Waze

growth-positive

Cerca, a venture capital firm founded by Helly Bart and Ofer Katz in 2014, has become one of the most profitable funds in Israel, managing $200 million. The firm has made early investments in successful companies like Wiz, Fiverr, and Armis. Cercas strategy involves building strong relationships with serial entrepreneurs and providing value beyond financial support. The fund has achieved high returns, attracting institutional investors like Harel and More Investment House. Cercas investments span various sectors, including cybersecurity, fintech, and quantum computing. The firm emphasizes trust and collaboration with entrepreneurs, aiming to be their first point of contact for advice and support.

growth-positive

Wiz, a cybersecurity startup founded by Assaf Rappaport, has been acquired by Google for $32 billion, marking the largest acquisition in global cybersecurity history and the biggest exit in Israeli high-tech. The acquisition highlights Wizs rapid growth, achieving $350 million in annual recurring revenue within four years, and its unique product that simplifies scanning complex cloud infrastructures for vulnerabilities. The deal, which initially started with a $23 billion offer, was finalized after Google increased its offer. Rappaport, who previously sold Adallom to Microsoft, is now navigating life as a new parent and CEO within Google.

growth-positive

Uri Levine, co-founder of Waze, and Pasha Romanovsky, formerly of Hanko Ventures, are launching a new venture capital fund named Double Down. The fund aims to raise $40 million, with $20 million already secured, and will focus on investing in growth-stage companies. The fund will not invest in new companies but will support existing portfolio companies. Double Down targets private investors and family offices in Europe, the US, and South America. The funds launch is planned for the end of the year. Companies like Fontera, OverSee, WeSki, and others are potential investment targets.

growth-positive

Uri Levine, cofounder of Waze, and Pasha Romanovski, a former partner at Hanaco Ventures, are establishing a new $40 million venture capital fund named Double Down. The fund aims to invest in Israeli growth-stage companies that have reached significant revenue milestones. Double Down has already raised approximately $20 million and plans to launch operations by the end of 2025. The fund will focus on supporting existing portfolio companies rather than investing in new ones. Targeted investments include companies like Pontera, Oversee, WeSki, Cahun Medical, Citrii, Dynamo, and Pumba. Levine and Romanovski are seeking investments from private investors and wealthy families in Europe, the US, and South America.

growth-negative

The article discusses the current chaos within the U.S. Department of Justices antitrust division, which is reviewing major acquisitions involving Israeli cybersecurity companies. Google is set to acquire Waze for $32 billion, while Palo Alto Networks announced its intention to acquire CyberArk for $25 billion. However, internal conflicts within the DOJ, including the controversial dismissal of two senior officials, may impact the approval process of these deals. The article also mentions layoffs at Yotpo, which plans to close its offices in Yokneam, and the arrest of six employees in Taiwan for allegedly stealing trade secrets from TSMC. Additionally, Bill Gates is investing $2.5 billion in autism research.

growth-positive

Palo Alto Networks has announced the acquisition of CyberArk for $25 billion, marking the second-largest exit in Israels history. This acquisition is part of Palo Altos strategy to integrate leading companies in their field quickly and release them alongside its existing products. The deal, primarily paid in stock, highlights Palo Altos aggressive acquisition strategy to maintain its competitive edge in the rapidly evolving cybersecurity and AI landscape. CyberArk, a leader in identity security, has a significant presence in Saudi Arabia, contributing to its growth in the Middle East. This acquisition is expected to bolster Palo Altos offerings and market position, especially in AI security.

growth-positive

SoftBank has made a direct investment in the Israeli quantum computing company Classiq, marking its return to the Israeli market. The investment, led by SoftBanks Vision Fund 2, is part of a $110 million Series C round, with an additional $20-30 million expansion, valuing Classiq at approximately $400 million. Other investors include IN Venture, NTT, and Italys CDP. This investment comes at a sensitive time due to geopolitical tensions, but it underscores the strategic importance of quantum computing. Classiq, known for its operating system for quantum computers, has partnerships with major Japanese corporations like Mitsubishi and Deloitte Japan.

