What's Your Number?

Miad Maleki, a former senior Treasury OFAC official who helped design U.S. sanctions on Iran. He discusses how sanctions battered oil, petrochemicals and financial networks. Short takes explore the IRGC’s grip on Iran’s economy, the risks of closing the Strait of Hormuz, and what rebuilding might look like if the regime falls.

Market movers and sector splits take center stage as cyber shows resilience while AI and SaaS stumble. Sharp stock swings from Fiverr to Via and defense tech highlight shifting winners. A deep dive examines Iran’s economic tactics, oil dynamics, gas and chip risks, and looming fertilizer and food pressures. The conversation maps a three to four week runway before broader strain may surface.

They run through a market rebound amid sirens, highlighting rebounds in Israeli SaaS and rallies in defense tech. They explore a thesis that Iran is shifting to economic warfare—targeting oil, gas, fertilizers, data centers, and the Strait of Hormuz. They flag regional political shifts in Lebanon and budget tensions at home while weighing whether these strikes can move markets.

A brief update about a pause in new recordings while the presenters care for family amid missile attacks in Tel Aviv. Personal reflections on safety and sheltering during wartime. A short sign-off expressing hope to resume next week and well wishes for listeners.

Ami Daniel, co-founder and CEO of Windward and former Israeli naval officer, explains how maritime intelligence maps the ocean’s blind spots. He discusses the rise of the dark fleet, how sanctions reshape oil flows, and why AI and new data sources are transforming ship tracking and geopolitical risk.

A short break is announced and listeners are asked to fill out a quick survey. The survey’s purpose and how it will shape future topics is explained. A brief thank-you and promise to return next week wraps up the message.

They break down a sharp WYNDEX plunge and why Israeli SaaS names were hit hardest. AI’s credibility test for software and a surprising biotech bright spot get attention. A deep dive traces the growing Saudi–UAE rivalry, Abu Dhabi’s quiet power plays in capital, energy and infrastructure, and what that shift means for regional economics and Israel’s strategic options.

Daphne Koller, AI researcher and entrepreneur who leads Insitro and co-founded Coursera, joins to discuss machine learning–driven drug discovery. She talks about why drug discovery fails at high rates. She explains how AI can uncover new biological targets, the need for biologics capabilities, and why Israel’s talent ecosystem matters for AI and biology.

Natti Ginor, Managing Director and Head of Israel Investment Banking at Jefferies, explains why Israel Aerospace Industries is being talked about for an IPO. Short takes cover the mechanics of listing, Tel Aviv versus global markets, cultural and governance shifts, union and pricing dynamics, who benefits or loses, and how a public IAI could reshape the defense sector.

The discussion dives into Israel's economy, juggling the war's aftermath and an election year's uncertainty. Rising Crembo prices signal inflation, while a strong shekel threatens tech exports. The housing market is under pressure with rising rents and a lack of budget, complicating reforms. Political populism takes center stage, with risky spending proposals and stalled privatizations. Meanwhile, the taxi market could see changes with Uber entering, but illegal operations remain a concern. The hosts wrap up by examining who really benefits in this election-driven landscape.