Cybertech Global TLV: Insights on IPO Strategies and Cybersecurity Collaboration

The morning plenary of Cybertech Global TLV’s first day concluded with two thought-provoking panel discussions, offering key insights into IPO strategies and the necessity of international cyber collaboration.

An Exclusive Dialogue on Investments and IPO Strategies

Moderated by Kobi Samboursky, Co-Founder & Managing Partner at Glilot Capital Partners, this panel brought together industry experts to discuss the evolving investment landscape and the impact of recent high-profile transactions.

Panelists included:

-Yair Geva, Head of Tech, Herzog, Israel

-Alan Denenberg, Partner, Davis Polk & Wardwell, USA

-Dan Amiga, Partner, Picture Capital, Israel

-Lior Akavia, Partner, Viola Ventures, Israel

-Lisya Bahar Manoah, Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Elron Ventures, Israel

-Shay Michel, Managing Partner, Merlin Ventures, Israel

The discussion centered on the recent Wiz acquisition, one of the 50 largest transactions globally, and its influence on Israel’s tech investment ecosystem. Panelists noted a growing interest from venture capital funds looking to enter the Israeli market.

Key recommendations were provided for cyber companies preparing for IPOs, emphasizing how to maximize valuation and navigate the interplay between IPOs and M&As. The panel also addressed global antitrust hurdles, which have slowed down M&A activity in the U.S., making IPOs a more attractive route due to the absence of these regulatory barriers.

Additionally, panelists highlighted the transformative role of AI in cybersecurity, where speed and efficiency are critical. The AI and cloud revolutions were identified as major enablers, breaking down previous barriers and reshaping the industry.

Looking ahead, the panelists expressed optimism about the cybersecurity sector, predicting strong investment activity in 2024, particularly at the Seed and Series A funding stages. They emphasized a growing appetite for large-scale Israeli tech companies, attracting investors from around the world.

International and Global Cyber Challenges: Advancing Cybersecurity Through Collaboration

The second panel, moderated by Amir Sagie, Director of Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies at Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, focused on the necessity of international cooperation in addressing cyber threats.

Panelists included:

-Christopher Charles Barton, His Majesty's Trade Commissioner for Europe, UK Department for Business and Trade

-Edward Mermelstein, Commissioner, NYC Mayor’s Office for International Affairs, USA

-David Zcharia, Chief of Branch, Counter Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED), UN Security Council, USA

-Luigi Rebuffi, Secretary General, European Cyber Security Organisation (ECSO), Belgium

-Rahav Shalom-Revivo, Head of Financial-Cyber Strategy, Ministry of Finance, Israel

-Dr. Emmanuel Navon, CEO, ELNET, Israel

-Amit A. Shukla, Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, India

The discussion underscored the borderless nature of cybercrime and the importance of collective action. Panelists explored the growing threats posed by state actors and the need for regulatory frameworks that foster cybersecurity without stifling innovation.

A major concern highlighted was the adaptation of widely available technologies by terrorist organizations. Social media platforms, initially designed for communication, have become powerful tools for extremist propaganda and recruitment, posing significant security challenges.

The panel also examined financial cyber threats, recognizing them as systemic risks that could undermine public trust and national economic stability. Participants stressed the role of international collaboration in mitigating these threats, emphasizing that no single country can address them alone.

Both panels at Cybertech Global TLV showcased the dynamic evolution of the cybersecurity landscape. As IPO strategies and M&A activities shape the investment ecosystem, and global cooperation becomes more critical in combating cyber threats, Israel remains at the forefront of innovation and resilience in the tech sector.