The bestseller Just a Little Bit More pulls back the curtain on the flashy Startup Nation - the Israeli high-tech scene, revealing a world fueled by greed and egos.
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About the book
"At a board meeting, if you don’t know who’s getting screwed in five minutes, it’s you."
I absolutely hate board meetings. Any CEO who says otherwise is lying.
But today, I’m walking into the meeting like a rockstar. Slide after slide, I’m flying high, dropping the massive deal I closed, laying out its impact on our growth plans, and mapping the road to an exit. I’m on top of the world. Then, just when I’m on a roll, one of the directors pulls out a printed paper and reads: “I’d like to propose a vote to summon the CEO, Rom Carmeli, for a pre-dismissal hearing.”
The other directors avoid eye contact. I realize they’re all in on it. I'm fucked.
Rom Carmeli lived the Israeli dream: coming out of nowhere, the startup he built from scratch grew into a multi-billion dollar company. Venture capital firms are chasing him, investors are lining up, competing for the chance to sit in his sleek office and sip espresso and Perrier.
So how is it possible that he’s about to find himself out, without a cent in his pockets?
Written in a thrilling and raw style, *Just a Little More* takes us on a journey behind the scenes of the flashy Startup Nation - Israeli high-tech industry, revealing a world of greed. Of egos, betrayals - and sudden twists you never see coming.
In his first novel, Ra'anan Cohen exposes the dark secrets of the high-tech scene, inspired by his own wild journey as an employee, entrepreneur, and CEO in the high-tech world.
How much is enough?
"How much is enough?" John D. Rockefeller, the world's first billionaire, was asked.
"Just a little more," he replied, casually, without realizing he had made a profound statement about human nature.
Our modern minds are wired to want more. I want more money, a new car, the latest iPhone, another trip abroad, more stories, and more likes. The elusive "more" that, if only it arrives, will complete the puzzle and everything will fall into place. And when it does arrive, almost immediately, a new "more" is born. The exhausting cycle of "want-get-accustom-want more" gives no rest.
I could say, "I’m anti-materialist. I know my happiness isn’t tied to things." But what about that yoga retreat in Koh Phangan I’m so craving?... Or that promotion at work, after which I swear I’ll be satisfied forever?
In the world of high-tech and startups, the chase is similar, only on steroids—on top of personal greed and FOMO, there are the venture capital funds aggressively pushing entrepreneurs and employees not to sell their shares and options. To wait for the next rise. To risk it all.
Hi! I'm Ra'anan
First, lets get my publisher out of the way: Ra'anan Cohen - Serial entrepreneur, startup founder & CEO, IPO and Unicorn veteran. Ironman triathlete, ultra-runner, and veggie enthusiast. Author of 'Just a Little More,' a novel that pulls back the curtain on the darker side of Israel’s Startup Nation.”
Now let’s be honest—I pretty much conned my way into the tech world. At 30, I landed a job at a startup, Extreme Imposter syndrome from day one. When I was sure they'd catch onto the fact that I had no idea what I was doing, I announced I was leaving to start my own company. Somehow It worked. The startup grew, succeeded, and eventually went public. But after a few years, it crashed to zero, leaving me with tons of memories but not a cent in my bank (100% my fault!). After that, I built another startup, which grew even bigger and became a unicorn.
From raising $100M to the dizzying highs of IPOs, the crashes, and doing it all over again—it's been one wild ride.
Running is a huge passion of mine—and that's a story in itself. Who would’ve guessed that after 20 years of chain-smoking and avoiding any sport that didn’t involve a ball or a fight, I’d end up becoming an ultramarathoner? Now, running (and sports in general) is my personal religion. Running has deeply shaped the choices I've made at the pivotal 'sliding doors' moments in my career and my life.
Looking back, I’ve realized that every decade or so, I stumble into a new adventure. Now? It’s writing—a passion I’ve discovered in recent years. My new novel, 'Just a Little More,' pulls back the curtain on the darker side of Israel’s Startup Nation. Released in September 2024, it shot to the top three of Israel's bestsellers list within just two weeks!
These days, I spend my time mentoring young entrepreneurs, investing in startups, and, most importantly, focusing on family and the parts of life that don’t revolve around business.
I'd love to hear from you!
Raanan