The Grass is "Greener"

Israel's Media Industry Looks into the Future

Breathing in the fresh mountain air, looking up at the clear blue skies, gazing out at the vast view of Mount Hermon... That's how I started my day at the annual Rosh Pina TV & Film Festival (which should actually be titled "Media Festival"-details below)  

The country's media gang (referred to as "Ha-Branja" in Hebrew) convened over the last weekend to socialize and discuss the Israeli media industry. This year's headline: 40 Years for Israeli TV.

But instead of discussing the past accomplishments, this year, everyone was interested in discussing the future of the Israeli media (as well as their own). Following the weekend discussions, my biggest takeaway is:

There is the huge gap between the current state of media in Israel (specifically TV - very outdated), to that of the country's potential: Talents, know how, and world class technological capabilities:

Israel's current state of the media:

 TV is only 40 years old in Israel, but it's much older (i.e. much more advanced) in other countries.

1. No HD. No IPTV. DVR services have only just started to appear.

2. Public Broadcasting: Israel public broadcasting is a very slow, low budget (but high cost) entity, that does not produce quality content, and is still operating in a late 1980's mode. Basically, a lot of people, doing very little work.

Contrast this with the UK (BBC), which has been able to lead the media to the next generation with world class productions, segmented content, mobile device broadcasts, digital radio, etc.

There is talk about restructuring in Israel - but with the way public entities operate here (and the comments I heard this weekend), it would be foolish to have high hopes for change.

3. Advertisers: The Israeli ad agencies seem to be living in a dream, and have yet to fully expand into the new media and new advertising channels. Although reluctant to embrace the progressing changes, they are aware and do have a real fear of the impending changes in the advertising world.  TV and print still have a very strong dominance in ad spending. Moreover, advertisers still practice some legally questionable practices (such as "double commissions" - i.e. there is no separation between the ad agency and the media buyers, enabling them to charge media "placement" commissions from the channels. This has long been out-ruled in most countries).

I'm not sure if regulation will change soon enough, but I am sure that new media (such as Google in Israel) will be a pleasant wake up call. At least for the consumers. Maybe not so much for the ad agencies.

 

In contrast  - Israel has world class potential:

1. The Israeli media personas possess world class content and consumer understanding

• Israel has developed TV show formats that have acclaimed global success: "The Vault" was sold around the world, Uri Geller's "The Heir" was acquired by NBC (to be called "Phenomenon"), Betipul was sold to HBO, "The Ex" was sold to Fox, and many more...
• Israeli film has seen a revival over the last years - most recently winning prizes at all top international film festivals: Bikur Hatismoret at Tokyo last week, Meduzot at Cannes, Beaufort - all in the last year.

2. Israel is home to some of the most advanced players in New Media

Several Israeli startups are providing solutions that cross the Media consumption chain. Below is a slide I put together with just a small sample.

Unfortunately, these companies need to go to other countries to Beta test their products (given the lack of advanced implementation within Israel's existing channels).

3. The local media community is starting to realize the potential of the media revolution. Some have already made a move (one such example is Uri Shinar, a leading media figure in Israel, who led a panel this weekend and created Aniboom).

Combining the understanding these people have (in consumer needs, behaviors, and content) together with cutting edge technologies - can create a real competitive advantage in the global markets.

 

And this, in essence, is the reason I was there (and the reason my fund sponsored the event):

 To meet more of the media community, which I believe will soon be the foundation for Israel's next generation of media ventures.

Images from Rosh Pina TV and Film Fest

Just got back - Here a short compilation. More insights in a bit

 

Technorati Tags: Israel, Rosh Pina, Film, TV, Festival, 2007

iDrink 7...

Was a great success - I estimate over 300 people attended. We had great company presentations and networking. People are finding investors, employees, and brainstorming ideas...

Niv and Ouriel wrote nice impressions, so I won't add much. (Other than the fact that next time we'll definitely arrange for a bigger place!)

 

Technorati Tags: iDrink, idrink 07, Israel, Internet

Gemini at Rosh Pina TV & Film Festival פסטיבל טלוויזיה וקולנוע ראש פינה

Those of you who have been following my blog might remember a year ago I wrote about the great experience I had at the Rosh Pina Film Festival.

The Event is taking place again this weekend (time flies...)

Following the positive experience last year and my funds focus on New Media, Gemini will be sponsoring this year's event. I'm really glad about this, since:

• There is great talent in Israel with knowledge in Media and Consumer - that is applicable for the investments we make in New Media
• This is another first for my fund - we'll be the only VC at the event (I managed to find this one piece in English)
• I had no small part in making this happen ;)

If you are interested in the future of media - or just want a great weekend up north with the "Branja"* (and a us VCs) you should plan to drive up north this weekend.

