Branded under the theme Startup Nation Meets the Scale-Up State, the conference will convene U.S. and Israeli government leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs to turn innovation, capital, and policy into real economic outcomes. As the world’s eighth-largest economy, Texas offers a powerful platform for Israeli companies seeking to scale in the U.S., and Unicorn Rodeo is designed as a first-of-its-kind bridge between Israel’s innovation engine and Texas’s business and scale-up ecosystem.
Inbar Ashkenazi, CEO of The Jerusalem Post, said, “Unicorn Rodeo marks an important milestone for The Jerusalem Post Group, reinforcing our role as a global platform for dialogue and influence around innovation, energy, industry, and economic growth. Together with the Texas-Israel Alliance, we are connecting Israeli innovation with one of the most dynamic markets in the United States.”
Livia Link-Raviv, Israeli Consul General to the Southwest, highlighted the conference’s role in strengthening bilateral ties, "Texas and Israel enjoy a unique and strong partnership spanning multiple sectors, built upon shared values, entrepreneurial spirit and a 'can do' attitude. Our compatible economies offer a strong match, with Texas quickly becoming a natural gateway for Israeli companies seeking expansion into the U.S. In this sense, Unicorn Rodeo is a perfect showcase of how focused partnerships can accelerate innovation and deepen the relations between us."
Doug Deason, Chairman of the Texas-Israel Alliance and Texas businessman and civic leader, added, “Texas’s business culture and ability to scale companies, combined with Israeli technological excellence and a proven track record of producing unicorns, companies valued at $1 billion or more, create a rare advantage. Unicorn Rodeo brings those forces together, and we believe the economic impact will be meaningful and long-lasting for both Texas and Israel.”
The event also reflects the evolution of the Texas-Israel Alliance since its founding in 2007. David Wiessman, founder of the Alliance and controlling owner and Executive Chairman of Sonol, said, “We founded the Alliance with the belief that Texas and Israel could be powerful economic partners. It is exciting to see that vision evolve and to help launch a conference that brings it into a new era of scale and opportunity.”
For the Alliance’s current leadership, Unicorn Rodeo advances a clear long-term mission. Tal Shmueli, Partner at Texas Venture Partners and Executive Director of the Texas-Israel Alliance, said, “Thanks to its business environment and strong alignment of values, Texas is emerging as the number one expansion destination for Israel-founded companies. We are well on our way to meeting our goal of bringing 100 Israeli companies to the Lone Star State over the next decade.”
Reflecting on the depth and durability of the relationship, George Seay, board member and former chairman of the Texas-Israel Alliance, said, “The Texas–Israel relationship is rooted in shared history, values, and a belief in free enterprise and opportunity. The future potential is far greater, and we are committed to seeing trade, commerce, and economic ties continue to grow in the years ahead.”
Focused on AI, Health, Energy, and Defense, Unicorn Rodeo will feature a full program of panels and keynote conversations with industry leaders from Israel and the United States, as well as a welcome reception, “reverse pitches” from Texas-based investors, and a closing party. Only 300 tickets will be available; those interested in attending are invited to register for pre-sale access at unicornrodeo.org.