Texas organizations sign business agreement with Israel

Texas and Israeli companies and the Texas Association of Business, the state’s chamber of commerce, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in April 2024. Credit: Texas Association of Business.

The Texas Association of Business, the Texas Venture Alliance and StartUp Nation Central signed a Memorandum of Understanding on April 15 to foster innovation and boost business ties.

The agreement will “facilitate shared knowledge, explore business opportunities and establish partnerships between companies in Texas and Israel, as well as within the venture community,” stated the Texas Association of Business, the state’s chamber of commerce.

“This collaboration reflects our vision of transforming the Start-Up Nation into the Scale-Up Nation,” said Massey Villarreal, chairman of the state chamber.

Avi Hasson, CEO of StartUp Nation Central, echoed Villarreal’s sentiments, saying, “Israel is eager to leverage this partnership to enhance its startup ecosystem and explore new markets, with high expectations for the collaboration with Texas.”

CS Freeland, CEO of Texas Venture Alliance, emphasized the potential for joint ventures, saying, “We eagerly anticipate hosting a joint delegation from Israel, led by SNC, at next year’s Venture Gala in Texas. The possibilities are limitless, and we are committed to facilitating a smooth entry into the market.”

Orna Avraham, the Israeli economic minister to the Southwest, said that Texas has warmly received Israeli companies.

“The business climate in Texas is incredibly welcoming, and we look forward to further collaborations with TAB,” Avraham said.

Glenn Hamer, CEO of the Texas Association of Business, emphasized the solidarity between Texas and Israel, saying, “In these challenging times, we stand with Israel, and we believe this partnership will mutually benefit both regions.”

David Yaari, Vice Chairman of Keren Kayemet Le’Israel-Jewish National Fund, emphasized the timely nature of the partnership, stating, “Now is the opportune moment to forge sustainable partnerships between Israel and Texas, two states known for their straight talk and commitment to expanding commerce and trade.”

Immediately following the signing ceremony, TAB hosted a delegation of Israeli energy companies in collaboration with the BIRD Foundation and Israel’s Ministry of Economy, underscoring the tangible outcomes of this strategic alliance.