Avi Tel-Or is the CTO of Intel Ignite Tel-Aviv, where he is instrumental in creating lasting value for both startups and Intel in technology, R&D, and product definition. Avi combines his multidisciplinary expertise with a passion for innovation to guide startups in building strong R&D foundations, defining architecture and infrastructure, and aligning technological development with business goals.
Avi joined Intel Ignite after a distinguished career in R&D management, systems engineering, and leadership roles across startups and large organizations. Since taking on the role, he has expanded Intel Ignite’s impact by strengthening the mentorship framework, and introducing initiatives like the CTO Circle, where he provides a dedicated platform for technical leaders to address their unique challenges. His “Business-Oriented CTO” sessions equip founders with the tools to balance technological ambition with strategic business needs, fostering stronger collaboration between CTOs, CEOs, and stakeholders.
One of Avi’s key contributions has been enhancing Intel Ignite Tel-Aviv’s mentorship framework, which pairs startups with Intel experts. Under Avi’s leadership, the network has grown to over 100 active mentors, with more than 40 participating in each cycle. Avi ensures each startup is matched with a tailored mix of technical, user-centric, and business-savvy mentors, creating a 360-degree support system.
He has also established a mentor community structure, including regular meetups that blend knowledge-sharing with professional development. By fostering these relationships, Avi ensures that startups receive the most relevant and impactful guidance
Avi’s technical background, which spans wireless systems, cloud-native SaaS architectures, and modern software stacks, has made him a versatile mentor and leader. During his time at Intel Ignite, he has worked closely with startups in fields like AI, generative AI, cybersecurity, Web3, and big data, while maintaining a hands-on approach to evaluating and utilizing their technologies. At times, he has used startups’ technologies himself, in order to be able to provide insightful feedback.
Avi’s work ensures mutual value for startups and Intel by identifying synergies and bringing critical learnings back into Intel’s ecosystem. His efforts directly contribute to bridging cutting-edge startup innovation with Intel’s strategic goals.
Through his work at Intel Ignite, Avi has become a trusted advisor to startup CTOs, helping them navigate challenges like managing R&D teams, setting realistic expectations with stakeholders, and aligning technical deliverables with business milestones. His unique ability to empathize with both the startup and corporate worlds makes him an invaluable resource for founders and their teams.
Much of the success stemming from the corporate impact model that Yuval developed can be attributed to the mentorship program he initiated. This begins with Yuval and his team’s thoughtful and personal selection of each mentor. By pairing startup founders with Intel’s top technological leadership and talent whose expertise most closely matches their needs and actively leading the tech and product interactions, Yuval forges a bridge between startups and Intel that results in wins for both sides. While founders have their innovations championed by individuals who have the power to drive their influence at Intel, the mentors reinvigorate Intel’s technology, business, and culture with the startup mindset they bring back from their work with the founders. It is a win-win two-way collaboration.
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