Israeli Investor Yasmin Lukatz Reflects on Major Business Regrets
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Israeli businesswoman Yasmin Lukatz shared her deep regret over not investing in two successful Israeli startups, calling the missed opportunities "painful." In an interview, she also discussed the negative impact of recent events on Israel's image in the U.S. but noted continued strong interest in Israeli high-tech. Lukatz, a prominent investor and media personality, founded the ICON network and Code for Israel.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Yasmin Lukatz regrets not investing in two successful Israeli startups, calling the missed opportunities "painful."
- Lukatz noted increased criticism of Israel and rising antisemitism in the U.S. post-October 7th.
- She highlighted continued strong global interest in Israeli high-tech, ranking it second only to the U.S.
- Lukatz is a venture capitalist, media personality, and founder of ICON and Code for Israel.
- She is the daughter of Miriam Adelson and Ariel Oxorn and stepdaughter of the late Sheldon Adelson.
Israeli businesswoman, venture capitalist, and media personality Yasmin Lukatz has spoken about significant business failures, specifically investments she regrets not making. In an interview with journalist Moshe Nussbaum for News 12, Lukatz revealed that there are at least two Israeli startups she encountered early on and decided against investing in, which later became major successes. She described these missed opportunities as "painful" and something she still calculates in her head.
Lukatz, known to the public for her role on the TV show "The Sharks," also addressed Israel's standing in the United States following the October 7th attacks and the subsequent conflict. She acknowledged a decline in Israel's image, noting increased criticism and instances of companies refusing to work with Israeli firms, alongside a palpable rise in antisemitism. However, she also highlighted the continued strong interest in Israeli high-tech, which she described as second only to the U.S. globally, indicating that Israeli innovation remains highly valued.
Lukatz, who is the daughter of Dr. Miriam Adelson and Dr. Ariel Oxorn and the stepdaughter of the late businessman Sheldon Adelson, discussed her family life. She stated that her mother's happiness and her stepfather's devoted and loving nature were the most significant aspects of her upbringing, expressing pride in her family while preferring to keep their private life personal.
Lukatz founded ICON (Israel Collaboration Network) to connect Israeli tech entrepreneurs with Silicon Valley investors and industry leaders. She also established Code for Israel, a volunteer network of high-tech professionals developing technological solutions for social challenges in Israel. Her media presence expanded with her participation in "The Sharks" and "Dancing with the Stars," and she launched the podcast "In Yasmin's Living Room" in 2025.