YKC: Summertime…
Welcome back to YKC and the start of summer. Check out the latest article about my recent trip to Israel, Europe looks east to “Startup Nation” Israel for Brand, Tech Growth for Grit Daily.
It’s that time of year again (so soon); I’ll be hosting my annual rooftop birthday happy hour Thursday, June 27th at the Lookup Rooftop (45 W 35th St.) at 6:30 pm. To RSVP click here.
Feel free to bring friends, just please RSVP in the link so I can get a sense of how many people to expect.
If you enjoyed reading this article please subscribe to my newsletter for curated opportunities and upcoming events here!
“Our inward power, when it obeys nature, reacts to events by accommodating itself to what it faces — to what is possible. It needs no specific material. It pursues its own aims as circumstances allow; it turns obstacles into fuel. As afire overwhelms what would have quenched a lamp. What’s thrown on top of the conflagration is absorbed, consumed by it — and makes it burn still higher.”
-Marcus Aurelius
Rise and Kill First: The Secret History of Israel’s Targeted Assassinations by Ronen Bergman: I’ve always been a history nerd when it comes to Middle Eastern history, and this page-turner is up there for me with Thomas Friedman’s classic Beirut to Jerusalem. Not just in understanding the inside baseball behind Israeli-Arab relations over the past 70+ years but seeing how Israel’s intelligence organizations evolved.
This is the kind of book you plan on reading through the summer, with over 500 pages (and references) it traces the history from before the State of Israel’s creation all the way to the present (ex., the assassination of Mahmoud al-Mabhouh in Abu Dhabi). Far from glorifying violence a deep seated (real) fear of annihilation drove the book’s protagonists. Speaking to people who lived in Israel during the 1950’s/60’s there was this sense that the country was on borrowed time. And as we’re seeing in the news the more things change, the more they stay the same, Mossad intelligence helped link Iran to UAE tanker sabotage — report.
Not the typical book on self-improvement or psychology I review, and I can’t say that there were many lessons in this book that were applicable for life and business, but that’s OK. Sometimes it’s important to understand and honor those who protect us (even though some of their methods might be deemed controversial).
Key Takeaways:
⚪️ “Ein brera”: The popular Israeli saying that translates to “no other choice”. If there was a way to translate this mentality of urgency to our everyday lives we would know we gave it our all, day in/day out. When your back is against the wall you have no choice but to succeed.
⚪️ Everyone is figuring it out: At least at the beginning, and everyone, even the people running the most elite and opaque intelligence organizations in the world started somewhere.
⚪️ Ego plays a part (not surprising): What would be surprising is if clashing egos didn’t play a part. But that’s just part of the story.
⚪️ ISRAEL21c: Are you 18–25 and are enrolled in a North American university? Do you want to do something great for Israel? ISRAEL21c is seeking to develop the next generation of digital communication experts. By engaging and developing ISRAEL21c’s audience, Digital Ambassadors will play an active role in sharing positive news about 21st century Israel with diverse communities across the globe! Applications are now open for the August 2019 — May 2020 cohort. Click here to learn more about the Digital Ambassador Program. Click here to go directly to the application.
I’m a contributing writer with this publication and believe in their ethos of telling the Startup Nation’s story. If you know someone who fits this profile they should definitely apply.
⚪️ Aleph VC: They are looking for an executive assistant to their Partner Michael Eisenberg (Israel based position). First and foremost, this is an administrative role. You should be willing to perform intense administration and logistical tasks (85%-90% of the role is logistics and administration). Apply here.
⚪️ McKinsey: McKinsey & Company seeks Manager of Diversity & Inclusion. Working in one of their offices in North America, you will be part of the global All In, Diversity, and Inclusion (ADI) team, reporting to the North America Senior Manager for women, diversity, and inclusion. You will work closely with partner sponsors for ADI in North America as well as other members of the NA regional team. You will develop, manage, execute, and monitor regional programs specific to diversity and inclusion. Apply here.
McKinsey & Company seeks Manager of Diversity & Inclusion, Women. Working in one of their offices in North America, you will be part of the global All In, Diversity, and Inclusion (ADI) team, reporting to the North America Senior Manager for women, diversity, and inclusion. You will work closely with partner sponsors for ADI in North America as well as other members of the NA regional team. You will develop, manage, execute, and monitor regional programs specific to diversity and inclusion, primarily focused on women. Apply here.
