CTech's Monday Roundup of Israeli Tech News

PepsiCo buys SodaStream for $3.2 billion to grow wholesome portfolio; Saar Wilf’s bid to rid the world of clunky online payments

PepsiCo buys SodaStream for $3.2 billion to grow wholesome portfolio. PepsiCo has committed to keeping SodaStream's manufacturing facilities in Israel for a 15-year period. The companies announced the acquisition, which will see the Israeli company become a wholly-owned subsidiary, on Monday. Read more

 

SodaStream factory. Photo: Reuters

 

Saar Wilf’s bid to rid the world of clunky online payments. Serial entrepreneur, investor, and semi-pro poker player Saar Wilf wants to overhaul the global payment system. He's banking on a digital currency called Q that you can get by simply registering as a user with your name and email, no charge. Read more

 

SoftWheel raises $25 million to reinvent the wheel. An investor in the round was Japan's Musashi Seimitsu, which also signed a strategic collaboration agreement with the Israeli company. Read more

 

Opinion | Diversity has a seat at my table. Dare to ask and do not take ‘no’ personally, venture capitalist Adi Levanon advises. Read more

 

News Briefs

 

Israeli regulator approves Elbit’s acquisition of Israeli arms manufacturer IMI. Read more

 

Under previous ownership, Tel Aviv exchange did not fulfill its purpose, says regulator. Read more

 

Ford to hold startup competition in Tel Aviv in September. Read more

 

Elbit Specialists to Serve as Mentors in HTC’s Israeli accelerator. Read more

 

LeumiTech brings in Mario De Lecce and John Bryson to head U.S. tech division. Read more