News and Insights
Harnessing the Power of Community
August 20, 2024
Lessons from mHealth and LGBTech panel, “The VC Landscape: 2024 and Beyond.”
As a marketing communications professional, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with various organizations and witnessing the transformative power of community. One of the most exciting examples of this has been my involvement with mHealth and, more recently, with LGBTech.
Last month, I moderated a panel discussion hosted by these two organizations called The VC Landscape: 2024 and Beyond. The event hosted an impressive roster of panelists, including Moran Leshem Bar, an experienced startup scout and founder of tech blog GeekTime, Bobi Gilburd, the Chief Innovation Office of Team8 and previously a colonel in the IDF 8200 Intelligence Unit, and Maya Pizov, a partner at Amiti Ventures, an early-stage deep tech venture fund.
These three pros from Israel’s VC ecosystem provided their perspectives on 2024 tech and investment trends, advice to up-and-coming LGBT entrepreneurs, and experience in building inclusive workplaces in the tech industry. It was a fabulous conversation and had some surprising takeaways for me, as well. Here’s a recap.
Building strong networks is the foundation of success
mHealth and LGBTech have both shown the power of partnerships. mHealth Israel gathers the Israeli ecosystem dedicated to digital health innovation. Entrepreneurs, developers, health IT professionals, investors, providers, and those with a keen interest in this space all take part in mHealth’s regular events, which seek to educate, connect and advance the local digital health ecosystem to transform Israel into a global connected health technology leader.
Embracing diversity and inclusion
LGBTech serves a unique and vital role in the tech community by supporting the LGBTQ+ community. As an immigrant to Israel and a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of having organizations that meet the needs of diverse groups. LGBTech serves this role on its mission to make Israeli workplaces more diverse and inclusive to the LGBTQ+ population, lobbying for improved rights, helping tech companies enhance their diversity and inclusion practices, and hosting networking and professional events, which provide an opportunity to meet other LGBTQ+ professionals and allies with similar goals and challenges. Events are often combined with awareness campaigns focused on issues relevant to the LGBTQ+ community.
The organization’s vision, to build “a future where LGBT+ employees are able to bring 100% of themselves to work,” continues to be crucial. Despite Tel Aviv being referred to as the gay capital of the Middle East, with a mayor who champions LGBTQ+ rights, more work is still needed on this front.
The role of VCs
In the current climate, where we’ve faced a significant downturn with the ongoing war, the role of venture capitalists has become more important than ever. The relationship between VCs and tech companies is symbiotic: VCs need to go beyond funding and offer tangible support. This includes helping companies find experienced, motivated talent who may have been laid off recently. VC firms can play a pivotal role helping their portfolio companies navigate the challenges of maintaining operations during this very difficult period marred by war, political divisions and a challenging economy.
Maya pointed out, however: “Those who know Israel, know the startup ecosystem and innovation that is unparalleled coming from Israel, are continuing to invest in Israeli companies. We have to differentiate between those who have a history of investing in Israel and know what this market and the ‘Startup Nation’ is all about and those who have not previously worked with Israeli innovators.”
The importance of resilience
Despite the adversities, this community’s ability to maintain business operations and continue innovating is a testament to resilience. The panelists stressed that toughness and determination are essential qualities that drive success in both personal and professional realms. As Moran said, “We’ve got each other’s backs, especially when it feels like our country isn’t living up to our expectations.”
Bobi highlighted the importance of resilience, adding, “There’s a fine line between business as usual and Houston, we have a problem. We do have to keep moving forward.”
Resilience is a recurring theme within the LGBTQ+ community and is exemplified in the broader Israeli spirit. Moran noted that the Monday after the first Iran attack — 300 missiles fired at Israel — she was back at work. She also expressed that, when faced with new challenges, there are opportunities. “The aftermath of October 7 has led to many new entrepreneurs that either evolved from what happened, or people who have lost jobs during this time, finding new projects to focus on. There is a real bounce-back.”
“We, as a country, as an ecosystem, and as a community, need to continue proving we are stronger than the circumstances and continue to build our own future,” Maya noted.
Overcoming challenges and shaping our future
One of the most inspiring aspects is seeing how the LGBTQ+ community and tech sector leaders overcome challenges and shape the future. This discussion highlighted the professionalism and leadership within the community. There’s a shared understanding that, despite being underrepresented or facing discrimination, being excellent in your field is the best way to counteract biases. Their message was, don’t be a diversity hire, be a great hire. Be great at what you do.
Or, as Bobi noted, “Find a real problem and solve it. If you find a real challenge to solve, that is the key to success.”
Community and connection
Both mHealth and LGBTech create opportunities for their members to connect, find new synergies and support one another. Whether its sharing job opportunities, providing training, or lobbying for rights, these organizations have an enormous role in fostering a sense of community and belonging. This network of support is invaluable, especially in times of economic uncertainty and conflict.
Through my work with mHealth and LGBTech, I’ve seen how strong networks can drive success. This is not just a strategy; it’s a lifeline that connects individuals, companies and communities. By learning resilience, embracing diversity and focusing on excellence, we can navigate challenges and build a brighter future.
In the end, it’s about holding the door open for others, creating opportunities, and building a community where everyone can thrive. Whether it’s in the health sector, tech industry, or any other field, the power of community will undoubtedly remain our greatest asset.
POSTED BY: Nicole Grubner