⚪️ 2 Positions at Pro-Israel NFP: Positions with entrepreneurial non-profit in the Jewish/pro-Israel space that is looking to hire for two positions. Office is based in Jersey City and the position is a full time office position. Flexibility to work from home/remote ONLY Fridays. 1.) Director of Marketing, Events & PR — salary approx 70k +/- depending on experience. 2.) Director of development with 4+ years raising money in this space — salary 110+/- depending on experience. For more info, Full Job Description or to apply email resume to Mickeyp@bachrachgroup.com
⚪️ Venture University Investment Apprenticeship Summer Program: Take on the role of VC/PE investor; Jun 17 — Aug 30; Deal source investments, review pitch decks, meet w/ startups & investors, do due diligence, support portfolio companies); apply by Jun 16. Apply here.
⚪️ SAP.iO Foundry Enterprise Health: Founder-friendly, equity-free program for early stage women/diverse founder-led enterprise health and employee wellness tech startups. Deadline July 8. Apply here.
⚪️ Lair East Labs Accelerator: Lair East Labs is a cross border accelerator investing in early stage startups. They invest $50k into each company. As all Partners are entrepreneur-turned-investors, they offer hands-on help on product, growth, sales and fundraising to founders. Since summer 2017, they’ve helped their 15 portfolio companies raise 27 million follow on funding. Application is now open. Deadline July 29. Apply here.
Overton Venture Captial: At Overton, they believe that technology continues to power rapid digital transformation, so that consumers are shifting their behaviors and preferences in how they discover, shop and buy in a next-gen commerce world. They are targeting and playing “a hands-on investor role” for disruptive consumer-focused startups needing Seed extensions & Series A financing. Overton is particularly interested in innovations and technologies shaping consumer lives around healthy living/well-being, the sharing and circular economy, hyper personalization, and smarter dwelling. For more info email them at: info@overtonvc.com
My long time friend Kerry Leigh Miller, the co-founder & Managing Partner of Overton has built this fund with a level of empathy, experience, and understanding of how to work with entrepreneurs which you rarely see in venture.
⚪️ Breakfast with Brian Smiga, Co-founding Partner, Alpha Venture Partners: Brian Smiga is the co-founding partner at Alpha Venture Partners, an innovative late-stage venture fund that invests growth capital in category-leading technology companies (Lime, Wish, Careem, Coupang, Getaround, DoctorOnDemand) sourced from a network of 300+ early stage venture firms. Brian also serves as an advisor to Pritzker Group Venture Capital, a twenty-year old venture firm that’s invested in 220 technology companies. Thu, June 13, 8:30 AM KettleSpace @BaarBaar, 13 East 1st St. Tickets here.
⚪️ INFLECTION CON 2: The conference for profit driven companies June 13th & 14th, 2019 in New York.There is a movement of entrepreneurs building profit-driven companies on their own terms; and the NY Times covered their part in pushing it forward. The event contains 2 days of inspiring talks and action oriented workshops to help you progress in every area. Founders can also enter our startup competition to enter to win $100K in prizes. Meals & happy hours provided, along with chances to connect with like-minded founders to fuel your growth. Tickets here.
⚪️ Tech Connection: Summer social edition: They’re excited to invite you to their upcoming Tech Connection: Summer social edition! Join their cocktail reception and enjoy an iconic view of Times Square from our exclusive rooftop lounge while networking with technology industry peers from all over New York City. RSM US LLP, 4 Times Square, 151 W. 42nd St. 19th Floor. RSVP.
⚪️ Cornell Tech @Bloomberg Speaker Series Ganesh Srivats, CEO of Moda Operandi: Bloomberg, Cornell Tech, and Tech:NYC invite you to join them for the latest installment of the Cornell Tech @ Bloomberg series, featuring Ganesh Srivats, CEO of Moda Operandi, in conversation with Emma Chandra, a Bloomberg Television and Radio reporter who covers the retail and consumer sectors. Thursday, June 13, 5:30pm, Bloomberg L.P., 731 Lexington Ave. Register.
