Dan David (Goldental) was born in Bucharest, Romania in 1929. He is not very well known to Israelis, although his presence is felt at almost every shopping mall in Israel. In the early 1960s he was the first to bring in the automatic photo booths, more commonly known as "mug shots".
Over the years the quality of the devices improved, and also started offering color photos whose durability and longevity were much improved. Today, David is the sole owner of PhoMat, which manufactures the machines (100%), as well as a partner in the companies "Magar" – (The Center for Computerized Collection) (38%) and Nanny (50%).
The deepest and most meaningful connection that David enjoys with Israel is through the Dan David Fund. The fund, which he set up at the beginning of the year 2000 with a contribution of 100 million dollars, grants valuable prizes to researchers in the fields of science, economics and history as well as to youths. As of recent, the fund's family is cooperating with TheMarker in the project known as Easy Start, designed to give an economic opportunity to young entrepreneurs who have a surprising, daring and innovative idea.
Aside from his investments in Israel, David is the holder of the DEDEM Group, which operates and produces photo machines in Spain, Italy and Britain. He also has in his possession a company in Romania, as well as being involved in the managing of a private investment fund in Britain, which has 25 member shareholders.
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Dan David
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As the chairman of the Dan David Foundation, I find it a great honor to take part in the establishment and launching of the Easy Start project, in cooperation with TheMarker.
The Dan David Foundation donates to cultural and social activists, and cultivates leadership and entrepreneurship amongst the young generation, inspired by the life work of its founder, Dan David.
Dan David grew up as a Zionist leader and activist in fascist and communist Romania, and fought until 1960 for his right to make Aliyah. Only upon his arrival to Israel did he receive the opportunity to develop and implement his skills as an inventor, entrepreneur, and businessman in the field of photography.
He succeeded in transforming the modest business he established in Israel into a prosperous enterprise that expanded into Europe, adding more elements to the original project. His professional success allowed him to establish the Dan David Foundation.
Next to projects such as the "Dan David Prize" (which annually awards three prizes each of $1 million), archaeological digs, and activities in the fields of theater and film, the foundation puts a special emphasis on the cultivation of leadership and entrepreneurship amongst the young generation.
This emphasis is expressed through the cooperation with TheMarker, which is mostly the opportunity given to skilled innovators who will be carefully selected by a panel of experts on the basis of fair and open competition, to develop or establish their own business. The cooperation with TheMarker will provide the project with top-notch management and quality inspection, and publicity that will expose it to thriving innovators, which not only promotes the new entrepreneurs, but will bring to the project an ethos of innovation, excellence, and open and fair competition.
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Professor Itamar Rabinovitch
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