Connections drive success: Hakibbutz opens inaugural Israeli startup center in New York City

We aimed to foster genuine connections rather than simply offering workspace, explained Amir Wolner, Founder and CEO of Hakibbutz.

Israel gains its initial dedicated base for startups in New York as Hakibbutz began operations in the city on Monday. The initiative seeks to serve as a central point for the many Israeli firms active in the metropolis.

Developed alongside Israeli Mapped in NY, the effort already features cybersecurity firm Zafran Security, with further participants slated to arrive soon.

We aimed to foster genuine connections rather than simply offering workspace, explained Amir Wolner, Founder and CEO of Hakibbutz.

The approach developed in Israel recognizes that in times when remote work is common, a workplace gains value from surrounding people and the relationships formed, he noted.

The plan also outlines multiple events across the year designed to draw additional startups and support Israeli founders expanding into New York.

Approximately 470 startups active in the city

The primary location sits in Chelsea, a key Manhattan area for technology and innovation. Organizers crafted the space as a gathering point for founders, startups, venture capital groups, investors, corporations, and related figures.

Israeli Mapped in NY reports that 470 Israeli startups now operate in New York City, joined by venture capital entities, investors, global corporations, and numerous professionals.

Recognizing New York as a significant center for Israeli technology firms prompted the expansion of the model here, Wolner added, noting prior similar openings by Hakibbutz.

Time for a base in NYC, states Guy Franklin of Israeli Mapped in NY

Guy Franklin, founder of Israeli Mapped in NY, noted that mapping began with just 56 Israeli startups in the city, now nearing 470. This marks not only numerical growth but the development of an entire sector, making a shared home essential.

The aim ensures arriving Israeli companies avoid starting anew and instead tap immediately into networks of founders, investors, clients, and partners, he said.

The vision positions Hakibbutz NYC as the essential stop for every Israeli CEO in New York, visiting founders, venture firms seeking Israeli innovation, and American corporations interested in local startups.