At least, that’s what everyone keeps asking me. I’m going to Israel along with a dedicated delegation from Virginia to meet with potential VITAL candidates. (We’ll be in Israel from Aug 13 – 21). But that doesn’t really answer the question of “why now?” After all, practically nobody else is going now.
And that’s exactly the point! Our program (VITAL = Virginia Israel Tech Alliance) is seeking the best young, post startup Israeli companies that want to expand to the US. And luckily for us, very few others are racing off to Israeli right now. We’ll be talking to Israeli companies as part of the decision process for inclusion in the October 16-17 VITAL Conference to be held in Blacksburg and Roanoke, Virginia.
If you would like to meet with the Virginia delegation while we’re in Israel, please write to me: sela@VitalVa.com
Is the technology emanating form Israel less exciting than it was one or two years ago? Absolutely not. Yet the entry points for an Israeli company to enter the US market are more difficult to find. That’s where the VITAL program comes into play.
VITAL's infrastructure, the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, has been successfully working for over 12 years, with more than 105 companies working in the center. Marketing, financial funding and physical needs are available on an as needed, cost efficient basis.
Don’t get me wrong, an Israeli company will not find it easy to enter the program. Yes, the company will still have to convince the financial institutions why their product is unique, why their management is the best and why their business model is a winner.
But, the VITAL program will bring the VC’s together to listen to their presentations. And the VC’s know that all the Israeli companies selected to present have been carefully screened in advance. And the VITAL program will be there to assist… to open its network of business connections. You can’t even put a monetary value on our extensive network of business leaders.
We have learned that email may be quick and efficient, but it can’t take the place of a face-to-face meeting. And that’s why it’s important for us to meet you in Israel in August.
If you are an Israeli company and/or know a colleague that might fit the program: 1) view our website: www.VitalVa.com . 2) Upload your business plan to our website. 3) Request a meeting with us via email either to me: robbins@VitalVa.com or with Rafi Sela (sela@VitalVa.com), the Israeli VITAL representative.
