The people
behind the programme.

Eric Bentov is the co-founder and Managing Director of Arieli Capital LLC. As a serial entrepreneur and seasoned investor, he has built a long track record of establishing global innovation centers and tech programs, an investment portfolio together with an opportunistic investment approach.

Focusing on both the governmental and private markets.Eric brings a unique skill set and leadership to Arieli’s partners and entrepreneurs. Focusing on impact investing and value addition, Eric is serving as a board member in multiple companies.These include Breath of Health and Terrific, two of Arieli’s portfolio companies where he led the investments. Based in Miami and Tel Aviv, and a father of 5 amazing kids.

Brings over 17 years of experience in early-stage tech ecosystems from Silicon Valley and Israel.As head of Arieli Ventures, works with leading banks, industry brands, governments, and academia.

Leads the creation and growth of early-stage ecosystems and investment platforms, generating high net-worth portfolios and investment opportunities. Responsible for building and leading some of Israel’s fastest-growing innovation ecosystems and innovation centers.

Hilla Ovil-Brenner is a renowned serial entrepreneur, investor, and mentor, with a wealth of experience and a proven track record in fundraising, fostering innovation, and entrepreneurship.

She is the founder and CEO of Yazamiyot, Israel’s largest platform for female entrepreneurs operating various international programs. As a prominent leader in the startup ecosystem, she iscommitted to nurturing diverse talent and creating inclusive opportunities in the tech industry.Previously, Hilla successfully founded three companies, including WhiteSmoke, which was listed on the TASE. In her previous role, she was the Managing Director of Techstars Tel Aviv, leading multiple investment processes. Hila has further highlighted her leadership while championing innovative solutions and investments.

Eyal is an experienced IT industry and FinTech General Manager, with a diverse background on large enterprise and startups. his expertise encompasses focus on innovation, digital and business transformations.

Eyal served as TCS Israel (TATA Consultancy Services) CEO between 2012-2022. Before joining TCS Eyal was a Co-founder of two startups. One is in the DeepTech domain the other in FinTech.Eyal was responsible for Chosen by the Israeli MOF to spearhead the transformation of the banking sector by establishing the banking-service-bureau which recommended by the Strom committee.

Entrepreneur and investor with a focus on ethical media, digital transformation and open web.

He is the founder of Upgrade 100, a hybrid media and events platform focused on tech disruption and digital transformation, established in 2010. He is also the main shareholder of Thinkdigital, a Bucharest-based digital media network, since 2012.Additionally, he is actively involved in two prominent NGOs, serving as the elected president of BRAT (the Romanian Bureau for Transmedia Audit) since 2018 and as the initiator of the Ethical Media Alliance, a non-profit organization supporting journalistic startups, founded in 2022.He is a former journalist, today an active public figure advocating for technologies with a positive social impact.

With a passion for problem-solving and peer connection, she embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship and community-building.

With a keen understanding of the needs and priorities of both businesses and tech enthusiasts, Monica is focused on facilitating meaningful connections and driving tangible outcomes. Whether it’s building something from scratch, solving complex challenges, or simply fostering engaging conversations, Monica’s approach is characterized by passion, insight, and a commitment to excellence.

Previously Partner with Gecad Ventures and entrepreneur (founded and exited Conectoo, an enterprise email marketing service), he was involved with Springboard, MVP Academy, MVP Angels, TechHub Bucharest, and 3TS Capital Partners.

General Partner of Underline Ventures, a venture capital firm that partners at the earliest stages with Eastern European founders building high-growth startups with global ambitions. Founder of the How to Web Conference, one of Europe’s leading startup and innovation events, Bogdan is advising early-stage startups on raising capital, building useful products, or crafting great pitch decks.

With over 20 years of banking experience and a particular focus on team growth, innovation, digital, and agile transformation, Bogdan Popa has been Vice President Operations & IT at Raiffeisen Bank Romania since 2017.

As a member of the Executive Board, he oversees the bank’s IT, Operations, Security, Procurement, and Facility Management. Previously, he served as Chief Financial Officer (2013-2017) and Head of Finance & Accounting. He is also a member of the Supervisory Board of Raiffeisen Processing Center in Bratislava, Slovakia.Bogdan Popa started his career in 1998 as a trainee at Caixa Geral de Depositos. Following that, he worked as a teaching assistant at “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University in Iași before joining Arthur Andersen in 1999. Since 2002, he has been part of the Raiffeisen Bank team, where he took on various roles, including Head of ALM and Head of Balance Sheet & Portfolio Management. He was also a non-executive board member for Raiffeisen Asset Management and Raiffeisen Leasing Romania IFN SA.Throughout his career, Bogdan has demonstrated strong leadership skills in finance, accounting, and operations management, and has played a key role in the digital transformation of Raiffeisen Bank Romania’s operations.Bogdan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Banking & Finance from the “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University in Iași, graduated in 1998, and completed postgraduate studies in Finance. He also attended the Strategy in the Age of Digital Disruption program at INSEAD.

With a MBA from London School of Business and Finance and an Executive Program from Harvard Kennedy School of Government, she brings over a decade of experience in business management and market strategy.

Since 2013, she has dealt with the subject of the digital revolution and its impact on individual companies and brands. She has been conducting research in digital transformation, fintech, social sciences, future of retail and innovation and also taking the lead in delivering talks on future of humanity, AI, gender in tech, digital behavior/ psychology.

Multifaceted expert, passionate about driving company growth through creative and diverse strategies. Self-driven professional, focus on translating brand vision into tangible results.

Managed diverse marketing fields including social media, operation, growth and partnerships.Experienced in graphic design and a former Growth Marketing & Partnership Manager at a seed stage start-up.

Devoted to assisting start-ups in generating positive global impact, one idea at a time. Consult start-ups on their business model, GTM strategy, storytelling, and fundraising strategies.

Coordinates the precise timing to connect promising start-ups with international corporate partners, advisors, and investors.