About
Two decades between DefenceTech, Hi-Tech industry and venture.
I'm Ilana Averkin. I've spent my career at the bridge where advanced technology meets business reality: contracts, budgets, partnerships, and the decision to invest or walk away.
For 13 years at Israel Aerospace Industries I worked across the business: managing Boeing 787 project, running contracts and R&D budgets for Iron Dome and other programs, leading corporate business development and managed 40 global subsidiaries, and finally served as Chief Innovation Officer and R&D Director, building new business with startups.
I went on to lead open innovation at Orbia HDQ and then strategy and BI at Dura-Line, an Orbia company, following that managed business development at Amai (startup). Since 2022 I've run Averkin Ventures, focused on tech investments and business operations in DeepTech, DefenceTech and dual-use.
Today I also head DefenceTech startups investments at HiCenter Ventures and serve as General Manager of XMAFAT, the DDR&D (MAFAT) alumni organization.
Career
- 2026 –Director, Head of DefenceTechHiCenter Ventures
- 2025 –General ManagerXMAFAT, DDR&D Alumni Organization
- 2022 –Tech Investments & Business OperationsAverkin Ventures
- 2024 – 2025Business Development ManagerAmai Proteins
- 2020 – 2022Director, Open Innovation; Director, Strategy & BIOrbia / Dura-Line
- 2007 – 2020Business operations to Chief Innovation OfficerIsrael Aerospace Industries
- 2013 – 2019Board MemberShiba Meshek, Sheba Medical Center
- 2012 – 2014Co-Founder & Managing DirectorBGU Managers Club, Ben-Gurion University
- 2005 – 2007Account Manager, Customer Value ChainVishay Precision Group
The Averkin Approach
Map the bugs. Turn them into features.
Models collapse, talent leaves, markets shift. The Averkin Approach treats a business as a system: find where it breaks, fix the weak points before they spread, and build processes that hold up under pressure. It has guided companies and high-growth startups across industries and continents.
Contact
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