Chemi Peres is building a safety net for civil society
Chemi Peres, co-founder of the Pitango fund, presented a concept for Israel's development based on innovation and mutual responsibility. He emphasized the importance of preparing for future crises by strengthening civil society institutions.
In an episode of the Re:Israel podcast from Reichman University and Calcalist, Dr. Yossi Maaravi, Dean of the Adelson School of Entrepreneurship, together with student Maayan Shanir, hosted Chemi Peres, co-founder and managing partner of the Pitango fund and chairman of the executive committee of the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation. In the conversation, Peres presented a concept that combines innovation, civil society, and mutual responsibility as tools for dealing with future crises.
Read, learn, and open up to the world
In the "You won't read this on Wikipedia" segment, Chemi Peres shared that he starts his morning by reading a chapter of the Tanakh as part of the 929 project, and is already in his second reading cycle. This connection also led him to publish the book "Mi Israel" (Who am I - Israel), in which 70 Israelis chose a place in the country that symbolizes Israel for them. To the younger generation, he suggests three things: read books and do not settle for short texts; acquire thinking tools and methodologies in academia, even if the field of study itself changes later; and be exposed to the world. According to him, relocation is not necessarily a "brain drain," but can be a "circulation of thought" that broadens horizons and brings more experienced and mature people back to Israel.
In investments - people before numbers
After more than 35 years in the venture capital world and hundreds of investments, Peres still puts human capital first. "In the early stages, you must not give up on the human factor," he said. "I look for entrepreneurs with vision, values, and the ability to withstand changes and shocks." According to him, a good company is built not only from goals and numbers, but also from purpose, values, the right partners, and the right deal structure.
Israel lives in the present - and is not preparing for the future
Chemi Peres identifies a structural weakness in Israel: intense preoccupation with the present and the past, alongside too little systematic thinking about the future. The result is high vulnerability to "shock waves." During the coronavirus, for example, entire businesses found themselves without income within weeks. In his view, civil society can react faster than heavy government systems. The next shock wave is already happening in the labor market. Artificial intelligence allows companies to grow without increasing manpower, and in some cases even to reduce it. Therefore, according to Peres, Israel needs infrastructures that identify in advance which professions are at risk and prepare solutions even before the crisis.
Identify the crisis - and build a safety net
For this purpose, the "Future System" is already operating at the Peres Center, which brings together experts from academia, industry, and government to identify scenarios and warning signals. Within this framework, together with Daniel Schreiber, CEO of Lemonade, the Mosaic Institute was established, focusing on employment challenges in the AI era. Alongside this, Peres promotes the Israeli Fund for Mutual Responsibility - a flexible civil platform that was born during the coronavirus period. At that time, the fund raised 22.5 million shekels and helped about 9,200 households. The model is based on anonymous giving and simple mechanisms that also allow employees to donate work hours or vacation days. Instead of waiting for requests from the public, the fund locates those affected through local authorities, labor unions, and aid organizations.
Not "equality in the burden" - but participation in carrying it
In a conversation about civil and military service, Peres said that he does not believe in the concept of "equality in the burden," because it is impossible to compare someone who risks his life as a combat soldier with someone who contributes in other ways. According to him, it is more correct to talk about the fact that everyone should take part in carrying the burden according to their ability. In this context, he expressed support for Haredi Hesder yeshivas, which allow young Haredim to maintain their lifestyle, serve, and later integrate into the labor market. In his view, Israel's resilience depends on the ability to connect different groups into one social fabric.
Build "giraffes," not just unicorns
Peres also calls for a change in ambitions in Israeli high-tech. After the era of exits and unicorns, he suggests aiming for "giraffes" - large, stable, and long-term companies that are built from within Israel. "Do not just look for the quick exit," he said. "Build giant companies with patience, values, and a long-term vision." Such companies, according to him, will strengthen Israel not only economically but will also give it power and influence in the international arena. Peres concluded the conversation with an optimistic message: "I believe less in governments and more in the people of Israel." According to him, October 7th illustrated the power of civil society to mobilize quickly in times of crisis. "We don't have a plan B. You must not despair and you must not be afraid. Our strength is in the spirit, in mutual responsibility, and in our ability to be together."
