Unicorns Aren’t Born—They’re Built: Renana Ashkenazi Joins ‘Finding the Next Unicorn’ Panel
What does it take to turn an early-stage startup into a billion-dollar company? The journey from idea to unicorn status is anything but straightforward, requiring resilience, the right market conditions, strategic execution, and the backing of investors who do more than just write checks. At Finding the Next Unicorn, Renana Ashkenazi, General Partner at Grove Ventures, joined a distinguished panel of investors to discuss the key ingredients for building high-growth, category-defining companies. The event, hosted by Fusion VC and Specks of Light, brought together some of the brightest minds in venture capital to explore the realities of scaling startups.
More Than Capital: The Role of Investors in Startup Success
During the conversation, panelists emphasized that venture capital is not just about funding—it’s about partnership. Investors play a critical role in helping founders navigate challenges, anticipate roadblocks, and build a scalable, sustainable business. While capital is necessary, the true value comes from hands-on guidance, strategic networking, and an unwavering belief in the founders’ vision.
Moderated by Guy Lachmann, the discussion featured insights from leading investors:
- Shahar Tzafrir (TLV Partners) – sharing perspectives on market timing and growth strategies
- Ohad Gliksman (5 Eyes) – emphasizing the importance of founder resilience and adaptability
- Nofar Amikam (Glilot Capital Partners) – highlighting key factors in identifying and nurturing high-potential startups
Finally, the panelists agreed that finding the right mix of founders, investors, market opportunity, and execution strategy is what truly makes the difference between a startup that fizzles out and one that scales to unicorn status.
A Thriving Ecosystem for the Next Big Thing
In summary, events like Finding the Next Unicorn are vital for fostering discussions that shape the future of the startup ecosystem. They provide a space for entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders to connect, exchange ideas, and gain actionable insights into what it takes to build the next game-changing company.
A huge thank you to Or Azulay, Guy Katsovich, Pearl Cohen, and everyone who made this event possible!
Photo credit: Tali Talmid Flax
Hosted by: Fusion VC & Specks of Light