⚪️ H2 Refuel Cohort Launch Party: Join them for the cohort launch party of the first H2 Refuel Accelerator program with a showcase of the next generation of hydrogen technologies and a panel on the future of the hydrogen economy in the Northeast. June 13, | 5:30PM. Canadian Consulate 466 Lexington Ave, 20th Floor. RSVP here.
⚪️ Amazon AWS How to Avoid Startup Burnout: Running a startup at 100 mph can be an exciting ride. It can also create a high intensity and extreme pressure environment that introduces stress, isolation for distributed teams, and exhaust founders. Understanding that a successful startup depends on retaining talented and happy people — how can founders create a culture of mindfulness, inclusion, and not burnout? AWS Loft, 350 West Broadway, June 13, 7:00PM. RSVP here.
⚪️ Cybersecurity & Data Privacy Leadership Breakfast: Join UJA’s Cybersecurity & Data Privacy Group for their annual leadership breakfast with professionals in the legal, financial, tech, & insurance industries as they come together as a community while celebrating the life-changing work of UJA. Hear from Nicholas Johnston, editor in chief of Axios, as he shares his unique take on the world of cybersecurity. Friday, June 14, 2019 at 08:00 AM. UJA-Federation, 130 E 59th St. Tickets here.
⚪️Travel Founders Breakfast: Expand your network and share insights with other serious early-stage travel founders over coffee at this monthly gathering at the Voyager Clubhouse. They will talk about everything from concept to seed stage and jumpstart partnerships with like-minded travel startup trailblazers. VOYAGER HQ — 137 W 25th St, 11th floor. June 18, 8:30 a.m. Tickets here.
⚪️ Tmura event — NYC — June 18: An opportunity to hear about Tmura, an innovative and effective philanthropic model which has been operating successfully in Israel’s tech sector for over 17 years. Tuesday June 18th, 6:30pm. Sisense, 1359 Broadway, 4th floor. Register here.
⚪️ June Marketing Networking Happy Hour: Early Bird tickets are still on sale for this month’s networking event on Wednesday, June 19th at Galvanize in West SoHo. They’ll be providing free pizza, wine, and beer for all attendees. Wednesday, June 19, 2019 from 6:30, Galvanize (303 Spring St, between Hudson and Greenwich). RSVP.
⚪️ Rooftop Talk with Legendary Investor Alan Patricof of Greycroft: Come and hear Alan Patricof, legendary investor and one of the early pioneers of the VC and early investors in Apple, AOL, Cadence and Office Depot to name a few, and more recently Venmo. Alan is also the founder and managing director of Greycroft Partners and the founder of Apax Partners before that. This will be a unique opportunity to hear Alan’s feedback on startups that will pitch. Axis Innovation Rooftop, 6th floor, HaTa’asiya St 9, Tel Aviv-Yafo. Sunday, June 23, 2019, 5:00 PM . Register here.
⚪️ Kevin Ryan: Founding & building great companies: Kevin Ryan, Founder of Business Insider and Gilt, is one of New York’s leading tech entrepreneurs. He’s also Founded and is Chairman of several businesses, including MongoDB, Zola, Workframe and Nomad Health. Combined, these companies have raised more than $700M in venture capital funding and currently employ 2,000 people. Clearly, Kevin has many insights to share. Bring questions and ask-him-anything. Monday, June 24th at 6pm, Company HQ 335 Madison Avenue, 3rd Fl. RSVP.
⚪️ Shabbat 500 Brooklyn: Join Tech Tribe for this EPIC Shabbat meal and un-networking experience at the scenic Brower Rooftop for an exclusive event produced by Tech Tribe and CYP Brooklyn. Escape the maelstrom of information overload and join them at the Tech Tribe Table under the stars for elegant food and an open bar with plenty of time to dine, drink, and socialize. Because they love you, don’t forget this EXCLUSIVE discount when you purchase with the code: TechTribe June 28th. Brooklyn Children’s Museum Rooftop, 145 Brooklyn Ave. Brooklyn. Tickets here.
⚪ Nexus Global Summit: They are excitedly curating an incredible and inspiring line-up of speakers and crafting new collaborative opportunities with the UN for their 2019 NEXUS Global Summit July 25–27 in NYC! Applications are rolling in from almost 40 countries and they can’t wait for you to meet the 600+ amazing young innovators, impact investors and philanthropists who will gather to learn about one another’s passions and help accelerate each other’s social impact projects and dreams! Apply here.
