Tel Aviv Startup Exchange

Back to Atlas

The Tel Aviv Startup Exchange is a partnership program designed to foster innovation and entrepreneurship between Tel Aviv and other global startup ecosystems.
What are the main aims and objectives?

The main aims and objectives of the exchange include facilitating the sharing of ideas, technologies, and business models between startups from different locations, ultimately enhancing their growth potential. By leveraging Tel Aviv's strengths as a global leader in innovation and entrepreneurship, the exchange aims to create a more interconnected global innovation landscape, benefiting entrepreneurs from various parts of the world.

How does the program work?

The Tel Aviv Startup Exchange operates as a collaborative program connecting the startup ecosystems of Tel Aviv and other global hubs, such as Berlin. Its primary mechanism involves providing startups from participating cities with access to free co-working spaces in each other's locations. For instance, German startups can use facilities like "The Library" in Tel Aviv for up to four weeks without charge, while Israeli startups gain similar access to co-working spaces in Berlin, such as T-Labs, Rainmaking Loft, or Betahaus. This arrangement allows startups to immerse themselves in a new entrepreneurial environment and explore market opportunities.

Beyond workspace access, the exchange offers comprehensive support to participating startups. This includes guidance on navigating legal and regulatory requirements for establishing businesses in the respective countries, as well as visa-related advice. Additionally, the program facilitates connections between the two startup ecosystems by organizing networking events and mentorship opportunities. Startups are introduced to local investors, industry leaders, and innovative companies, enabling them to build relationships and potentially secure partnerships or funding.

The program provides entrepreneurs with support and practical information needed for their time in Tel Aviv:

  • Tailored advice to help Innovation Residents network and best utilize Tel Aviv's Startup Ecosystem including investors, VCs, industry-experts, accelerators, and more.
  • Access to dozens of meet-ups, workshops, hackathons, and other events that take place 24/7 in Tel Aviv.
  • Round-the-clock access to one of Tel Aviv's most sought after co-working spaces, The Library, and its community of Tel Aviv entrepreneurs.
  • Support during the visa application process and for finding housing.
What is the overall cost?

There is no available information on the cost of running the Tel Aviv Startup Exchange

How was it implemented?

The Tel Aviv Startup Exchange was created in 2017 as a joint initiative between Tel Aviv Global, a municipal company under the Mayor of Tel Aviv-Yafo, and Berlin Partner for Business and Technology, a public-private partnership in Berlin. The program was launched to strengthen collaboration between the two cities, both known for their vibrant startup ecosystems. This partnership aimed to facilitate the exchange of resources, knowledge, and opportunities for startups in Tel Aviv and Berlin, enhancing their ability to expand internationally.

The initiative emerged from a shared vision of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship by connecting two dynamic startup hubs. It provides startups with free access to co-working spaces in both cities, along with guidance on legal, regulatory, and visa-related issues. The program also creates opportunities for startups to engage with local investors, industry leaders, and innovative companies in each city. Leaders like Hila Oren, CEO of Tel Aviv Global, emphasized the importance of such collaborations in promoting Tel Aviv's innovative culture while enabling foreign startups to integrate into its ecosystem.

What impact has been measured?

There is no available information about the impact of the Tel Aviv Startup Exchange.

Notes + Additional Context

Tel Aviv has established itself as a global leader in innovation and entrepreneurship, with significant impacts on the local and international tech scene:

  • Tel Aviv startups created $253 billion in Ecosystem Value from July 2021 to December 2023, representing a 47% compound annual growth compared to the previous two-year period.
  • The city's startups are now worth $393 billion, up 3.5x since 2018, growing faster than many top-valued ecosystems worldwide
  • Tel Aviv boasts the highest number of startups per capita globally.
  • The city has an impressive rate of producing successful startups, with 4.8% of venture capital-backed startups becoming unicorns - the highest proportion worldwide6.
  • Tel Aviv ranks 3rd in EMEA for total venture capital funding raised in 2022, with $6.9 billion
  • Tel Aviv ranks as the #4 Global Startup Ecosystem, moving up one spot from 2023

CURATED BY

Simona Bielli

Research Programme Coordinator – Digital Startups
Nesta
United Kingdom