'Deals happen outside meetings': Hakibbutz unveils first Israeli startup home in New York City

Israel's vibrant startup ecosystem now has its first dedicated home in New York City with the launch of Hakibbutz's NYC operations. The initiative aims to serve as a central hub for the hundreds of Israeli companies already operating in the Big Apple, fostering collaboration and expansion.

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We didn't want to build just another office space. We wanted to create a place that people and companies genuinely want to be part of.

Amir Wolner, Founder and CEO of Hakibbutz, emphasized the project's goal: "We didn't want to build just another office space. We wanted to create a place that people and companies genuinely want to be part of." He explained that the model, successful in Israel, prioritizes human connection and shared value over traditional office settings, recognizing the shift towards remote and flexible work.

The project, developed in collaboration with Israeli Mapped in NY, has already welcomed cybersecurity company Zafran Security, with more firms expected to join soon. The main hub will be situated in Chelsea, a prominent technology and innovation district in Manhattan. This location is intended to become a key gathering place for founders, startups, venture capital firms, investors, and other industry players.

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The model we've built in Israel is based on the understanding that in an era when people can work from almost anywhere, a workplace is no longer defined only by its offices, but by the people around you and the value created through those connections.

According to Israeli Mapped in NY, approximately 470 Israeli startups are currently active in New York City, supported by a network of venture capital firms, investors, multinational corporations, and numerous professionals. Guy Franklin, founder of Israeli Mapped in NY, highlighted the growth, stating, "When I first started mapping the Israeli tech ecosystem in New York, there were only 56 Israeli startups here. Today there are nearly 470." He added that with such a significant presence, it is essential for these companies to have a dedicated home.

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When I first started mapping the Israeli tech ecosystem in New York, there were only 56 Israeli startups here. Today there are nearly 470. This isn't just growth in the number of companies; it's the maturation of an entire industry. Once you have nearly 470 Israeli startups in New York, it's time they have a home.

Hakibbutz plans to host various events throughout the year to attract new startups and assist Israeli entrepreneurs in expanding their operations in New York. The overarching goal is to ensure that no Israeli company arriving in the city has to start from scratch, but can immediately tap into a robust network of founders, investors, and customers.

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Our goal is that no Israeli company arriving in New York should have to start from scratch. Instead, they should be able to immediately connect with a network of founders, investors, customers,