The business seminar was officially opened by Ms. Tal Ben-Ari Yaalon, Chargé d'Affaires of the Israeli Embassy in Poland, and Mateusz Komorowski, Founder and President of the International Institute of Civil Society. The meeting discussed issues related to opportunities for startups, international cooperation and the creation of global partnerships, and rebuilding business after the pandemic crisis.

Tal Catran - dubbed the “Accelerators Guru” - is an internationally respected startup expert, speaker at numerous TEDx conferences, Senior Marketing and Business Development Consultant, experienced CEO and management and business mentor and coach.

During the meeting, he gave valuable advice to startup owners and their potential investors. “In every startup you need a person who has a clear vision,” the coach said. Talking about vision Catran said: “My vision, as that of many Israelis, is to share with you all the knowledge we have in this area.”

The importance of the term “accelerator” in startup culture is immense. According to the definition, an accelerator is generally a program designed for startups. Tal Catran explained that in his accelerator program there is a transfer of information that is not related to technology, but it places a significant importance on the business side of startups.

Tal Catran launched his first accelerator in 2012 and is the third person to run an accelerator program in Israel. He recently established his 18th accelerator in Azerbaijan. Tal Catran is one of the biggest  private accelerator operators in the world and many startups are now graduating from his accelerator programs.

A business mentor said: “Money is not a guarantee of success, the people sitting here are a better guarantee of success than money.” In addition to these issues, according to Tal Catran, one of the most important elements of startup culture is technology. Catran stressed that “Imagination is now chasing technology.” In addition, he said that network, management skills and business connections that businessmen have are the most important values for those who manage startups. By saying ”teach them what you know, and they'll give you a technology you don't know how to invent,” he demonstrated the importance of networking between business and startup communities.

The seminar culminated in a lively discussion and questions asked by the attendees.