Joseph 'Yossi' Vardi, born on September 2, 1942, is a pioneering Israeli entrepreneur and angel investor widely recognized as the 'godfather of Israeli high-tech' for his foundational role in the development of Israel's high-tech sector and internet industry. Over a career spanning more than 47 years, Vardi has been instrumental in the founding and growth of over 85 high-tech companies across diverse fields such as software, energy, internet, mobile technologies, electro-optics, and water technology. His early ventures laid the groundwork for Israel's emergence as a global tech powerhouse, often referred to as the 'Start-Up Nation.' Vardi co-founded Sapiens International Corporation in 1982, a leading software company that became a cornerstone of the Israeli tech ecosystem, and he played a key role in the creation of ICQ, the first widely popular instant messaging service developed by Mirabilis, which was sold to AOL in 1998 for $407 million. Vardi's influence extends beyond entrepreneurship into investment and mentorship, where he has supported numerous startups, including early investments in companies like ICQ and Mirabilis, as well as early involvement in cybersecurity ventures, and has mentored many Unit 8200 alumni and young venture capitalists, contributing to the internationalization of Israeli innovation. He has been involved in high-profile deals and has served on boards of various tech firms, earning him a reputation as a visionary in the industry. Despite his success, Vardi has maintained a relatively low public profile, focusing on behind-the-scenes impact rather than personal acclaim. His work has been celebrated in Israel and internationally, including through awards and recognition for advancing technological entrepreneurship.