Once upon a time, relocation to the United States was the dream of many an Israeli high-tech employee, but as Israel’s tech sector has boomed, salaries have soared and a shortage of engineers has held back growth, the tables have turned: Now an Israeli company is trying to lure American tech workers to relocate to Tel Aviv.
Eran Shir, founder 0f Nexar, a startup that has developed a dashcam recording app that uses artificial intelligence to analyze road conditions and warn drivers of hazards in real time, as well as recording traffic incidents, called this week on the company’s blog, for people to come and “work hard and play hard in Tel Aviv.”
Nexar is offering a generous relocation package to tempt Android and iOS engineers, algorithm developers and product designers to come and work in Israel for a year or more.
The package includes a relocation bonus of up to $20K, a yearly round trip flight home, apartment hunting assistance, six weeks free housing, help finding schools and Hebrew tutoring for those interested, as well as assistance from an accountant who understands US and Israeli tax laws.
But Nexar isn’t just tempting employees with financial remuneration, it is selling Tel Aviv as a top lifestyle and tech destination.
“If you’re into startups, you should come to Tel Aviv,” writes Shir. “It’s that simple. Perhaps you’re in SFF, or NYC, or Boulder or London. They’re all fine choices and there are some cool companies there, but there’s nothing like Tel Aviv right now. The combination of amazing quality of life, great concentration of talent, and most importantly, life missions that actually matter — real attempts to change the world for the better, and not just become rich — that’s where Tel Aviv excels.”
And, Shir continues, Tel Aviv has “over 300 days of sun a year and miles of sandy beaches,” a food culture that is “off the hook,” reflecting the city’s “incredibly diverse” roots, as well as being famous for its party scene. “Whatever floats your boat, you’ll find it in Tel Aviv,” writes Shir.
You don’t need to be Jewish to apply, Shir notes. “Everyone is welcome,” and those not eligible can do so via a government sponsored tech-visa.
Shir is calling for more Israeli startups to join his relocation initiative and as Israel’s high-tech sector continues to blossom, you can bet Nexar won’t be the last company to try and tempt engineers from the Land of Opportunity to tech’s Promised Land.