growth-negative

The article discusses the potential security risks posed by Waze, a navigation app owned by Google, due to its user-generated mapping data. This data includes sensitive information about Israeli military locations and movements, which could potentially aid enemy surveillance. Despite warnings, Waze has not taken significant action to remove this information, raising concerns about operational security. The apps decentralized editing model allows users to update maps with sensitive data, which is then integrated into Google Maps. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are aware of these risks and are working to maintain operational security. The article highlights the challenges of balancing community-driven mapping with security concerns.

growth-positive

Elsight, a leader in connectivity for unmanned and autonomous systems, has launched HeatSight, a signal strength mapping tool designed to optimize UAV flight paths by providing reliable data on cellular coverage. This tool, available to Elsights AllSight management platform customers, generates time-aggregated and altitude-based heatmaps to help UAV operators plan safer and more effective flights. HeatSight leverages Elsights BVLOS Halo connectivity technology to record RF parameters, offering a comprehensive view of network coverage. This innovation not only aids in regulatory compliance but also has the potential to generate revenue for mobile operators by serving the UAV industry more effectively.

growth-positive

The ongoing war has led to a resurgence in the demand for traditional printed road atlases and maps, significantly benefiting Mapa Publishing. Due to GPS disruptions and reception issues, many people, including reservists and security organizations, have turned to paper maps for navigation. Mapa Publishing, acquired by Ituran eight years ago, has seen its stock sell out and has had to reprint several editions of its atlases. The company, which specializes in geographic databases and digital maps, has experienced a surge in demand for its printed products. Other map publishers like Shvil Net have also reported increased sales. The Steimatzky chain has noted a significant rise in demand for road atlases, leading to shortages and subsequent reprints.

growth-negative

Google has announced the closure of the advertising system of the Israeli navigation application Waze, which is used by about 150 million people every month. The decision has led to the layoff of dozens of employees, including some in Tel Aviv, and the reassignment of others within the company. Google also announced that from September, the advertising system developed in Israel will be replaced by Google Ads. This has caused anger and uncertainty in the advertising industry, as the change was made with too short notice and could lead to the loss of advertising budgets for advertisers in the millions of shekels.

growth-negative

Google is cutting jobs at mapping app Waze as it merges the apps advertising system with Google Ads technology. The company did not provide details on the number of layoffs. This move aims to create a more seamless long-term experience for advertisers. Google acquired Waze for about $1.3 billion in 2013 and had previously announced the merger of Waze and Google Maps teams in December. The decision to fold Waze into the Google Geo division marked the end of the applications independence. Waze CEO Neha Parikh has already left the company.

growth-positive

Waze has added a feature to its app that allows users to find EV charging stations along their route. This will make it easier for EV drivers to locate charging stations and avoid the inconvenience of outdated or unreliable information. The feature will be rolled out globally in the coming weeks. Waze is committed to providing accurate and comprehensive information to its users, thanks to the real-time updates from its Waze Community of Map Editors. This move is expected to have a positive impact on the growth of the company.

growth-positive

Google is merging its mapping app Waze and its mapping team as part of its overall streamlining and cost-cutting measures. Wazes 500 employees will become part of Google Geo, but Waze will continue to operate as a standalone app. No layoffs are planned. The reorganization aims to reduce overlapping work and promote technical collaboration between Google Maps and Waze. Google acquired Waze in 2013 for $1.1 billion. Waze has 151 million active monthly users worldwide.

growth-negative

Google plans to merge its Maps product team with Waze, a mapping service it acquired in 2013, in an effort to cut costs and consolidate operations. The merger will result in Wazes team of 500 employees falling under Googles Geo organization. Google intends to keep Waze as a standalone service known for crowdsourcing en route information. The company expects the restructuring to reduce overlap in mapmaking but does not anticipate any layoffs. The move is part of Googles goal to become 20% more productive by running on fewer resources.

