Israeli high-tech deals up 225 percent

High-tech deals made in Israel saw a 225 percent increase from 2005 to 2006. The deals totaled more than $12 billion in 2006, up from $3.7 billion in 2005, according to data presented this week at a venture capital conference by D&A, a business information company. The high-tech industry “is growing at a rate of 12 percent a year and it serves as a significant engine for the economy’s general growth objectives,” said Gilai Dolev, research manager at D&A, according to Yediot Achronot.In the past decade high-tech transactions in Israel totaled approximately $55 billion, including funds raised by start-up companies, public stock issues and purchasing deals. The high-tech industry, through worker’s salaries, contributes $7 billion per year to the Israeli economy, roughly six percent of Israel’s $165 billion gross national project.