Western Investment Technology (WTI) is set to invest in Israel, a year after raising a new $700 million. WTI, which manages $3 billion, makes loans ranging from $250,000 to $30 million in technology companies.
WTI CEO Maurice Werdegar, venture partner Hagi Schwartz, and investment partner Jay Cohan are in Israel…
Schwartz has a thorough knowledge of the Israeli market and believes that WTI has potential here. "Israel was chosen as the first target in the world for our global expansion," he told "Globes". "There is a shortage of capital available for investment, and the debt tool could be an effective means for companies and their shareholders. There is little competition in Israel in the field of financial debt instruments for technology companies. I believe that there are good business opportunities for both sides."
"Globes": What kind of companies are you looking for in Israel?
Cohan: "We see our product as supplementing angels and venture capital funds. We have the financial means and skills to work with companies at every stage, and we're seeking good companies in Israel, too."
Werdegar: "We've been working on the most important thing for several months - getting a thorough knowledge of the local market. Israel has a thriving community of talented entrepreneurs, and we offer debt instruments. Today, more than ever, this could interest companies that do not want to raise more capital from current and new investors, and want to reach greater achievements with less money."
If you invest in start-ups, how are you different from venture capital funds?
"In our case, the loans are repaid, in contrast to venture capital funds. Our loss potential is small, but so is our profit potential. The objective is to invest in companies that will achieve big exits, because without them, we'll also find it difficult to see profits."
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on December 8, 2011
© Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2011