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2025-02-17
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As the global market adapts to rapid technological advancements, particularly in AI, the landscape for entrepreneurs and startups is shifting dramatically. In this environment, traditional growth models are being replaced by new paradigms that focus on creating value rather than rapid expansion. Leaders like Michal Kissos Hertzog, Shlomi Ben Haim, Vered Raviv-Schwarz, and Asaf Peled discuss how businesses need to evolve to remain competitive. Their insights, shared in the context of the Growth+ project, offer essential advice on surviving and thriving in an AI-driven world.
Key Insights:
The past two years have forged a new wave of resilient entrepreneurs, and the challenges of 2023-2024 have underscored the need for businesses to be lean, focused, and deeply market-aware. According to Michal Kissos Hertzog, 2025 is not just about recovery but about fundamentally shifting the business DNA to adapt to AI technologies. In this new era, companies that don’t integrate AI into their operations risk being left behind.
The Growth+ project aims to build a community of experienced entrepreneurs and startups, facilitating one-on-one mentorship to help navigate these new challenges. Entrepreneurs in today’s world must create value that is indispensable, not just growth for growth’s sake. Shlomi Ben Haim of JFrog emphasizes the importance of building the right team and network early on, as well as avoiding costly mistakes by leveraging the collective knowledge of mentors. Vered Raviv-Schwarz adds that in the current climate of economic uncertainty, entrepreneurship requires adaptability and the courage to change course when necessary.
The mentors also stress the importance of organizational culture and making the right choices early in the startup journey. Asaf Peled notes that the challenges entrepreneurs face today are compounded by global instability and a saturated investment environment, where fast decisions can lead to costly mistakes.
What Undercode Say:
The integration of AI into every aspect of business is no longer optional; it’s a necessity for survival in today’s hyper-competitive world. Michal Kissos Hertzog’s insight into the shift from growth metrics to questions of necessity is particularly pertinent. In an era where AI is transforming industries, startups must rethink their strategies not just in terms of revenue generation but in terms of delivering unique, irreplaceable value. This shift from rapid growth to meaningful innovation mirrors the broader transition in global business models where technology is no longer a tool but a foundational element of strategy.
This focus on AI-first thinking also suggests that the traditional startup model of “grow fast or die” may no longer apply. As we move into 2025, the need to pivot and build sustainable businesses that address real-world problems becomes clearer. Entrepreneurs now face the challenge of determining not just how to grow but how to make their businesses indispensable, positioning themselves to leverage AI in ways that drive both innovation and necessity.
What stands out about the Growth+ project is its emphasis on mentorship as a tool for developing not only business acumen but also resilience. The advice given by the mentors — focusing on building the right team, understanding the market deeply, and not rushing to raise unnecessary funds — highlights a critical mindset shift. This approach encourages entrepreneurs to think long-term rather than short-term, and to focus on execution and cultural fit rather than merely on product or funding.
Moreover, the conversation around organizational culture is particularly relevant. As Ben Haim notes, a company’s culture is its character, and just like a person’s personality, it’s difficult to change once established. This underscores the importance of making wise choices early in the startup phase, especially when it comes to team dynamics and company values. The mentors at Growth+ are stressing that success isn’t just about having a great idea; it’s about execution, persistence, and building an organization that aligns with those values.
The challenges mentioned by Vered Raviv-Schwarz and Asaf Peled are critical to understanding the current entrepreneurial landscape. The macroeconomic uncertainty, especially in the wake of the 2021 valuation bubble, means that investors are more cautious, and raising funds at the seed stage has become increasingly difficult. Entrepreneurs need to be more strategic, with a greater focus on product-market fit and operational efficiency rather than aggressive scaling. This requires a deep understanding of the current market landscape and the willingness to pivot when necessary.
The incorporation of AI into this landscape is vital, as it offers entrepreneurs the tools they need to solve complex problems, enhance their products, and differentiate themselves in a crowded market. However, it also introduces its own set of challenges, such as the need for constant innovation and adaptation to rapidly evolving technologies.
Additionally, the geopolitical instability and market noise that Peled describes creates an environment where entrepreneurs may feel pressured to act quickly. However, the key to success lies not in haste but in thoughtful decision-making and strategic positioning. Mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs who have already weathered similar challenges is invaluable in this context.
Ultimately, the Growth+ project is an acknowledgment of the evolving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Israel and beyond. By connecting seasoned founders with emerging startups, it fosters a culture of knowledge-sharing and resilience. In a world where the AI revolution is driving the future of business, the next generation of entrepreneurs will need to not only embrace AI but also create innovative, irreplaceable value that will help them thrive in the competitive global marketplace.
The future of Israeli high-tech, as Kissos Hertzog points out, depends not just on entrepreneurship but on national support for innovation in critical areas like AI, cybersecurity, and energy. To maintain its leadership in the global tech scene, Israel must continue to invest in these sectors, ensuring that startups and entrepreneurs have the tools and support they need to succeed.
References:
Reported By: Calcalistech.com_58f6da3f708fe740a2461887
https://www.quora.com/topic/Technology
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