...[One of the reasons is that Israel has] a unique entrepreneurial culture. From a young age, Israelis are direct and outspoken. Later in life, their frankness allows for vibrant debate that helps startups rethink their assumptions and retool their plans. This is an essential and underappreciated trait for new firms as they undergo substantial change from idea to commercialization. During mandatory military service, Israelis develop valuable teamwork and problem-solving skills, particularly under duress. Most importantly, they learn to take risks and to proceed with confidence. “A technology venture is three guys starting a company and going to war against… GE, Siemens or Dow Chemical, the big players who are going to dominate cleantech in 20 years,” said David Anthony of cleantech venture firm 21 Ventures. “The Israeli entrepreneur is used to this metaphorical David vs. Goliath.”...