By Shahar Masoori

SAN DIEGO — Working as both an entrepreneur and an employee in Israel and the U.S., I’ve had the luxury of benefiting from two very different approaches that shaped my thinking. In Israel, I ran successful restaurants and entertainment businesses while working with innovative people and enjoying a culture that was open to ideas regardless of position.
When I first moved to the US, I got a job at a well-known company. As an Israeli, I immediately tried to improve my working conditions and maximize the profits of the company that hired me. At the time, I didn’t realize that there was a certain hierarchy to follow when working in the US. As a new immigrant, I didn’t realize that my “suggestions” would not be accepted as is. I went straight to the top and was crushed. Long story short, I was told that it was not appropriate for me to approach a senior director from my position, even though all my ideas were adopted and the credit went to that senior director.
In Israel, it didn’t matter what level I was at or what position I held. Good ideas were always welcomed. The emphasis was on healthy collaboration, not on who I was. And it usually worked. I felt like I was freer to express myself in Israel than I was in the US. A lot has happened since then, and I feel like I have a more well-rounded view of innovation, business approaches, and entrepreneurship.
When we think of innovation and entrepreneurship, two countries come to mind: the United States and Israel. Both countries are powerhouses of creativity, risk-taking, and technological advancement. The United States, home to the famous Silicon Valley, is a global leader in technology and startup culture. Israel, often referred to as the “Startup Nation,” has the most startups per capita in the world. Despite their geographic and cultural differences, there are interesting similarities and differences in how the two countries approach innovation and entrepreneurship.
American entrepreneurship is legendary. The United States is a land of great opportunity, where big dreams and bold actions are celebrated. This spirit is epitomized in Silicon Valley, a place where garage startups can become global powerhouses. Companies like Apple, Google, Amazon, and Facebook began as small ventures and have grown into some of the most influential companies in the world.
In the United States, taking risks is often seen as a badge of honor. Failure is seen as a learning experience, not something to be ashamed of. This attitude encourages entrepreneurs to take bold steps, without being stopped by the fear of failure. Entrepreneurs in the United States also have access to abundant venture capital. Investors in Silicon Valley and elsewhere are happy to pour money into promising startups, providing the financial backing needed to turn innovative ideas into reality. Additionally, the United States is home to a number of world-class universities, making it a hotbed of innovation. Educational institutions such as MIT, Stanford, and Harvard provide an environment where creativity and entrepreneurial spirit are an integral part of the educational experience.
Israel’s emergence as a “startup nation” is nothing short of amazing. Despite its small size and challenging geopolitical environment, Israel has managed to create a vibrant ecosystem for startups and technological innovation. The Yiddish word for “startup” – meaning bold or courageous – is impudent These are the characteristics of Israeli entrepreneurs: they are bold, outspoken and known for not taking “no” for an answer – this attitude drives their relentless pursuit of innovation and success.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) plays a key role in shaping the country’s entrepreneurial environment. Many Israeli entrepreneurs are former soldiers who acquired valuable skills in leadership, technology, and problem-solving during their military service. Units such as the elite 8200 Cyber Intelligence Unit are known for producing particularly tech-savvy entrepreneurs. Additionally, Israel’s scarce natural resources foster a culture of ingenuity and resourcefulness. Israeli startups often focus on solving real-world problems with practical, scalable solutions, especially in areas such as water conservation, cybersecurity, and medical technology.
Despite their different cultural backgrounds, the US and Israeli approaches to innovation and entrepreneurship share some similarities. Both countries emphasize technology as a driver of innovation. Whether it’s software giants in Silicon Valley or cybersecurity companies in Israel, technology is at the heart of the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Both countries have supportive environments for startups, including access to capital, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Incubators, accelerators, and co-working spaces are plentiful, providing the infrastructure startups need to thrive. US and Israeli entrepreneurs often think globally from the start. They are acutely aware of international markets and aim to create products and services that can succeed on a global scale.
While the core elements of innovation and entrepreneurship are similar, there are notable differences in scale and style between the two countries. The US has a large domestic market, which allows startups to easily scale domestically before expanding abroad. In contrast, Israel’s small domestic market forces startups to think globally from day one, often seeking international partnerships and markets for growth.
American entrepreneurs tend to be sophisticated, outgoing, and focused on building extensive networks and leveraging social capital. Israeli entrepreneurs tend to be impudentare likely to be direct and assertive in their interactions, which can be both a strength and a challenge when doing international business.
American and Israeli entrepreneurs have a lot to learn from each other. The American emphasis on scale, diplomacy, and access to capital offers valuable lessons for Israeli startups looking to expand. Conversely, Israeli culture impudentmilitary-inspired discipline, and resourcefulness can inspire American entrepreneurs to be bolder and more inventive.
Ultimately, the key to successful innovation and entrepreneurship lies in a combination of bold vision, practical execution, and a willingness to take risk. Whether in Silicon Valley or the bustling streets of Tel Aviv, entrepreneurship thrives and is driving the next generation of technological and social progress.
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Shahar Masoli grew up in Hadera, Israel and moved to San Diego in 2000 where he helped start a balloon decorating business and raised his two sons.