Yasmin Lukach Opens Up About Her Biggest Business Regret and Tech
Venture capitalist and Shark Tank star Yasmin Lukach reflects on her career, Israel's global tech standing, and the painful missed startup investments that still haunt her.
Yasmin Lukach, the prominent Israeli venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and star of the reality TV show "The Sharks" on Keshet 12, recently opened up about her career, her family, and the missed investment opportunities that still haunt her. Known widely as the stepdaughter of the late business tycoon Sheldon Adelson and daughter of Dr. Miriam Adelson, Lukach has carved out a distinct path in the tech ecosystem.
Career and Global Standing
Beyond her television appearances, Lukach founded ICON (Israel Collaboration Network), connecting Israeli tech entrepreneurs with Silicon Valley executives, and launched Code for Israel, a volunteer network developing technological solutions for social challenges. In a candid interview with local media, she addressed Israel's standing abroad following the October 7 massacre and regional conflicts. "There is no doubt that Israel's standing has been affected," Lukach acknowledged. "There is more criticism, some refusal to work with Israeli companies, and a palpable rise in antisemitism. However, it is vital to remember that Israeli high-tech remains among the global leaders, ranking second only to the United States. I see incredible reliance on Israeli tech by industry executives, proving massive enduring interest." Reflecting on her youth when her mother married Sheldon Adelson, she added, "I gained a happy mother and a devoted, loving stepfather. That is what mattered most to me."
The Pain of Missed Investments
Turning to the darker side of venture capital, Lukach revealed her most painful professional regrets: the ventures she walked away from. "The failures that sting the most are actually the investments I did not make," she confessed. "This is characteristic of venture capital. There are at least two Israeli startups I encountered in their early stages and decided not to back, and they turned into massive success stories. I will not name them, but every now and then I do the math in my head, and it hurts."
