Welcome!

Each week we bring to you a discussion on the latest trends in digital marketing and how you can actually implement these strategies into your organization.

#128 Planting the Seeds of Innovation in AgTech and Cloud with Mark Fishman and Ilanit Tseyrefman Parnas

Mark Fishman is a seasoned agricultural executive with over two decades of expertise in driving agri-tech innovations. As CEO of AgrIOT Ltd., he has led the development of mobile technology for advanced agricultural applications, particularly in nitrogen uptake detection. With a strong background in leading Israeli agricultural startups and managing global agricultural projects, Mark combines strategic leadership with deep industry knowledge, supported by an MBA from Natanya Academic College and a BSc in Agriculture from the Hebrew University. Ilanit Tseyrefman Parnas is a dynamic marketing leader with over a decade of experience driving GTM strategy, demand generation, and thought leadership. As VP of Marketing at 2bcloud, she leads social media, events, and demand generation efforts, shaping the company’s market presence. Previously, she held key marketing roles at Glilot Capital Partners and KPMG Israel, leveraging her expertise in AI, big data, and cybersecurity, backed by an MBA in Marketing Management from Bar-Ilan University. In this episode, we explore innovative marketing strategies and tackle AI’s impact on business with Mark and Ilanit.
“One of the things that we said in our program is that we have a this string with the client on one hand is the one that is paying and with the user on the other end. And sometime things, sometimes people mix between them too. It doesn’t have to be that the client is the user.” -Mark Fishman
“You can close deals without actually ever meeting your customer face-to-face.” -Ilanit Tseyrefman Parnas

About the Episode

In today’s rapidly advancing world, technology plays a pivotal role in transforming industries and enhancing our capabilities. This was the primary focus of an engaging discussion with the CEO of Agriot and VP of Marketing at 2BCloud in a recent episode of the NTM Growth Marketing Podcast. Both companies are not only leading advancements in their respective fields but are also helping shape a more sustainable future. Let’s delve deeper into how these tech innovators are making a difference.

Agriot: Innovating Agriculture with AI

What is Agriot?

Agriot is an Israeli technological marvel making strides in the agricultural sector. At the helm is Mark, the CEO, who shared insights about the company’s latest product – a mobile app designed to optimize fertilization practices seamlessly.

“We take a picture of plants, and it deciphers the amount of nitrogen inside the plant.”

This groundbreaking app uses an RGB camera, a technology present in most smartphones, to provide instant fertilization recommendations. This innovative approach eliminates the need for costly soil samples or laboratory tests, allowing farmers to meet their crops’ nutritional needs more accurately and affordably.

Why Does It Matter?

The application not only boosts plant yields but also significantly reduces the use of fertilizers, particularly nitrogen-based ones, which are notorious for their environmental impact.

“One metric ton of nitrogen equals 300 metric tons of CO2.”

By curbing excess fertilizer usage, Agriot is tackling the pressing issue of greenhouse gas emissions and groundwater contamination—truly a monumental step toward sustainable farming.

Day in the Life of Mark

Leading a tech company that’s making such an impact comes with unique daily tasks. Despite the beautiful Israeli weather that sometimes tempts for a day at the beach, much of Mark’s time involves engaging in Zoom meetings with investors and clients worldwide. Israel may be small geographically, but Agriot’s reach is expansive, collaborating with companies like PepsiCo to showcase their product’s global applications.

The Certified Advantage

A unique selling point of the app is its certification as an ISO 70 laboratory. This feature adds significant value, particularly for clients aiming to secure carbon credits for their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. With a simple smartphone click, a scientifically certified lab result is at their fingertips.

2BCloud: Elevating Enterprises with Cloud Solutions

Who is 2BCloud?

2BCloud, led by Ilanit, the VP of Marketing, is a dynamic MSP (Managed Service Provider) that partners with tech giants like Microsoft and AWS. The company specializes in optimizing cloud environments for startups and ISVs, offering cost-efficient cloud infrastructure support. Ilanit provides a holistic view of their services, helping clients—ranging from early-stage startups to established unicorns—navigate their tech journeys.

Why Join 2BCloud?

Ilanit’s journey to 2BCloud is inspiring. Previously immersed in the venture capital world, she yearned for a big corporate role. Yet, it was the people and the innovative environment at 2BCloud that attracted her, demonstrating how company culture can be as attractive as salary packages or company size.

Navigating COVID-19 Challenges

Starting her role in February 2019, Ilanit barely had time to settle before COVID-19 fundamentally shifted the business landscape. Despite initial challenges, the pandemic taught invaluable lessons, like conducting business effectively online and closing deals without face-to-face interaction.

“You can close deals without actually ever meeting your customer face-to-face.”

Marketing Strategy Insights

2BCloud’s marketing strategy highlights the importance of adaptability and focus. While traditional PPC campaigns failed against giant tech competitors, the company found success through concentrated community engagement and building brand expertise from the ground up. This bottom-up approach allowed them to foster genuine relationships, nurturing clientele referrals that speak louder than any advertisement.

  • Focus on Community: Engaging with engineers and tech enthusiasts to cultivate brand loyalty.
  • Thought Leadership: Establishing authority and trust through webinars and educational content.
  • Direct Outreach: Strategic targeting of decision-makers for tailored engagement.

The Role of AI in Marketing

Acknowledging the AI wave sweeping through marketing, Ilanit shares how AI tools like Chat GPT have become indispensable for streamlining campaigns and enhancing efficiency. AI isn’t about replacing marketers; it’s about augmenting their capabilities, allowing them to be more creative and impactful.

The Synergy Between Agriot and 2BCloud

While Agriot and 2BCloud operate in distinct sectors, their shared goal of leveraging technology for growth and sustainability binds them. Through distinctive yet complementary advancements, these companies embody the dynamic spirit of Israeli innovation—driving forward industries, whether by cultivating smarter farming methods or by enhancing digital infrastructure for burgeoning tech enterprises.

Conclusion

Both Agriot and 2BCloud exemplify how technology can transform industries and create a more sustainable future. Through innovative approaches, they bridge gaps and offer solutions that are not only economically advantageous but also environmentally friendly. As these tech leaders continue to grow, their impact will resonate well beyond their respective borders, influencing global practices and inspiring upcoming tech entrepreneurs worldwide.

For more insights into these transformative technologies, stay updated by following Agriot and 2BCloud on their respective websites and social media platforms. Connect with them today to explore how they can enhance your business or farm for a greener tomorrow.

“It’s about creating a big impact with a simple smartphone click.”

More Episodes

The School for Humanity Archive

Explore our archive of NTM’s original podcast, The School for Humanity, created to discuss the greatest challenges humanity faces and help promote those who are helping to find solutions. 

Skip to content