In 2024, Polish tech firms attracted €3.5 b (approximately USD 4 b) in funding—a 45% year‑over‑year rise. Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, and Rzeszów each thrive in distinct niches—from fintech and enterprise software to AI, gaming, deep tech, semiconductors, aviation, and defence, bolstered by Intel’s upcoming chip plant.

Amid EU deliberations over restricting Israeli access to Horizon Europe, Poland launched a grants programme in 2025 to entice global R&D activity, with special preference for Israeli firms. Grants range from €1–20 m, cover up to 80% of R&D expenses, and impose no demands on IP, equity, or royalties. Up to 20% of funds may finance Israeli-based CTOs, enabling remote project leadership.

Polish officials see Israeli innovation—especially dual‑use tech in AI, cybersecurity, medical, defence, and space—as a powerful complement to local talent. These efforts aim to modernize defences, diversify tech capacities, and signal Poland as an open, forward‑looking ally amid shifting EU dynamics.

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The surge reflects the maturity of Israeli companies, which now operate as globally competitive businesses built on strong intellectual property and proven solutions in fields such as AI and cybersecurity. Strategic buyers and private equity investors are applying rigorous due diligence and making bold moves, underscoring confidence in the country’s tech sector.

Global demand for cybersecurity and rapid AI adoption continue to drive acquisitions, while Israeli entrepreneurs persist in scaling and exiting ventures despite instability. With active pipelines in fintech, energy transition, and frontier technologies, Israel’s dealmaking momentum shows no signs of slowing and reinforces its standing as a global hub for innovation-driven M&A.

This article was written by Joshua Begner, Head of M&A at Willis (WTW)

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The deal is part of a wider thrust in German-Israeli defense ties. Elbit Systems, based in Herzliya and a leader in defense electronics, secured a USD 260m agreement to provide DIRCM protection systems for German aircraft. At the same time, Israel Aerospace Industries, headquartered near Tel Aviv and the country’s largest aerospace and defense contractor, finalized a record NIS 14bn transaction for the Arrow 3 interceptor system, a cornerstone in ballistic missile defense.

These contracts move ahead despite Chancellor Merz’s announcement of an arms embargo on Israel over Gaza operations. Exempt from the restrictions, they highlight Germany’s determination to drive defense capacity while relying on Israeli innovation across critical air combat and missile defense platforms.

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Greenberg Traurig advised ThinkEquity with a cross-office team spanning Tel Aviv, Boston, New York, and Miami. The inclusion of the Tel Aviv office reflects Israel’s growing role in global capital markets transactions, enabling seamless collaboration between US and Israeli teams.

The advisory was led by Tel Aviv Shareholder David Huberman and U.S.-based Win Rutherfurd, supported by associates Spencer Cercone, Jennifer Hicks Sagarduy, Michael Soumas, and Brandon Sloane.

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The project introduces a new residential model, combining hundreds of rental units for students with additional commercial space.

Erdinast, Ben Nathan, Toledano & Co. advised on the financing, with its Banking & Finance Department and Commercial Department leading the matter. The advisory team included Roy Gross, Avishay Sadeh, and Dor Maymon

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The deal marks Okta’s second acquisition in Israel, following its 2023 purchase of Spera Security. Although the terms remain undisclosed, independent reports estimate the acquisition at approximately USD 100 million.

This move will integrate Axiom’s advanced capabilities—such as just-in-time access, AI-based connector building, Kubernetes and database support, and automated approval workflows—into Okta’s Privileged Access product.

Herzog  advised Okta on the transaction. The deal team included Yair Geva, Adam Salkin, Tzipi Zipper, Danielle Yagen Katz, Dr. Ehab Farah, Shachar Porat, Karen Elburg, and Maayan Hammer-Tzeelon, collaborating closely with the Axiom leadership.

Meitar advised Axion on the transition. The deal team included Itay Frishman, Hadas Simchi and Tal Binder.

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Thoma Bravo, which manages about USD 184 billion in assets and has an extensive track record across the software sector, will merge Verint with Calabrio to create one of the most comprehensive AI-powered customer experience platforms in the market.

Founded in 1994 as part of Comverse, once among Israel’s high-tech giants, Verint initially focused on surveillance before expanding into customer relationship software. After spinning off its security division as Cognyte, the company today employs around 3,800 people globally, with about 200 based in Israel, primarily in R&D.

Jones Day advised Verint Systems, with Meitar advising as Israeli counsel – its team comprising Dan Shamgar, Keren Shitrit, Tal Farber, and Dana Yagur.

Kirkland & Ellis acted for buyer Thomas Bravo, with Goldfarb Gross Seligman acting as Israeli counsel.

Latham & Watkins represented the financing sources in the transaction.

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First, founders remain the most decisive factor—investors seek grit, adaptability, vision, and deep domain expertise.

Second, competitive advantage has shifted away from traditional moats toward exclusive data, workflow innovation, defensible IP, and product-led growth.

Third, capital discipline matters more than ever: investors expect ambitious outcomes such as USD 1 million in annual recurring revenue from USD 1 million in pre-seed capital within 12–18 months, while maintaining strong margins and cost control.

Fourth, AI companies must target meaningful challenges in regulated or legacy industries—like healthcare, logistics, and defense—positioning AI as a horizontal capability integrated across sectors.

Finally, true AI-native businesses design their products and strategies around AI from the ground up, solving problems that inherently require the technology and scaling globally with agility.

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