Frontline Initiative

Backing Israeli Founders on the Frontline The Calling On October 7, 2023, Israel went to war with the terrorist organization Hamas. This sudden escalation in the conflict brought a unique challenge to Israeli startup founders and senior executives: continue to build their companies or rejoin the IDF. 300,000 men and women joined the fight to protect The Start-up Nation. The Challenge The terror attack in Israel provided a stark reminder of Israeli founders’ dual existence: they are both tech leaders pioneering some of the world's most advanced technologies, and also reserve fighters and commanders in the Israeli Defense Force. The current reality highlights the strength of Israeli society, with a remarkable 130% re-enrollment of individuals back into service, including many brave founders. The SNC estimates that 10% of tech employees have re-enlisted or been called up; this number is as high as 30% in some companies. Early-stage Israeli companies face unique challenges and a seemingly insurmountable mission. They must achieve significant traction and product-market fit with limited resources, including funding. The current security situation in Israel introduces another significant risk: founders being called into military service for an undefined period, disrupting funding, growth and development efforts. The Solution Frontline supports founders in three key ways: Capital, Revenue, and Talent. We connect startups with a network of 50+ investors committed to Israeli ventures, we make high-impact prospective customer introductions, and we help source great talent in the US to support companies’ expansion in this market.