Israeli Digital Bank One Zero Explored for Sale by Founder Amnon Shashua
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Prominent Israeli entrepreneur Amnon Shashua is exploring the sale of his controlling stake in the digital bank One Zero for an estimated 1.2 billion shekels. Launched in 2019, One Zero aimed to disrupt traditional banking with AI and automation but has faced financial challenges, reporting an 84 million shekel loss in the first half of 2026. This potential sale occurs as Shashua navigates difficulties in other tech ventures, including Mobileye, OrCam, and AI21 Labs.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Amnon Shashua is considering selling his controlling stake in the digital bank One Zero.
- The bank is reportedly valued at 1.2 billion shekels.
- One Zero launched in 2022 as Israel's first digital bank in decades.
- The bank reported a loss of 84 million shekels in the first half of 2026.
- Shashua faces challenges in other tech ventures like Mobileye and OrCam.
Professor Amnon Shashua, a prominent Israeli entrepreneur and investor, is reportedly considering selling his controlling stake in the digital bank One Zero (ONE ZERO). The move, still in its early stages, could mark a significant shift for one of the decade's most publicized attempts to challenge established banks with advanced technology and automation. Shashua is reportedly seeking a valuation of 1.2 billion shekels for the bank.
One Zero received its banking license in 2019, the first granted in Israel in over four decades, and launched full public operations in 2022. The bank envisioned an AI-driven, branchless banking model, aiming to attract customers with high deposit interest rates, smart personal finance tools, and a monthly subscription fee instead of traditional transaction fees.
Despite growth in its customer base and operations, achieving financial breakeven has proven challenging. Financial reports for the first half of 2026 show a 33% increase in revenue but an operating loss of approximately 84 million shekels. While this represents a 27% improvement from the previous year, it highlights the ongoing need for substantial capital injections.
The potential sale comes amid a complex business period for Shashua. The founder of autonomous driving giant Mobileye has also faced difficulties with other ventures, including significant layoffs at artificial intelligence company OrCam and his own departure from AI21 Labs following workforce reductions. While Shashua continues to advance new research and development in robotics and AI, he may soon hand over the reins at the digital bank.
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