By Shahar Masori
SAN DIEGO — Working as both an entrepreneur and an employee in Israel and the US, I had the luxury of benefiting from two very different approaches that shaped my mindset. In Israel, I successfully managed a restaurant and ran an entertainment business, collaborating with innovative minds and enjoying a culture that embraced ideas regardless of one’s position.
When I first moved to the US, I took a job at a well-known company. Being an Israeli, I quickly tried to improve the working conditions and maximize the bottom line for the business I was hired for. Little did I know back then that there was a certain hierarchy to follow when working in the US. As a fresh immigrant, I did not realize that my “suggestions” would not be accepted in kind. I went straight to the top and was crushed. Long story short, I was told that it was not appropriate to approach the senior director from my position, even though all my ideas were used, with the credit going to that same senior director.
In Israel, it didn’t matter what level I was in or which position I held. A good idea was always welcomed. The emphasis was on healthy collaboration, not on who I was. It mostly worked well; it felt as though I had more freedom to express myself in Israel than in the US. A lot has happened since, and I do feel that I have a more rounded view to innovation, business approach and entrepreneurship.
When I think of innovation and entrepreneurship, two countries come to mind: the United States and Israel. Both nations are powerhouses of creativity, risk-taking, and technological advancement. The United States, with its famed Silicon Valley, is a global leader in technology and startup culture. Israel, often dubbed the “Startup Nation,” boasts the highest number of startups per capita worldwide. Despite their geographical and cultural differences, there are intriguing similarities and differences in how these two nations approach innovation and entrepreneurship.
The American entrepreneurial spirit is legendary. The United States is a land of vast opportunities, where big dreams and bold moves are celebrated. This spirit is epitomized in Silicon Valley, a place where garage startups can become global giants. Companies like Apple, Google, Amazon, and Facebook began as small ventures and have grown into some of the world’s most influential corporations.
In the U.S., taking risks is often seen as a badge of honor. Failure is not stigmatized but viewed as a learning experience. This attitude encourages entrepreneurs to take bold steps without the fear of failure holding them back. American entrepreneurs also have access to an abundance of venture capital. Investors in Silicon Valley and beyond are willing to pour money into promising startups, providing the financial support needed to turn innovative ideas into reality. Additionally, the U.S. is home to many of the world’s top universities, which serve as hotbeds of innovation. Institutions like MIT, Stanford, and Harvard provide an environment where creativity and entrepreneurship are integral parts of the educational experience.
Israel’s rise as the “Startup Nation” is nothing short of remarkable. Despite its small size and challenging geopolitical environment, Israel has managed to create a thriving ecosystem for startups and technological innovation. A Yiddish word that loosely translates to audacity or nerve, chutzpah is a defining characteristic of Israeli entrepreneurs. They are known for their boldness, directness, and unwillingness to accept “no” for an answer. This attitude drives innovation and a relentless pursuit of success.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) play a significant role in shaping the country’s entrepreneurial landscape. Many Israeli entrepreneurs are former soldiers who have learned valuable skills in leadership, technology, and problem-solving during their military service. Units like the elite 8200 cyber intelligence unit are particularly known for producing tech-savvy entrepreneurs. Moreover, Israel’s lack of natural resources has fostered a culture of ingenuity and resourcefulness. Israeli startups are often focused on solving real-world problems with practical and scalable solutions, particularly in sectors like water conservation, cybersecurity, and medical technology.
Despite their different cultural contexts, there are several similarities between American and Israeli approaches to innovation and entrepreneurship. Both nations place a strong emphasis on technology as a driver of innovation. Whether it’s Silicon Valley’s software giants or Israel’s cybersecurity firms, tech is at the heart of their entrepreneurial ecosystems. Both countries have developed supportive environments for startups, including access to funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Incubators, accelerators, and co-working spaces are abundant, providing the infrastructure necessary for startups to thrive. Entrepreneurs in both the U.S. and Israel often think globally from the outset. They are keenly aware of international markets and aim to create products and services that can succeed on a global scale.
While the core elements of innovation and entrepreneurship are similar, there are notable differences in scale and style between the two nations. The U.S. benefits from a large domestic market, which allows startups to scale more easily within the country before expanding internationally. In contrast, Israel’s small domestic market forces startups to think globally from day one, often seeking international partnerships and markets to grow.
American entrepreneurs tend to be polished and diplomatic, often focusing on building extensive networks and leveraging social capital. Israeli entrepreneurs, with their chutzpah, are more likely to be direct and assertive in their interactions, which can be both a strength and a challenge when navigating international business.
There is much that American and Israeli entrepreneurs can learn from each other. The American focus on scale, diplomacy, and access to capital can provide valuable lessons for Israeli startups looking to expand. Conversely, the Israeli culture of chutzpah, military-inspired discipline, and resourcefulness can inspire American entrepreneurs to be bolder and more inventive.
In the end, the key to successful innovation and entrepreneurship lies in a blend of bold vision, practical execution, and a willingness to take risks. Whether in Silicon Valley or the bustling streets of Tel Aviv, the spirit of entrepreneurship thrives, driving forward the next generation of technological and societal advancements.
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Shahar Masori was raised in Hadera, Israel, and immigrated to San Diego in 2000, where he helped build a balloon decor business and raised two sons.