4th Annual · Global MBA · Tel Aviv University
You're invited

Global MBA Pitch
Competition 2026

From startup to scaleup — where bold ideas meet real impact.

An inspiring evening as international MBA students and alumni from around the world pitch their ventures to leading investors, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders.

Sunday, June 21, 2026 · 16:00
Orgler Hall, Lorry Lokey Building · Tel Aviv University
$50K in cumulative prizes
across two tracks
Global MBA graduates
15
Years
$40K
New alumni track

In honor of Arlette Sofaer

The competition's top award is the Arlette Sofaer Prize, generously endowed by Michael Sofaer in memory of his sister. Each year it turns her memory into momentum — backing founders with the conviction to build something that lasts.

The Arlette Sofaer Prize · donated by Michael Sofaer
The Event

A proving ground for
the next big idea.

Organized by the Global MBA at the Coller School of Management, Tel Aviv University, the competition gives founders a stage, a jury of leading investors, and real capital to turn conviction into a company.

For its first three years it was an annual showcase for the current cohort. In 2026 — the program's 15th anniversary — the fourth edition expands with a brand-new alumni track and $50,000 in cumulative prizes. Two tracks, one stage, real impact.

15
Years of Global MBA
4th
Annual Edition
$50K
Cumulative Prizes
8
Expert Judges
2026 Tracks

Two tracks. One stage.

To mark the 15th anniversary, the competition runs in two parallel tracks for the first time.

New for 2026

Alumni Track

Open to Global MBA alumni entrepreneurs, across all cohorts
$40,000Founding prize pool
  • Launched for the program's 15th anniversary
  • Open to ventures from any graduating class
  • Pitch to a panel of leading investors
Since the 1st edition

Current Cohort Track

Open to current Global MBA students
$10,000The Arlette Sofaer Prize
  • The competition's original track
  • Teams formed within the current cohort
  • Awarded to the strongest student venture
The Panel

Meet our judges

A panel of leading investors, founders, and operators from across Israel's tech and venture ecosystem.

Esther Barak Landes
Esther Barak Landes
Founder, Nielsen Innovate Fund
20+ years in tech; backed 70+ startups. President of PROWOMAN and an Aspen Institute Fellow.
Sergey Gribov
Sergey Gribov
General Partner, Flint Capital
20+ year investor at a $380M+ firm; 70+ startups, 22 exits and 3 unicorns. Ex-Compugen, MIT Sloan.
Nimrod Cohen
Nimrod Cohen
Founder & Managing Partner, TAU Ventures
Leads TAU's venture arm; 65+ investments including 7 unicorns (Snyk, Bringg, Yotpo).
Hilly Rejwan Sorek
Hilly Rejwan Sorek
VP Business Development, Viola Group
Works across 100+ portfolio companies; connector and advocate for female founders.
Gadi Isaev
Gadi Isaev
Managing General Partner, VentureIsrael
Deep-tech VC across AI, cybersecurity, digital health and robotics.
Or Lustig
Or Lustig
Chief Business Officer, Matrix Medika
Med-tech and digital-health leader; serial entrepreneur and founder of Seatback (exited).
Levy Raiz
Levy Raiz
General Partner
Backer of monday.com, Lemonade, Flo Health, Socure and WalkMe; entrepreneur and investor.
Lisya Bahar Manoah
Lisya Bahar Manoah
Managing Partner, Arieli Group
Investor and Global MBA alumna ('10), bringing the program's journey full circle.
Last Year · 2025

A look back at the 3rd edition.

In 2025, six teams took the stage. Every venture began as an early-stage idea and was shaped across the academic year through the program's Design Thinking and Venture Creation courses — mentored by TAU faculty and industry advisors.

★ 2025 Winner

LaLaScript

A standout creative venture: LaLaScript turns any song into sheet music — transcribing the music you hear into notation you can read and play, helping people learn instruments and build their musical skills.

6
Teams competed
$10K
Arlette Sofaer Prize
1 yr
In the making
▶ 2025 Highlights
Moments from 2025
×
Details

Join us on pitch day.

When

Sunday, June 21, 2026
16:00 (4:00 PM)

Where

Orgler Hall, Lorry Lokey Building
Tel Aviv University campus

RSVP

Open to all guests · Questions? gmba@tauex.tau.ac.il

Who

Students, alumni & guests
Open to the wider community

Ready to pitch — or be inspired?

Founders, apply to compete for a share of the $50K in prizes. Everyone else — join the audience for an evening of bold ideas and great company.