TLDR:
Key Points:
- Shmil Levy, a former partner at Sequoia Capital, discusses his unconventional route to becoming a leading venture capitalist
- Levy emphasizes the importance of integrating ultra-Orthodox men into Israeli high-tech industry
In an in-depth interview, Shmil Levy, a veteran of the Israeli venture capital legend, discusses his journey from growing up in a working-class family in Be’er Sheva to becoming a key figure in the venture capital industry in Israel. Levy founded the Israeli branch of Sequoia Capital during a difficult period in local high-tech history and saw impressive successes with investments in companies like Adallom, Lemonade, and Moovit.
Levy’s efforts to integrate ultra-Orthodox men into high-tech through programs like JBH and RavTech highlight his commitment to giving back to his country and addressing societal challenges. While Sequoia closed its Israeli branch in 2016, Levy continues to invest as an angel and remains involved in companies like Aim Security and Clarity that focus on utilizing AI to prevent abuse of technology.
Levy’s insights on the industry, investment strategies, and reflections on life at 70 provide a unique perspective on the evolving landscape of venture capital and the importance of making meaningful contributions beyond financial gains.
