Why Tech Scouting Is More About People Than Technology – The importance of relationships, trust, and intuition in scouting.

In the world of technology scouting, the focus is often placed on finding cutting-edge innovations, breakthrough startups, and disruptive solutions. However, from our years of working with different brands and technologies, we’ve learned that success in this field isn’t just about discovering the right technology - it’s about connecting with the right people. As experienced scouts, we know that relationships, trust, and intuition play a far greater role than most realize.

Here’s why:

1. Technology Is Only as Good as the Team Behind It

Innovation doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Behind every great technology is a team of visionaries, problem-solvers, and entrepreneurs who bring it to life. When scouting for new technologies, evaluating the people behind the innovation is just as crucial as assessing the tech itself. A strong, adaptable, and committed team is often the best predictor of long-term success.

Israeli culture, known for its informal and fast-paced business environment, places a strong emphasis on teamwork and resilience. The chutzpah mindset - boldness and perseverance - often defines the most successful startups. We personally see firsthand how Israeli entrepreneurs leverage their strong personal networks to propel innovation forward. 

2. Trust Enables Access to the Best Opportunities

The best opportunities in technology scouting don’t always come from public databases or open calls. Many breakthrough innovations are found through trusted networks and insider connections. Startups and researchers are more likely to share their most promising developments with scouts they trust - those who have built relationships over time and demonstrated integrity.

In Israel, the startup ecosystem is built on close-knit relationships, where introductions and word-of-mouth recommendations often open doors. At Tech It Forward, we’ve built over a decade our own network of friends and partners, counting 6,000 ecosystem players from the ground. That is how we help international companies connect with Israeli startups through our network, ensuring they gain access to innovations that might not be publicly available yet.

3. Intuition Helps Spot Potential Before It’s Obvious

While data and analysis are important, we’ve learned that some of the best discoveries come from intuition - the ability to recognize patterns, anticipate market shifts, and spot potential where others might not. This intuition isn’t just luck; it’s something we’ve built over years of working closely with entrepreneurs, navigating industry dynamics, and refining our sense of what makes a technology truly game-changing.

This approach is especially relevant in Israel, where we’ve seen firsthand how startups pivot rapidly to meet evolving market needs.

4. Relationships Make the Difference in Closing Deals

Finding a promising technology is just the first step. Turning that discovery into a successful partnership or acquisition requires negotiation, collaboration, and trust between multiple stakeholders. Strong relationships smooth the path to deal-making, ensuring that both sides feel confident in moving forward.

One example is a recent partnership we facilitated between an Israeli deep-tech startup and a European corporate client. The connection was made not just because of the technology’s potential but because of the trust built between all parties through ongoing conversations and mutual introductions.

5. The Human Factor Determines Scalability and Adaptability

A great technology today may become obsolete tomorrow if the team behind it lacks the ability to evolve and scale. Tech scouting isn’t just about identifying what works now - it’s about recognizing teams that can pivot, overcome challenges, and continue innovating. This requires understanding the people involved, their motivations, and their ability to execute.

Israel’s entrepreneurial culture embraces adaptability, with startups constantly iterating and refining their solutions, moving from market to market, and adapting their solutions to the constant ever changing needs.

Conclusion: in Technology Scouting, People First, Technology Second

At its core, technology scouting is about people. We don’t just search for the next big thing, we cultivate deep relationships, earn trust, and use intuition to uncover opportunities that others miss. As technology evolves at an ever-faster pace, the human element remains the key differentiator in successful scouting.

So, the next time you think about technology scouting, remember: the best innovations don’t just come from great ideas, they come from great people. Investing in relationships will always be the smartest strategy, especially in a dynamic ecosystem like Israel’s, where trust and personal connections drive innovation forward.

Any questions? contact@techitforward.com