Research led by Prof. Ilya Strebulaev Strebulaev from Stanford University, in collaboration with the Venture Capital Initiative and Stanford Graduate School of Business, reveals that Tel Aviv University stands out among non-U.S. universities for producing the highest number of unicorns from its alumni and employees. With an impressive count of 31 unicorns founded by its graduates, TAU reaffirms its position as a top hub for entrepreneurial talent beyond the borders of the USA. 🦄
Analysis of recent data shows that Tel Aviv University emerges as the leader among non-U.S. universities in terms of the quantity of US-based venture capital-backed unicorns initiated by its alumni. The study examined 1,100 U.S.-based VC-backed companies that achieved unicorn status between 1997 and 2021, showcasing TAU's remarkable entrepreneurial impact on a global scale.
Tel Aviv University, home to over 30,000 students, boasts a vibrant and diverse community known for its innovative spirit and groundbreaking interdisciplinary solutions. 🌍🚀
Following the events of October 7, Prof. Moshe Zviran, Chief Entrepreneurship and Innovation Officer at TAU, highlights the university's resilience amidst challenges faced by the nation and the institution. "Although we postponed the beginning of the academic year, we ultimately initiated it, striving to maintain normalcy while providing extra support for those in need," he conveyed to CTech. "This involves fostering entrepreneurial endeavors... However, it's important to acknowledge that the situation is still ongoing."
TAU's alumni's achievement is even more impressive when considering Israel's turbulent year, marked by domestic turmoil such as the ongoing judicial reform protests at the beginning of 2023 and the war with Hamas that engulfed the country at the end of the year. Since October 2023, around 15% of Startup Nation has been affected by the conflict, with thousands of entrepreneurs, CEOs, and investors now involved in the conflict - a number that rises to 20% among TAU students.
Prof. Moshe Zviran: “We're trying to do things as usual, which means students who are already on campus taking courses can also participate in entrepreneurial activities and so on. But the impact is pretty much dramatic because there are no investments in Israeli high-tech at this point.” He continued: “I strongly believe we will prevail and eventually, we'll become much better than we were".
Tel Aviv University's Entrepreneurship Center
Tel Aviv University - Coller School of Management
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