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Scaling Up in Mobility Bootcamp: Key Takeaways

  • Writer: Anat Belinson
    Anat Belinson
  • Mar 16
  • 3 min read

The future of mobility is evolving rapidly, and startups in this space face unique challenges in scaling their operations, securing funding, and establishing strong industry partnerships. This past week, 80 mobility innovators gathered at Google for Startups Israel for an intensive, full-day bootcamp dedicated to addressing these challenges head-on.

With expert-led sessions on everything from engaging with OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers to navigating multinational contracts and securing growth-stage funding, this bootcamp provided critical insights for startups looking to scale. Below, we dive into some of the most valuable lessons shared by industry leaders.


Key Insights from the Bootcamp Sessions

1. Speaking the Language of OEMs & Tier 1s – and Expanding Your Market

Establishing relationships with OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and Tier 1 suppliers is often the key to success for mobility startups. However, gaining traction with these industry giants requires strategic approaches:

  • Start with innovation teams. Engaging with an OEM’s innovation division can serve as an entry point into larger, more traditional organizations. (Rola Bisharat, Kimah)

  • Build trust. Creating trust in the startup and the people behind it is a crucial step to working with OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers. Those large corporations are constantly going through changes, thus the importance of cultivating relationships both at the higher and lower levels of management (Rola Bisharat, Kimah)

  • Scalability is a must. To win the confidence of OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, startups must demonstrate that their technology is not only innovative but also scalable for mass production. (Omer David Keilaf, Innoviz Technologies)

  • Don’t get stuck. Tier 1 suppliers and OEMs will attempt to box startups in with exclusivity clauses and red lines. It is important to take the risk to refuse. (Omer David Keilaf, Innoviz Technologies)

  • Integration beats disruption. The most successful mobility solutions are those that integrate seamlessly into existing ecosystems rather than disrupting established processes. (Boaz Hartal, Upstream Security)

  • Mitigate the risk. It is crucial to work with a lawyer that wants to protect the startup but also sees sealing the deal as a top priority. (Boaz Hartal, Upstream Security)

2. Scaling Up with Global Sales and Strategic Partnerships

As startups expand beyond their home markets, understanding the complexities of global sales and strategic partnerships becomes crucial:

  • Localization matters. Successful global expansion requires understanding local regulations, business culture, and market-specific customer needs. (Doron Frenkel, Driivz)

  • Stay aware of competition. A considerable part of the budget needs to be dedicated to innovation in order to stay relevant. (Doron Frenkel, Driivz)

  • Leverage partnerships for validation. Collaborating with established industry players helps validate a startup’s solution and accelerates market penetration. (Kobi Marenko, Arbe)

  • Adapt to changes. Implementation of EV, Mobility as a Service and Autonomous Driving has been slower than projected, highlighting the need for adaptability. (Kobi Marenko, Arbe)

  • AI-powered solutions must solve real painful points. AI-driven technology isn’t enough; solutions must address tangible operational challenges to gain industry traction. (Amir Bahalul, Augury)

3. Sealing the Deal: Contracting with Multinationals

Winning contracts with multinational corporations is a significant milestone for any startup, but it comes with legal and strategic complexities:

  • A well-structured contract is critical. Properly negotiated agreements ensure that startups protect their interests and maintain balanced power dynamics with large corporations. (Hili Rashkovan, Pearl Cohen)

  • Clear IP strategy is non-negotiable. Intellectual property (IP) rights must be carefully outlined to avoid roadblocks in future negotiations and partnerships. (Kobi Eisenberg, Autofleet)

4. Funding for Growth: Preparing for Series A and Beyond

Securing growth-stage funding requires more than just a great pitch—it demands strong financial governance, investor trust, and a clear growth strategy:

  • Financial governance and transparency are priorities. Investors today emphasize robust financial management more than hype or market potential alone. (Liran Newman, Deloitte)

  • Pick your fights. Valuation differences and disagreements should not be dealbreakers if the investor appears to be the right fit for the startup. (Liran Newman, Deloitte)

  • Always have a Plan B. Engaging with multiple investors simultaneously increases the chances of closing a funding round successfully. (Tal Kreisler, NoTraffic)

  • A strong CFO is an asset. The right CFO not only manages finances but also drives operational efficiencies and boosts investor confidence. (Moshiel Biton, Addionics)

  • Financial KPIs make or break investor trust. Startups must establish and track key financial metrics to maintain credibility with investors. (Emily Radashkevich, Exodigo)


The Road Ahead

Scaling a mobility startup goes far beyond just developing cutting-edge technology. It requires a strategic approach that encompasses partnerships, operational execution, and financial discipline. This bootcamp was a step forward in helping startups navigate this complex journey, and we’re excited to see how these insights translate into real-world success.

Thank you to everyone who participated, and we look forward to seeing you at future events as we continue building the future of mobility together!

 
 
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