growth-positive

Renault has become the first car brand to offer the Waze application directly integrated into the vehicle’s multimedia system. The integration of Waze into the OpenR Link multimedia system, which also has Google integration, offers drivers greater comfort and safety. Customers can easily download and install the Waze app for OpenR Link either directly from Google Play via their OpenR Link interface in their vehicle, or from their My Renault mobile app. This partnership between Renault and Waze aims to provide a smoother and more streamlined driving experience for users.

growth-positive

Google-owned navigation app Waze is offering a FIFA World Cup-themed navigation experience to celebrate the upcoming tournament. Users can enjoy new navigation options such as Drive With a Soccer Commentator, where they will hear soccer-themed instructions as they approach roundabouts or hazards. They can also change their on-screen car into a soccer ball-shaped car called Automoball. The feature is available worldwide until November 29, with a special surprise for users in Brazil who can enjoy the voice of veteran commentator Luva de Pedreiro. After November 29, users will have to switch back to ordinary voices.

growth-positive

Neha Parikh has been appointed as the new CEO of Waze, replacing Noam Bardin. Bardin announced his departure from the company last year after serving for eight years. Waze was acquired by Google in 2013 for approximately $1 billion. Parikh, the former President of Hotwire, will focus on growing the company. Waze currently has over 140 million active monthly users in more than 185 countries. Parikh will start her role next month and will be based in San Francisco. The article also mentions Bardins explanation for his departure, citing the problematic organizational culture in Google as a contributing factor.

growth-positive

Waze has announced that Audible has joined its Audio Player Program, allowing drivers to access a catalogue of over 600,000 Audible Originals, audiobooks, podcasts, and other audio programs. This partnership is a growth-positive move for Waze, as it enhances the user experience and expands the range of content available to drivers. The article discusses the integration of Audible into the Waze app, allowing users to seamlessly enjoy audio content while driving. The partnership is expected to benefit both companies and provide added value to Waze users. The event described in the article occurred on the date of the articles publication.

growth-positive

Uri Levine, the founder of Waze, believes that Googles acquisition of Waze in 2013 inspired a wave of local startups in Israel to aim higher. Israel currently has around 50 unicorns, which is 10% of the worlds companies valued at over $1 billion. Levine discusses the importance of a known brand like Waze and the impact it has had on the Israeli startup ecosystem. He also talks about the choice between an IPO and acquisition for startups, the meaning of valuations, and the future of acquisitions and IPOs in the market. Levine mentions several companies he is involved with, including SeeTree, FairFly, and FeeX. He also discusses Fibo, a company dealing with tax returns in Israel.

growth-negative

Waze CEO Noam Bardin is stepping down early next year after leading the company through its acquisition by Google. The departure is seen as a growth-negative impact on the company. Waze is now searching for its next CEO to lead the company in the next stage of growth. Bardin will stay on through January 2021 to aid with the transition. Under Bardins leadership, Waze has grown from 14,000 users to 140 million monthly active users. The company has launched various programs and features, including Waze for Cities and a carpool service. Despite being acquired by Google, Waze has remained independent and will continue to operate as an independent brand and service.

growth-negative

GPS navigation app Waze, owned by Google, is laying off 5% of its workforce, closing offices in Asia and Latin America, and rethinking its business model in some markets. The layoffs are a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has led to a decrease in the number of people using Waze, resulting in lower advertising revenue and profitability.

growth-negative

Waze, the crowdsourced navigation app, has seen a significant decrease in traffic due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Traffic on Israeli roads has dropped by 70%, with a 96% decrease during the Passover holiday. Globally, Waze users are driving 60% fewer miles compared to the pre-pandemic average. Despite the decline, Waze has introduced new features to help users find drive-thru and curbside pickup businesses, allowing them to access essential products with minimal social contact. The company has assigned a special response team to update road closure and checkpoint information. The article does not mention any specific partners, customers, or investment/acquisition details. The event described in the article does not have a specific date mentioned.

