companies to ever come out of Israel. Good to see one person that's not slowing down at all in the current markets
Knesiat Hasechel (Church of Reason) - First US Performance in SF
This weekend I went to a music concert of Knesiat Hasechel - one of Israel's top bands of the last decade, and one of my favourites.
Apparently it was their first performance in the US.
The show was great, so no need to elaborate too much on that.
This was the first time I attended such an (Israeli abroad) event since I left Israel:
- The crowd was almost all Israeli's (not a big surprise). It seemed that most of the Israeli tech industry relocated to the valley was there (with quite a few from the Green tech space this year). So a great opportunity to catch up with the startups, hear who's raising money, who's hiring, (and these days who's firing)
- Most were between 30-45, married (very few were single), living around the valley (not to many inside SF), probably 1-3 young kids at home with a babysitter, just here for a "few" years
- For the first time I realised what a sense of patriotism these events provide to all those who are based out here. Something like Bob Hope going to entertain the troops. Its nice to see, but very sad to be on the receiving end.
My new years resolution will be to see much more local artists perform in Israel (rather than away)
Car Share in Israel
Just read on Green Prophet that an Israeli company is launching a car share service.
Great initiative - given that one of my all time favourite services is the car share service here in San Francisco (which I use almost on a weekly basis). You just show up, take the car, get your stuff done, bring it back. Smile all the way to and from the parking.
If the Israeli service will be anything like it is here, it should be a "no-brainer" success... But knowing there are some "subtle" differences between the Israeli and American driver culture, There are a number of challenges which, based on how addressed, will determine the ultimate success of the venture:
For example:
US: The service includes free gas (assuming a majority of short distance travel this makes sense)
Israel: Israeli's do not want to feel "Fraierim" (Hebrew for Suckers) - If they pay per hour for a car, they will use it to drive - As far as they can (even in a small country I can imagine those that will drive in circles)
US: You get a clean car - You return a clean car
Israel: If you get a clean car, someone must be around to clean up after you when you return it. (This is the case if Israeli beach behaviour is anything to learn from)
US: Respect the road, respect the car
Israel: If the car share will be any similar to the leasing behaviour, you can expect to see the cars parked on high curb sidewalks and travelling on 4X4 trails...
But seriously - even though I'm sure all these issues will be addressed within the rental terms and liability... At the end of the day it will be up to the drivers to respect the "public" good and the next driver, in order for the service to be successful.
By the way, a great link into the service would be a "Green" Driver monitoring system, that would reward the careful (and Green) driver. (One such company is GreenRoad Technologies, an Israeli provider of driver diagnostics system (...for full disclosure, a company my fund is an investor in)
MIYA Launches - Forming an Israeli Global Water Platform
MIYA was launched today - This is the Arison Group's $100mn investment vehicle aiming to find solutions for municipalities and utilities concerning water loss management issues.
Seems like another Israeli platform is already gaining speed. With experienced management shifting from the Israeli tech sector into the world of resource efficiency (Booky Oren leads the group, coming from Comverse, and bringing along several colleagues).
The group has a very interesting strategy, with great potential to become a significant player in the space. The PR has further details -
"MIYA estimates that a third of the world's drinking water is lost through leaking pipes, most of which are hidden underground and need to be actively detected and repaired. Recouping the water currently lost is one of the most environmental and cost effective ways to address global water shortages. Reducing these losses by only half, for example, will provide an additional 130 million people with fresh drinking water. MIYA's solution is based on a proven methodology that uses a combination of technologies focused on pressure management, active leakage detection and repair, and selective pipe replacement, rather than massive infrastructure replacement. MIYA also offers flexible business models and financing solutions to address the varying financial needs of its customers. "
The story of Project Better Place - and the potential
Wired magazine cover story this month is Shai Agassi's Project Better Place.
Even for those that know the company, this piece provides some great behind the scenes stories, and a glimpse into what may become one of the largest companies of the current renewable energy boom (with $200mn funding, its the fifth-largest startup of all time in less than a year)...
For more on Shai and the project, check out Shai's Blog.
(Unrelated - good choice of shirt in this pic... note my profile pic :)
Promoting Israel - Through Green
This afternoon I was walking down the street in downtown SF with a friend. We happened to be discussing the potential for Israel in Greentech as we looked up to see the following billboard sign:
Quite a coincidence (and a sign from above?). I'm already used to seeing Greentech related to most anything in the US (from home electricity to hamburgers). But to see Greentech PR about Israel - or better yet, Israel PR through Greentech is very innovative - and very refreshing
Great innovative thinking from Blue Star PR firm.
(BTW - I've seen a few very innovative algae technology companies in Israel. Its a very exciting and challenging space, and Israel has some of the leading experts who are working on taking it to the next stage)
Apple Macbook Air - The Israeli Connection
There's no doubt that not many can beat Apple's Marketing.
The launch of the new Air included.
As part of this launch, a great commercial has been airing on US TV (below):
Great concept - the Manila envelope really substantiates the proportions.
But maybe even better - the commercial's soundtrack...
So I decided to look up who's behind the super catchy song ("A New Soul"). And guess what - its none other than a young, unknown Israeli singer named Yael Naim. (apparently well known in France)
Here's the full song clip... very cute...
Only thing left was to go out and get the CD.
So - Only question left open... How did the Apple marketing people find the song... (The Israeli connection?...)
Even Hanukkah is now Green!
It now seems that people are not even willing to light all their Hanukkah candles, in order to be Green.
Word has spread over the web (and mainstream media) calling for Jews to light one candle less this year:
"In a campaign that has spread like wildfire across the Internet, a group of Israeli environmentalists is encouraging Jews around the world to light at least one less candle this Hanukka to help the environment.
The founders of the Green Hanukkia campaign found that every candle that burns completely produces 15 grams of carbon dioxide. If an estimated one million Israeli households light for eight days, they said, it would do significant damage to the atmosphere.
So we've already established that 2007 will be a green year. And that public opinion has tipped.
But as in every social epidemic: There is a tipping point, after which things start to go a bit insane.
Have we reached that point already?!
(Hanukkah candles: left in a box there is no pollution... or maybe there is?...)
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