'Deals happen outside meetings': Hakibbutz unveils first Israeli startup home in New York City

On July 20, 2026, Israeli startup incubator Hakibbutz officially launched its first physical presence in New York City, marking a milestone for the growing Israeli tech community in the United States. The initiative, unveiled in Chelsea, Manhattan, aims to serve as a centralized hub for Israeli startups, investors, and corporate entities operating in the city. The location, strategically chosen within one of New York’s most vibrant tech districts, is intended to foster collaboration and accelerate growth among Israeli-founded companies. Hakibbutz, founded by Amir Wolner, emphasized that the project goes beyond traditional office spaces. “We didn’t want to build just another office space,” Wolner stated. “We wanted to create a place that people and companies genuinely want to be part of.” The concept reflects a broader shift in how modern workplaces are perceived, no longer confined to physical walls, but shaped by networks, shared values, and collective innovation. According to Wolner, the model developed in Israel has proven successful, and extending it to New York aligns with the evolving nature of global entrepreneurship. The initiative is a joint effort with Israeli Mapped in NY, an organization that tracks and supports the Israeli tech presence in the U.S. Currently, 470 Israeli startups operate in New York City, along with numerous venture capital firms, investors, and multinational corporations. This figure represents a dramatic increase from the early days of the Israeli tech diaspora in the city, when only 56 such companies existed. Guy Franklin, founder of Israeli Mapped in NY, noted that this growth signals the maturity of the sector. “Once you have nearly 470 Israeli startups in New York, it’s time they have a home,” Franklin said. His comments underscored the significance of the new space as both a practical resource and a symbolic milestone. Among the initial participants in the project is Zafran Security, a cybersecurity company that has already established its presence in New York. Additional startups are expected to join in the coming months, further expanding the network. The facility is designed to function as a dynamic environment where founders, investors, and corporate representatives can interact, share ideas, and forge partnerships. It will host regular events throughout the year aimed at attracting more startups and supporting existing ones in their expansion efforts. The choice of Chelsea as the location for Hakibbutz NYC was deliberate. Known for its concentration of tech firms, creative industries, and innovative startups, the neighborhood offers a fertile ground for cross-industry collaboration. The site is positioned to become a go-to destination for anyone involved in the Israeli-American tech ecosystem, whether they are launching a new venture, seeking investment, or exploring strategic alliances. Franklin described the new space as essential for streamlining the integration process for Israeli companies entering the New York market. “Our goal is that no Israeli company arriving in New York should have to start from scratch,” he said. “Instead, they should be able to immediately connect with a network of founders, investors, customers, and business partners.” This vision extends beyond immediate logistical support, it seeks to cultivate long-term relationships and opportunities that benefit all stakeholders. Looking ahead, Hakibbutz plans to continue expanding its footprint in New York, with ongoing initiatives focused on strengthening ties between Israeli and American tech communities. The success of the project could set a precedent for future ventures, reinforcing New York’s role as a critical node in the global tech landscape. As the startup scene continues to evolve, the presence of Hakibbutz in the city stands as a tangible example of how collaborative ecosystems can drive innovation and economic growth.