growth-positive

Waze, the Google-owned mobile navigation app developer, plans to add payment features via partnerships in 2020 to become a more encompassing service for drivers. The company is considering partnerships with parking payment apps and services that enable payments in gas stations and convenience stores. The move aims to monetize the app further, as Waze currently relies on revenues from its carpool service. The collaboration agreement with Moovit App Global allows Moovit users to carpool with Waze drivers. Waze was acquired by Google in 2013 for $1.1 billion and operates as an independent division. The company employs 500 people, with 300 in Israel.

growth-positive

Moovit, an app that provides real-time public transportation schedules, has partnered with navigation app Waze to offer a pilot carpooling service in the US, Brazil, Mexico, and Israel. The partnership will allow Moovit users to access Wazes carpool driver community and find transit solutions beyond public transportation. The service will be gradually rolled out to Android users, with an iOS rollout to follow. Moovit currently serves over 500 million users in 3,000 cities across 93 countries.

growth-positive

Googles Waze has added YouTube Music integration, allowing playback controls on the navigation screen for both Android and iOS users. The integration is rolling out in all 50 markets where Waze and YouTube Music are available. While this may not convince users to switch to YouTube Music if they are already satisfied with another streaming service, it will make listening to YouTube Music during daily commutes easier.

growth-positive

Waze Carpool, a carpooling service, has released an update that allows drivers to invite multiple passengers to carpool at once. This new feature streamlines the carpooling process and makes it easier for drivers to fill up to four seats in their car. The update also enables drivers to use high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, which require at least three passengers in a single vehicle. Additionally, the update works with Wazes smart routing features, including collaboration with Transport for London to help drivers avoid low-emission zones. The update is currently rolling out in all countries where Waze Carpool is available.

growth-positive

Waze, the alternative to Google Maps, has introduced a new voice option for its users in the U.S. Users can now get turn-by-turn driving directions from Cookie Monster, a character from the childrens television show Sesame Street. The new voice option was announced in early June on Wazes social media. Waze, which was bought by Google from Israeli-based Waze Mobile in 2013, has previously offered the voices of Liam Neeson and Mr. T, among others, for driving instructions.

growth-positive

Waze Ltd., a Google-owned mobile navigation app developer, has announced the release of a new carpooling feature in Israel. The feature allows drivers to invite multiple passengers to join their carpool and adjusts the route to include High Occupancy Vehicles (HOV) lanes if there are at least three passengers. This new feature addresses the previous limitation of not being able to add additional stops and passengers once a carpool stop had been made. Waze Carpool, initially launched as an Israeli pilot in 2015, has gradually expanded globally and is now available in all 50 U.S. states. The article also mentions the legalization of paid peer-to-peer rideshares in Israel under certain regulations.

growth-positive

Waze, the navigation app owned by Alphabet, announced two new features to be rolled out in Israel. The first feature is the addition of a female pronouns option to the navigation voice Sivan. The second feature is a toll pricing feature that notifies users of any fees when calculating a route. Waze, founded in 2008, offers real-time navigation directions and has over 110 million monthly active users. In 2013, Google acquired Waze for $1.3 billion.

growth-positive

Navigation app Waze is introducing a new feature that shows tolls along a users route, including the actual amount to be paid. This feature provides more transparency compared to other navigation apps, where users are only notified of the presence of tolls without knowing the cost. Waze sources the toll prices from its community of user-drivers, which often provides more accurate information than official toll road operators. The toll prices are displayed before the navigation begins, allowing users to plan their route accordingly. The feature is being rolled out in the U.S. and Canada.

growth-positive

Waze and SpotHero have announced a cross-app integration effort to combine their navigation and parking aids into a unified offering. Users booking parking in SpotHeros app can now navigate to their spot using Waze. The collaboration aims to make it easier for drivers to switch between the apps and reduce congestion on the roads. The integration also addresses the issue of parking difficulties, which can negatively impact businesses. In 2017, drivers in the US spent an average of 17 hours per year searching for parking, costing them $345 each in time, fuel, and emissions. Waze and SpotHero previously collaborated to install Bluetooth beacons in Chicago to improve GPS coverage.

