Uri Levine News
11 articles
"Google's acquisition of Waze gave birth to 50 other Israeli unicorns"
Uri Levine, founder of Waze, believes that Googles acquisition of Waze in 2013 inspired a wave of local startups in Israel. Israel currently has around 50 unicorns, accounting for 10% of the worlds billion-dollar companies. Levine emphasizes the importance of maintaining a successful brand when acquiring a company. He also discusses the decision between going public through an IPO or being acquired, stating that acquisitions are more likely to happen. Levine believes that acquisitions set the bar for others and lead to the birth of new unicorns. He also mentions several companies in his portfolio that he believes will reach billion-dollar valuations. Additionally, he talks about Fibo, a startup that helps individuals claim tax returns.
Acquisition
Startup Visionaries, VCs, Political Leaders, And Cultural Icons: 17 Israelis Who Shaped The Decade
The article discusses the rise and fall of WeWork, a shared co-working space giant co-founded by Adam Neumann. The company was valued at $47 billion in early 2019, but its valuation fell to a third of the initial sum later in the year, scaring off investors. The Wall Street Journal published a report detailing alleged strange behaviors on the part of Neumann, leading to speculations that the companys biggest investor, SoftBank, was looking to move him out of a leadership role. Eventually, SoftBank announced a deal to buy some 80 percent of WeWork, with Neumann paid $1.7 billion to leave his leadership role.
Management ChangesLayoffs
From The Co-Founder Of Waze, A Blueprint To Eliminate Traffic Jams
The article discusses the issue of traffic congestion and proposes solutions to eliminate traffic jams. The author mentions that Waze was founded with the goal of helping people avoid traffic jams, but after 10 years, traffic jams are still a major problem. The key theme of the article is finding ways to reduce traffic congestion. The article suggests increasing the ratio of people per vehicle, reducing the size of vehicles, reducing the distance between vehicles, and increasing the speed of vehicles as potential solutions. The article also highlights the importance of autonomous vehicles and dedicated lanes for improving traffic flow. The date of the event described in the article is not specified. Confidence level: 8/10.
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I Co-Founded Waze And I'm No Longer Going To Own A Car
The article discusses the potential impact of autonomous vehicles on the automotive industry. It highlights the underutilization of cars and the potential for autonomous vehicles to change the way people think about car ownership. The author predicts that the demand for autonomous, on-demand vehicles will increase dramatically, leading to a decrease in the number of vehicles sold by auto manufacturers. The article also raises questions about the future of driving instructors, parking garages, car insurance companies, and the automotive finance market. It suggests that the market for on-demand autonomous rides may not be led by companies like Uber, but rather by companies like Google and Moovit. The article concludes by speculating on the future of traffic jams and the role of municipalities in regulating mobility.
CustomersPartnersInvestmentAcquisitionManagement Changes
New Israeli Fund Partners With Waze Co-Founder To Invest In Startups
Ayalon Insurance and Halman-Aldubi Investment House have partnered with Uri Levine to invest $25 million in companies of interest. Levine intends to invest in eight companies, including Moovit and FeeX. The fund will also invest in Refundit, a new company by Levine. Levine will receive 20 percent of fund profits. This fund is one of five competing for government backing. Levines company Waze was acquired by Google in a $1.3 billion deal.
Investment
7 lessons learned from Waze founder, Uri Levine
The article highlights the key lessons shared by Uri, a serial startup founder, during his talk at Startup Grind London. The lessons are applicable to all startup founders and cover topics such as entrepreneurship, falling in love with ideas, celebrating milestones, the startup journey, team building, and fundraising tips. The impact of the article on Startup Grind London is growth-positive as it provides valuable insights and advice for startup founders. The key theme of the article is startup lessons. The article does not mention any specific partners, customers, valuation amount, acquisition amount, investment amount, layoffs, or date of the event. Confidence level: 8
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Waze co-founder Uri Levine joins the TechCrunch Tel Aviv Meetup + Pitch-off, June 28
Uri Levine, co-founder of Waze, will be speaking at the TechCrunch Meetup + Pitch-off in Tel Aviv. Waze, the worlds largest driving traffic and navigation app, was acquired by Google in June 2013 for over $1.1 billion. Levine is involved in several startups, focusing on consumer services that create value for users. The event will take place on June 28. Israels startup ecosystem is growing rapidly, and the event offers startups the opportunity to compete for a chance to attend TechCrunch Disrupt San Francisco or Disrupt Berlin.
Partners
Uri Levine shepherding his Israeli start-ups into billion dollar unicorns
The article discusses Uri Levine, co-founder of Waze, and his involvement in multiple start-up companies that aim to save consumers time and money. Levine is part of a new breed of Israeli entrepreneurs who are holding on to their start-up companies for longer and aiming for billion-dollar valuations. The article highlights Levines companies, including Feex, Zeek, Roomer, Moovit, FairFly, and Engie, and their focus on solving big problems for consumers. It also mentions other Israeli companies, such as Mobileye, that have achieved billion-dollar valuations. The article suggests that Israeli entrepreneurs are becoming more experienced and mature, and are focused on making a mark rather than just making money. The ease of testing and rolling out mobile technologies in foreign markets has helped level the playing field for Israeli companies. The article concludes by mentioning Levines plans for future revolutions in industries such as medical care.
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Waze cofounder: 'fall in love with the problem, not the solution'
The article discusses the acquisition of Waze by Google, which was rumored to have been a potential acquisition target for Facebook. The co-founder of Waze, Uri Levine, denies leaking any information to the press. Levine left Google after the acquisition, stating that he prefers working in small organizations. He attributes the retention of most of the original team at Waze to the companys focus on building the right DNA and creating a great working environment. Levine is currently involved in FeeX, a company that helps investors avoid hidden financial services fees.
Acquisition
Waze cofounder sold his startup to Google for over $1 billion, but he still doesn't own a house
The article discusses Uri Levine, one of the co-founders of Waze, who sold the company to Google for over $1 billion. While Levine did not receive a significant amount of money from the sale, he still had enough to pursue his own interests. He enjoys skiing in the Alps and invested in startups, particularly those focused on saving money. Levine is the chairman of FeeX, a startup that helps users save money on financial services, and is involved with other startups such as Fairfly, FairSale, and Zeek. He also supports his childrens startups but only provides seed money.
Investment
I'm Robin Hood of Wall Street fees: Waze creator
Uri Levine, founder of Waze, has started a new venture called FeeX, which aims to put money back into the hands of investors and consumers by analyzing and reducing fees. FeeX searches fees by analyzing crowdsourced financial data and offers users alternative investment choices with lower fees. The basic service of FeeX is free, and the company makes money by creating a new fee structure that is not available today. Users need to provide their account numbers and passwords, but the company assures that the required information is similar to other online money-managing services. The article discusses the frustration with financial fees, the impact of the 2008 financial crisis, and the importance of compound interest.
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