* Branja = Hebrew slang  for media Celebes

Technorati Tags: Israel, Rosh Pina, Film, TV, Festival, 2007

iDrink Tonight

iDrink #7 Is on tonight.

Our iDrink network has been growing like crazy over the last weeks, and we have nearly 1000 members from the Israeli internet scene.

 

Looks lik it will be a big turnout tonight!

 

Technorati Tags: idrink 7, idrink

iDrink #7... coming up

For those who attended the previous iDrink events... I'm sure I'll see you there.

For those that haven't yet - its definitely worth the effort. (apart from the event being a great social gathering - I spoke to several people who met people at the event, and eventually this turned into a business / employment opportunity)

 

This time we have two sponsors (see below) so Drinks are free :)

We'll also have a special guest attending...

It takes place 23rd October. For more details join the idrink network

 

 

 

Technorati Tags: iDrink, idrink 7

Israel Greentech - Innovation since the days of Moses

"Greentech" has become a highly discussed topic over the last years. But this is not new to Israel at all.

Given Israel's location on the globe, applying "Green" technologies (and engineering) has in fact always been a survival necessity:

• We have very little water
• A lot of sun...
• And absolutely no oil (in a neighborhood that is very rich with black gold - and will not willingly sell it to us)

 

 

 

In fact, if you go back far enough, you'll find the first Greentech entrepreneur in the Bible - Moses, being able to bring forth water from a rock in the desert... (although he did have a bit of venture help from God)

The Romans brought fascinating engineering capabilities into Israel for the distribution of water (anyone traveling the country will find several water aqueducts and water tunnels)

Today Israel boasts some impressive Greentech "world records":

• Israel is a World leader in waste water reuse  - 75% (!) of total consumption is re-used (second place is Spain with 12%)
• Israel has the worlds largest Desalination plant (located in Ashkelon)
• Ormat and Solel are world leaders in Geothermal, and solar thermal technologies and projects
• Israel boasts some of the top academic Greentech institutions, including BGU, Volcani Center, etc.
• and more...

But I think the real "Greentech" drive is just beginning in Israel:

• Entrepreneurs that have succeeded in "mainstream" tech are starting to take notice of the opportunities, and set up new ventures addressing the Energy and Water sectors
• The VC industries have taken notice - and all are looking to become active (I'm proud to say my fund is not only looking, but has actually already invested)
• Even key Israeli figures have "gone Green" over the last year:
  • Recently Shai Agassi announced he's launching a world leading electric vehicle project in Israel (in fact I hear he's already advancing very nicely with it)
  • Even our president (Shimon Peres) is Going Green (and this Hebrew announcement yesterday)

So it might come as a surprise to some, and not to others... but i can definitely say Israel Greentech holds tremendous potential to build global companies, and bring about significant global  environmental improvements.

More to come...

Green - The color of the year

If I had to bet on what this year (and the coming years) will be colored as, I would place my money on Green. 

As I wrote before - I'm sure the western world has now passed the "tipping point" with regards to "Green awareness".

Israel as well, is no small player with regards to environmental impact.

As a country we definitely have a lot to improve on - But more importantly, I think we have the potential to make a huge positive impact on the global environment - through technology!

In upcoming posts I'll write about the Israeli Green Technology industry, which I believe has huge potential - To improve our environment, to create world leading companies, and to bring great returns to investors.

(As a first step... I've changed my blog color accordingly...)

Richard Branson's Virgin Fuel and Gemini invest in efficient lighting

It was announced today that Gemini invested in Metrolight.

The company develops electronic ballasts for HID (High intensity discharge) lighting systems. These are basically the igniting engines behind high power light bulbs, the type you find in stadiums, roads, shopping centers, etc.

Richard Branson's Virgin Fuels joined Gemini in our investment:

"Inefficient lighting is one of the largest sources of energy waste," said Sir Richard Branson. “Through Virgin Fuels, we invest in companies such as Metrolight that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and substantially improve energy efficiency around the world.”

Its amazing to note that high intensity lighting applications currently consume approximately 5-6% of the world’s electricity. Therefore, smart lighting solutions such as Metrolight's can save over 50% of this energy - up to 3% of the world's energy consumption - Without the need to compromise the quality or reduce the usage of light!

I had the chance to work closely with the company over the last several months and believe we have a great team and product. Moreover, its really great to invest in a company that I believe will not only do good for itself and its investors, but also do good for the environment...

 

Technorati Tags: Metrolgiht, Gemini, Virgin, Richard Branson, Greentech, Efficient Lighting, HID Ballast

iDrink tonight... color coded!

Tonight's iDrink should be new and improved:

1. We have a couple of companies launching their products "Demo" style...

2. We have a color coding, so we can finally identify who comes from where...

Should be fun

 

Technorati Tags: idrink, idrink6, Israel, demo, entrepreneur event