On August 10, 2018, Governor Baker signed the Economic Development Bill into law, authorizing $250,000 for the facilitation and support of the Massachusetts-Israel Economic Connection operated by the New England Israel Business Council, Inc. (NEIBC) to continue to pursue economic collaboration between Israel and the Commonwealth.

“Massachusetts has been long recognized as welcoming rich entrepreneurial and innovative culture that is the best go-to-market launching pad for Israeli companies into the North America market and beyond.” said Dan Trajman, President and CEO of the New England Israel Business Council, Inc. (NEIBC). ”We are grateful to the Governor and his team and the Legislature for creating the Massachusetts-Israel Economic Connection in order to capitalize from the vast economic growth potential that Massachusetts and Israel provides. The more than 9000 jobs created by Israeli-related companies in Massachusetts are a testament to NEIBC’s mission. With this funding, we will expand Israeli business presence, despite the mounting competition from other states, by helping local companies increase their footprint in Massachusetts and ensuring that new companies will choose Massachusetts as their US base of operations.”

The Massachusetts-Israel Economic Connection initiative will focus on deepening ties between Israeli entrepreneurs and the Massachusetts ecosystem by creating new programs targeting the expansion of job creation and expanding existing programs such as soft landing, sourcing and scouting, and travel exchange. It will expand the promotion of Massachusetts as the right home for Israeli businesses, utilizing the NEIBC’s deep roots in the Massachusetts and Israeli business, government and academic sectors partnering with local public, quasi-public, and private organizations dedicated to economic development.

“NEIBC is grateful to Senator Eric P. Lesser, Senate Chairman of the Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies who authored the bill, to Senator Cynthia Stone Creem, Senate Majority Leader, Representative Ruth Balser, Representative Antonio F. D. Cabral, and to Aaron Agulnek, Director, Government Affairs at JCRC for the legislative process and its success.” said Dan Trajman, President and CEO of the New England Israel Business Council, Inc. (NEIBC) “I would like to thank Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash for supporting the work of the NEIBC through the Economic Development Bill. We have been successfully working in collaboration with his team in the past and we are looking forward to continue working together.”

Following are quotes from several Israeli companies that made Massachusetts their home:

“By establishing our U.S. headquarters in Boston, MA, Tufin is able to tap into the array of resources the Commonwealth has to offer including a thriving tech scene and some of the country’s top universities and brightest minds,” said Ruvi Kitov, CEO at Tufin. “Part of what makes our success in the Boston area possible is the strong economic ties between Israel and Massachusetts and initiatives such as the Massachusetts-Israel Economic Connection operated by the New England Israel Business Council (NEIBC). Such efforts are essential to continue to strengthen collaboration between these two regions.”

“Launching Medisafe’s US operations from Boston was a key strategic move that established the foundation for our success in North America,” said Omri Shor, Co-Founder and CEO of Medisafe, the leading medication management platform in the market.  “Dan and the team at NEIBC were very helpful in introducing us into the Boston ecosystem during the important establishment stage, and we now employ a team of 15 in our Boston office.  The time difference between Boston and Israel makes travel and contact between our two offices manageable, and the healthcare ecosystem in Boston is key to our activities. We’re pleased that the Massachusetts Economic Development Bill will enable NEIBC to continue to help Israeli companies succeed in the US and make their home in Boston.”

“We have always felt that Massachusetts is the right home for Israeli-founded technology businesses in the United States,” said Izhar Sharon, President of INFINIDAT, a rapidly growing data storage technology company based in Waltham. “Most of us have worked side-by-side in the region for decades and with this important new legislation signed by the Governor, we can continue to contribute to the future of the most productive technology companies and universities in the country.”

“As a technology startup disrupting the water industry, Desalitech had several key requirements when seeking a headquarters location for international expansion,” said Nadav Efraty Co-Founder and CEO at Desalitech based in Newton.  “Beyond providing ready access to the highly skilled workforce integral to our product line, the personal involvement of Commonwealth officials and development organizations including NEIBC helped us quickly appreciate that Boston had willing partners vested in our success. We’ve found our home in Massachusetts.”

“With an unparalleled business and academic ecosystem that enables access to a rich base of talent, funding and infrastructure, Massachusetts is an especially attractive destination for Israeli businesses. CyberArk blazed the trail for other Israeli cyber security companies seeking to grow their global footprint and establish North American headquarters in Massachusetts. We are committed to guiding and encouraging other business leaders to capitalize on the respective strengths of the regions,” said Udi Mokady, Founder, Chairman and CEO at CyberArk.  “CyberArk commends the New England Israel Business Council and Governor Baker for the development and support of the Massachusetts-Israel Economic Connection, and most importantly, for encouraging greater collaboration and economic opportunity.”

“Congratulations to Governor Baker for signing the Massachusetts Economic Development Bill as it will further strengthen the collaborative environment formed between Massachusetts and young Israeli companies looking to expand locally. Cybereason is one of the fastest growing technology companies in the world and we call Massachusetts home because the state’s ecosystem can support our needs in a variety of ways from talent, healthcare and education. There is no better state for our company. Hundreds of startups will be expanding outside of Israel and many will ultimately call Massachusetts their home and it is a credit to Governor Baker, his staff and organizations such as the New England – Israel Business Council for turning dreams into reality for young entrepreneurs,” said Lior Div, CEO and co-founder, Cybereason.

“We deeply appreciate Governor Baker further expanding on Governor Patrick’s transformative legacy.  It’s exciting to see the strong ties between Israel and our great state of Massachusetts.  There is already astounding amount of cross -fertilization breaking new grounds especially in healthcare and cyber innovation” said Ido Schoenberg, Chairman and CEO at American Well.

About New England-Israel Business Council (NEIBC):

The mission of the New England-Israel Business Council is to increase economic growth in Israel and New England by fostering and facilitating business cooperation, investment opportunities through building and leading a vibrant Israeli-minded Business Community in New England. NEIBC provides a varied and diverse programs and events promoting the connections between the Israeli and New England business communities and offers advice on doing business in the two regions. http://www.neibc.org

###

AUGUST 22, 2018 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 22, 2018
Contact: Dan Trajman
Dan.Trajman@NEIBC.com
(617) 320-1862