Bridging Cultures: The Human Factor at the Heart of Entrepreneurship

At our Bridge Point Summit 2026, we had the chance to talk with one of the most compelling figures in Israel's startup ecosystem — Hilla Ovil-Brenner. In an atmosphere where Hebrew, Russian, and English all intersect, we discussed what truly lies behind a successful business — and why technology is only the tip of the iceberg.

Who Is Hilla Ovil-Brenner?

• Hilla Ovil-Brenner is an iconic figure in the world of technology and investment.
• She is a serial entrepreneur who has founded several companies, including WhiteSmoke, which went public.
• Hilla is known as the founder of Yazamiyot, Israel's largest community for women entrepreneurs, with thousands of members.
• For several years she led the Barclays accelerator in Tel Aviv (in partnership with Techstars), helping dozens of startups reach the global stage.

The Energy That Creates

The Bridge Point Summit 2026 became a unique platform for bringing together three business cultures: Hebrew-speaking, Russian-speaking, and English-speaking. Asked how she can spot a startup's potential within minutes, Hilla answers without hesitation: it's not just about the idea — it's about "the joy of life" (Simcha Chaim).

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"There are people who literally radiate energy. Those are the best entrepreneurs," she notes.

In Hilla's view, it's precisely that inner glow and drive that separates a merely good project from a genuine human connection — the kind that long-term success is actually built on.

Business Is, Above All, People

For those just starting out, Hilla has one core piece of advice: recognize the value of human relationships. As big a role as technology plays, it remains nothing more than a tool.

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"Working with people is the single most important thing in business," Hilla emphasizes.

She points out that investors aren't putting their money into lines of code — they're investing in people. Sales and partnerships, too, are built on trust and personal contact.

A Woman's Path in a "Man's Game"

Discussing the challenges women face in the startup world, Hilla acknowledges that the rules of the game still tend to be set by men. In her observation, women are often more cautious when it comes to risk.

One of the biggest ongoing challenges is balancing career and family. Taking maternity leave at a stage when a startup is moving at full speed can set a founder back by years. Still, Hilla emphasizes that despite these barriers, women make exceptional leaders, with management skills all their own.

The Spirit of Bridge Point

Hilla believes the most important "bridge point" we need to build between people today is a sense of community and shared destiny.

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"I feel like everything we need is in this room: unity and partnership," she shared, reflecting on the summit, while praising the organizers' work and the special atmosphere that brought together participants from such different cultural backgrounds.

Closing the conversation, Hilla expressed how glad she was to take part in the event and wished every entrepreneur success on their shared journey.