growth-positive

Google has integrated Google Assistant into its navigation app Waze, allowing users to access Assistant features and Waze-specific abilities. This integration has the potential to reduce distractions while driving. The rollout of Google Assistant in Waze begins in the U.S. and is currently available in English only on Android smartphones.

growth-positive

Google-owned mobile navigation app Waze is introducing DJ Khaled’s voice into its navigation system for a limited six-week period. The move was announced as part of a promotion campaign for Khaled’s new album. Waze, founded in Tel Aviv in 2008 and acquired by Google in 2013, uses crowdsourced data to offer real-time navigation directions and traffic alerts.

growth-positive

Pandora users can now access their music through Waze, allowing seamless integration between the two apps. This feature was already available for Spotify users, and now Pandora has joined in. The integration allows iOS and Android users to easily switch between the Waze and Pandora apps while driving. Waze had previously released a beta version of its app with a native audio player that supported multiple services, including Pandora. It is unclear if Waze will integrate with other services like iHeart Radio or NPR One in the future. This move is expected to have a positive impact on Pandoras growth.

growth-positive

Waze has partnered with advertising holding company WPP to offer advertising opportunities on the Waze platform. Waze users will receive en route messaging directing them to nearby retail locations. The partnership will launch in Canada, France, Italy, the U.K., and the U.S. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Waze was acquired by Google in 2013 for $1.3 billion.

growth-positive

Google-owned navigation platform Waze is launching Waze Carpool, a ridesharing platform aimed at reducing traffic congestion and pollution across the U.S. The platform allows users to choose a rider or driver based on their profile and other filters, and provides real-time traffic updates and HOV routing. Waze pays drivers $0.54 per mile and plans to partner with cities, businesses, transit agencies, and civic organizations. Waze Carpool is available on the Waze app for iOS and Android. The company first launched in Israel in 2015 and has since expanded to several U.S. states. Waze has over 100 million active users and was acquired by Google for $966 million in 2013.

growth-positive

Waze has announced the Connected Citizens Program, allowing American cities to use its traffic data to make more accurate infrastructure decisions. The program offers free live alerts for cities in the US, providing real-time information on accidents and traffic issues. This data can help officials make changes to roads more quickly and make decisions about police presence and traffic light timing. Waze is extending its partnership with Esri, the company that provides its geolocation data, to offer this service. Cities can sign up for the program for free and start using the real-time data immediately.

growth-positive

Waze has introduced three new features to its iOS and Android app. The first is support for high occupancy vehicles (HOV) or carpool lanes, making it the first navigation tool to offer this feature. The second is a hands-free feature that allows users to interact with Waze by saying OK Waze. The third is the addition of motorcycles as a vehicle type, allowing riders to get new motorcycle-specific directions. The HOV feature is currently supported in 22 US states and three Canadian cities.

growth-positive

Waze, the popular Israeli navigation app owned by Google, has developed a new feature called Time-To-Park. This feature provides an estimate of how long it will take to find parking at a defined destination, taking into account factors such as travel speed, traffic congestion, and historical data from users. The feature is currently in beta version and there is no official release date yet.

growth-positive

Navigation app Waze now allows users to record their own voice for directions. The feature was originally available only for Android but has now been extended to iOS. Users can customize voice prompts and replace the default Waze voice with their own. The update also allows users to share their recorded voice directions with other Waze users. The article was originally published on May 11, 2017, and has been updated since.

growth-negative

Residents of Herzliya Bet have filed a lawsuit against Wave, alleging that the Waze app is directing drivers to their neighborhood, causing noise pollution, dirt, and a safety hazard. The residents are demanding that Wave stop directing vehicles into the neighborhood and are considering suing the company for damages. The lawsuit claims that the app is directing vehicles to enter Herzliya Bet instead of continuing on the coastal road, turning the quiet neighborhood into a major traffic artery. Nordau Street, the main route being used, is unable to handle the increased traffic. The residents argue that they are suffering from environmental damage, a decrease in quality of life, and a loss of freedom of movement.

