Shani Mendel Laufer Leaves Promising Treasury Career to Lead AI Firm LTX in Jerusalem
Shani Mendel Laufer joined the Israeli tech company Lightricks in 2022, just before the generative AI revolution reshaped the industry. Originally on a promising public sector path in Israel's Ministry of Finance, where she contributed to major energy reforms, Mendel Laufer made the unconventional decision four years ago to leave her government career and transition into high-tech. Since joining Lightricks, she has rapidly advanced through roles in investor relations, strategy, business development, and partnerships, culminating in her appointment as Chief Business Officer of LTX, a new company spun off from Lightricks focused on generative AI and Physical AI models.
At LTX, Mendel Laufer leads the business strategy, including pricing models, strategic partnerships, and go-to-market infrastructure. The company is currently negotiating with major Hollywood studios, big tech platforms, hardware and robotics firms, and emerging AI companies. She credits former colleague Shaul Meridor, ex-head of the Treasury Budget Department and now Lightricks CFO, as a mentor who encouraged her move to tech and supported her growth.
Mendel Laufer emphasizes the transformative potential of Physical AI, which uses open-world video models to simulate real environments and predict robotic actions, surpassing the capabilities of language models. LTX’s technology is designed to run efficiently on edge devices rather than relying on cloud computing. She expresses pride in leading a Jerusalem-based company with global ambitions and highlights the supportive culture at Lightricks that empowers talented individuals.
Balancing a demanding career with family life, Mendel Laufer stresses the importance of a true partnership at home. She also reflects on gender dynamics in leadership, noting progress but acknowledging ongoing challenges in tech roles. Despite leaving the public sector, she remains appreciative of its impact and hopes to see more talented people there. Looking ahead, she aspires to eventually found her own company but is currently focused on growing LTX into a major player in the AI field.
