Who we are

Who we are

Who we are

Founded in 2007 as the official state chamber connecting Texas and Israel, the Texas-Israel Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening economic ties between the two economies.

With the endorsement of Governor Rick Perry, we set out to forge lasting partnerships and drive innovation and economic growth for the mutual benefit of Texas and Israel.

Economic Development

Economic Development

Economic Development

Connecting Israel's high-tech ecosystem with Texas' economic might to create a powerhouse of growth and innovation.

Economic Development

Creating a two-way relationship for the creation of new ventures, expansion of existing ones and increased trade relations.

Innovation & Research

Access to Israeli innovation in AI, healthcare, defense and cybersecurity to supercharge Texas's industries and catalyze R&D projects.

Business

Business

Business

Thousands of miles apart, Texas and Israel have much in common. Both have company-building legacies, 

an appetite for innovation and entrepreneurship, a strong belief in freedom, liberty and the spirit of capitalism.

Thousands of miles apart, Texas and Israel have much in common. Both have company-building legacies, 

an appetite for innovation and entrepreneurship, a strong belief in freedom, liberty and the spirit of capitalism.

Thousands of miles apart, Texas and Israel have much in common. Both have company-building legacies, 

an appetite for innovation and entrepreneurship, a strong belief in freedom, liberty and the spirit of capitalism.

Market Access

As the world's 9th largest economy, Texas is fast becoming a viable alternative to to Silicon Valley and is recognized globally as a business-friendly state, making it a natural destination for Israelis.

Overlapping Interests

Israel accounts for only 0.1% of the world's population, and its tech ecosystem is ranked 3rd globally, thanks to its expertise in cyber, biotech, energy and AI innovations, among others.

Community

Community

Community

The COVID-19 pandemic had accelerated an already existing trend: since 2020, Israeli and Jewish founders, executives, operators and investors have decided to grow roots in Texas, validating the Lone Star State's position as an important ally to Israel.

The COVID-19 pandemic had accelerated an already existing trend: since 2020, Israeli and Jewish founders, executives, operators and investors have decided to grow roots in Texas, validating the Lone Star State's position as an important ally to Israel.

The COVID-19 pandemic had accelerated an already existing trend: since 2020, Israeli and Jewish founders, executives, operators and investors have decided to grow roots in Texas, validating the Lone Star State's position as an important ally to Israel.

Soft Landing

With thousands of Israeli, Jewish and Texas-based allies, the local community has developed a reputation for openness, helpfulness and generosity, making newcomers feel welcomed.

Rapid Growth

Thanks to deep integration with the local business and venture communities, Israeli businesses find a supportive home in Texas,
who is committed to their success.

Government Relations

Government Relations

Government Relations

A convergence of macro and micro trends has created a sense of shared destiny between Texas and Israel. The Alliance’s mission is to transform these shared values into actionable, high-impact state-level initiatives.

Policy Advocacy

Engaging with Texas policymakers to shape pro-business policies, secure funding for joint initiatives, and strengthen legislative support for Texas-Israel collaboration.

Investment Attraction

Working with state agencies to attract Israeli companies to establish U.S. operations in Texas, creating jobs and boosting the state’s economy.

Board of Directors

Board of Directors

Board of Directors

The Texas-Israel Alliance's Board of Directors is composed of prominent Texans and Israeli business leaders with a proven track record of entrepreneurial success.

Daniel Tobey

Chair of DLA Piper's Americas AI and Data Analytics Practice

A Dallas-born medical doctor and software founder, Danny chairs DLA Piper's AI & Data Analytics practice.

A Harvard, Yale, and UT Southwestern graduate, he was named Financial Times' Innovative Practitioner in 2023 and led Insider's 2022 list of top AI attorneys.

George Seay

Founder and Chairman
Annandale Capital

George Seay, a nationally recognized speaker, civic leader, and financial industry CEO, brings senior experience in government and GOP campaigns.

A University of Texas and SMU Law graduate, he earned top academic honors and served as President of the SMU Law Review Association.

David Wiessman

Executive Chairman
Sonol Energy

Founder of Texas-Israel Alliance, Mr. Wiessman, a veteran of the Israeli Air Force, has over 40 years of experience in the oil and retail industries in Israel and the U.S.

He is the controlling owner and Executive Chairman of Sonol and founded Alon USA Energy, which merged with Delek US Holdings in 2017.

Doug Deason

President, Deason Foundation and Deason Capital Services

Doug Deason is a Dallas-based leader advocating for criminal justice reform, education, and free enterprise. A former White House advisor, he collaborates with organizations like the Texas Public Policy Foundation to drive impactful change.

Wade Decker

President, Chairman of the Board

DMI Corp

Wade is a succeful entrepreneur and business leader, having founded DMI Corp, a top-rated Dallas mechanical contracting firm with over 200 employees.
He serves on multiple boards, holds patents in water technologies, and actively drives innovation and humanitarian efforts.

Raanan Horowitz

Board Director and Former CEO

Elbit Systems of America

Extensive expertise in business portfolio shaping, M&A, operational scaling, cultural transformation, leadership development, board formation, and corporate branding

Leadership

Leadership

Leadership

Our leadership has a proven track record in executing latre scale projects and had won the trust of the business and scientific communities in Texas and Israel.

Tal Shmueli

CEO

Partner & COO,
Texas Venture Partners

Tal is the co-founder, Partner and COO of Texas Venture Partners, a $50M venture fund investing in Israeli defense tech startups and helps them break into the U.S. market.

Previously, Tal founded a VC-backed AI startup, led LinkedIn's expansion into Israel and served in the IDF Special Forces (401st Ranger Patrol).

Michael Leslie

Director of Operations

Texas Army National Guard (Ret), Communications Expert

Native-Texan, retired Texas Army National Guard supporting Operations in Iraqi and Afghanistan, multiple Texas disaster relief efforts and counternarcotics missions on the border.

A passionate Texan, Michael joined The Alliance recognizing it as an impactful platform to foster business and entrepreneurial success.

Contact Us

Contact Us

Contact Us

Whether you're a business leader, investor, policymaker, or researcher, we’d love to hear from you.

Use this form to inquire about partnerships, investment opportunities, or upcoming events.

Texas-Israeli Alliance: Connecting the Startup Nation with the Scale-up State

Texas-Israeli Alliance: Connecting the Startup Nation with the Scale-up State

Texas-Israeli Alliance: Connecting the Startup Nation with the Scale-up State

3005 S. Lamar Blvd.

Suite D-109 #106,

Austin, TX 78704

Who We Are

The Texas-Israel Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization registered as the Israel Texas Science And Education Foundation Inc, EIN: 32-022598

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