growth-positive

Waze, a unit of Google, will showcase a prototype demo of its traffic navigation app in a Renault car at the Paris Motor Show. This collaboration marks Wazes first partnership with an automaker, and future Renault cars are planned to be manufactured with Waze built-in. Renault will also feature branded pins and search in-app for French electric car charging locations on the Waze map. The collaboration aims to provide customers with more choice and make driving a pleasant and easy experience.

growth-positive

Waze is expanding its community to include tunnel operators by using Bluetooth beacons to improve wireless navigation in tunnels. The Beacons program is seeking cities and tunnel owners to participate by installing Waze Beacon hardware in their tunnels. Each beacon costs $28.50, and around 42 beacons are required per mile of tunnel. The program aims to provide drivers with better location data and eliminate frustration and traffic caused by navigation drop-outs in tunnels. Waze is also allowing other navigation systems to use the technology from the program for free. This move is expected to have a positive impact on Wazes growth.

growth-negative

Waze responds to security concerns raised by researchers regarding an exploit that allows fake driver profiles to track real profiles in real-time. The company has implemented safeguards to address the vulnerability and prevent unauthorized tracking activities. The exploit only works when the Waze app is open and active, and users can protect themselves by enabling invisible mode. The researchers will present more details on this and similar exploits at MobiSys in June.

growth-positive

The article discusses Uri Levine, co-founder of Waze, and his involvement in multiple start-up companies aimed at saving 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. His companies, including Feex, Zeek, and Roomer, all focus on empowering consumers and making services more accessible. The article highlights the trend of experienced Israeli entrepreneurs scaling up their companies and becoming serial entrepreneurs. It also mentions other Israeli companies, such as Mobileye and CyberArk, that have achieved billion-dollar valuations. The article emphasizes the impact of mobile apps and the cyber-world in leveling the playing field for Israeli companies. Overall, the article portrays a growth-positive impact on Waze and the Israeli start-up ecosystem.

growth-positive

Waze, the navigation app company, is set to launch a new app called RideWith, which will allow users to arrange carpooling for payment. The service is currently a pilot scheme without a time limit, restricted to the Gush Dan (Greater Tel Aviv) area, and is available on Android devices only. The aim is to enable people making the same journey to travel together and thus reduce traffic congestion. The service will connect Wazes technology and the information it holds on traffic levels with Wazes user community.

growth-positive

The article provides information about the popularity of the Israeli navigational app Waze, revealing that 2.9 million Israelis use the app each month and 850,000 use it daily. It also discloses the prices charged by Google for advertising on Waze, with the minimum advertising budget being NIS 10,000 for a minimum of three months. The article highlights Wazes advanced advertising tools and their ability to target and focus ads based on the users location. Overall, the article has a growth-positive impact on Waze as it showcases its popularity and revenue generation through advertising.

growth-positive

Former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger will provide voice navigational instructions on the Waze app to help users avoid traffic jams. The cooperation between Waze and Schwarzenegger will be completed in mid-July. Waze has 50 million users worldwide, compared to 15 million users in 2012.

growth-positive

Google has announced that Waze, the Israeli traffic navigation app, is now part of its official Google Mobile Services suite. This means that smartphone manufacturers and mobile operators can pre-install Waze on their devices. The app will be exposed to millions of Android users, potentially leading to significant growth in new users. This will also improve the service by providing more reliable reports of traffic, police, speed cameras, and arrival times. Waze was acquired by Google in 2013 for $1.1 billion and is currently ranked number one among free navigation and travel apps in the iTunes App Store and Google Play.

growth-positive

Waze, a social mapping and navigation company, has raised $30 million in new funding. The funding comes from Horizons Ventures Hong Kong, the Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers Digital Growth Fund, and iFund. This brings Wazes total funding to over $55 million. The company plans to use the funding for international expansion, particularly in Asia. Waze is already being used in several countries and has seen accelerated growth in new markets. The company faces competition from Google in terms of Android device navigation functionality. However, Waze offers its technology on multiple mobile platforms and has secured partnerships, including one with ABC.