Next October Initiative Helps Israeli Startups Grow and Commemorate October 7 Victims
Founded by former minister Izhar Shay after losing his son on October 7, the Next October initiative connects Israeli startups with bereaved families to build a legacy of over 2,000 new tech companies.
In November 2023, a month after losing his son in the tragic October 7 massacres, Izhar Shay—an investor, partner at Disruptive AI, and former Minister of Science and Technology—made a solemn pledge. He vowed that for every baby murdered, for every woman tortured and shot, and for every soldier fallen, a new startup would rise in Israel. This gave birth to Next October, a unique initiative founded alongside his son Ofir, his wife Hila, and their family.
The project aims to facilitate the creation of over 2,000 new Israeli startups—one in memory of each fallen hero and victim. Volunteers connect entrepreneurs with bereaved families to create meaningful memorial initiatives reflecting the unique legacy of those lost. Additionally, the initiative connects startups with investors, grants access to mentors, and offers exclusive benefits, thereby strengthening the Israeli economy and creating jobs.
Joining the Community
Entrepreneurs who resonate with the vision of Next October are invited to apply. Any startup or technology company, whether in its early stages or more established, can submit an application. Once accepted, the volunteer team pairs the company with a bereaved family whose values align with the startup's ethos.
Project participants receive comprehensive support designed to enhance their success rates, including connections to relevant investors, access to world-class mentors, exclusive benefits, and specialized networking events. Furthermore, joining the community serves as a mark of quality and credibility for the companies involved.
A Distinctly Israeli Response
During the mourning period for Sergeant Yaron Uri Shay, the idea took root. While Jewish tradition often involves planting a tree in memory of the fallen, the family sought a uniquely Israeli way to commemorate the spirit of those lost: planting, or seeding, new startups.
To date, 120 volunteers have connected over 500 startups with bereaved families. "This is the most Israeli response to the atrocities committed by Hamas: they came to kill—we are here to build," project organizers state.
