US ISSN 2770-7830
10 INNOVATIVE COMPANIES TO WATCH 2023
Gregor Brajovic, CEO & founder
KraftPal A Game-changing Material Handling with Corrugated CardboardPallets
DECEMBER 2023
www.thechiefsdigest.com
EDITOR’S DESK
A
s we stride into the heart of 2023, it's with great excitement and anticipation that we explore the trailblazing ventures defining innovation this year. The entrepreneurial landscape has witnessed a symphony of creativity and disruption from companies at the forefront of progress, reshaping industries and redefining possibilities. Among the select few are enterprises leveraging cutting-edge technology to democratize access, empower communities, and push the boundaries of what we once deemed achievable. These pioneers are not merely navigating the current but actively shaping the future. In a world swiftly embracing sustainable practices, several entities have emerged as flag bearers, harnessing innovation to tackle climate challenges. Their commitment to eco-friendly solutions and circular economies reflects a collective dedication to a greener tomorrow. Artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and quantum computing have seen groundbreaking advancements, heralding a new era of possibilities. These companies have demonstrated unparalleled mastery, offering glimpses into a future where AI augments human potential, biotech revolutionizes healthcare, and quantum computing unlocks unimaginable computational power. 2023 marks an era where innovation isn't just about disruptive technologies; it's about meaningful impact. The visionary endeavors of these pioneering companies are not solely measured by market valuation but by their contributions toward a more inclusive, sustainable, and technologically advanced world. Here's to the tenacious spirit of innovation and the companies that continue redefining the possibilities landscape.
Best,
Daniel Shelby
Managing Editor The Chief's Digest editor@thechiefsdigest.com
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12. KraftPal
22. Tukel Inc
CONTENTS
16. LahakX
10 Innovative Companies of the year 2023 COMPANY NAME
MANAGEMENT
COMPANY IN BRIEF
Tukel Inc
Cenk Tukel, Founder & CEO
We help online small business owners. Keep their financials in order. Simple and Affordable. With Peace of Mind
KraftPal
Gregor Brajovic, CEO & Founder
KraftPal Technologies have developed proprietary technologies for both corrugated cardboard pallets and production process.
LahakX
Eylon Sorek, Founder & CEO
LahakX (Lahak means "Swarm" in Hebrew) is an agrirobotics technology company enabling a modular fleet of autonomous drones for spraying.
WebAccountPlus
Roland Staehli, Founder & CEO
The initiators of WebAccountPlus invested more than 3.5 years in preparatory work until the venture was finally officially founded as a holding company in November 2021.
Abbey Research
Dr. Kristen Donnelly, COO
We are corporate trainers who believe empathy is a superpower.
Career Certified
Gary Weiss, Chief Executive Officer & Board Member
At Career Certified, we start with the person, and help build the professional.
CaroGen Corporation
Dr. Bijan Almassian, President & CEO
We are an Immunotherapy Company with a focus on Immuno-Oncology
Castle Connolly Private Health Partners, LLC
Dr. Dean McElwain, Co-Founder, President & CEO
CCPHP works to empower and protect the physicianpatient relationship through a concierge medicine model, helping physicians practice the way they intended, and patients to receive the care they deserve.
Gateway Health Partners
Ashley Beatty, President
We’re Gateway Health Partners. We set out to simplify the complex and confusing world of formulary and rebate management.
Hexagon IT Solutions
Daks. J., Founder
Design software and technology solutions that embrace Ingenuity, maintain Affordability, ensure Reliability, and satisfy Timely Delivery.
Gregor Brajovic, CEO & founder
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INNOVATIVE COMPANIES TO WATCH 2023
KraftPal A Game-changing Material Handling with Corrugated CardboardPallets
I
n the material handling and logistics world, numerous advancements have transformed the industry over the past century. However, one aspect has remained stubbornly unchanged: the wooden pallet. Since the first forklift lifted that wooden pallet in the 1920s, it has yet to undergo significant modifications. Over a third of the 5.8 billion wooden pallets manufactured each year serve only one purpose before being disposed of in landfills, taking up to 75 years to decompose. This relentless consumption of wooden pallets results in the loss of millions of trees that could otherwise remove billions of tons of CO2 from the atmosphere. KraftPal saw the need and opportunity and produced the Corrugated Cardboard One-Way Pallet. This innovative pallet represents a step forward, providing a sustainable alternative to the traditional wooden pallet. Designed to meet the demands of today's industry, the KraftPal pallet
offers a range of advantages over its wooden counterpart. Notably, it is 80% lighter, significantly reducing fuel costs and CO2 emissions. Additionally, it can be easily recycled as a 100% corrugated cardboard product, making it an environmentally friendly choice. The KraftPal pallets are also hygienic, comply with ISPM-15 standards, are moisture-resistant, and offer exceptional shock absorbency. The Advantages of KraftPal Corrugated One-Way Pallets The KraftPal Corrugated One-Way Pallets stand out due to their exceptional strength and versatility. Despite being made entirely of cardboard, they can support a static load of four-and-a-half tons, thanks to their patented X-Frame construction. This unique design is achieved through the world's most advanced automated production line, the Palletonator. With over 15,000 high-tech elements, this remarkable production line can
manufacture a KraftPal pallet in seconds, facilitating the production of millions of pallets per year. Moreover, the production process is customizable, allowing for tailored solutions that meet each customer's specific needs. The 5th generation of the Palletonator represents a significant leap forward in pallet production. With the backing of Pasaca Capital, which has made the largest financial investment in the history of pallet logistics, KraftPal plans to build 60 fully operational Palletonators by 2026. This ambitious expansion aims to meet the growing global demand for these pallets and reshape the industry. Awards & Rewards KraftPal Technologies' relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence has not gone unnoticed in the industry. The company has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades for its revolutionary KraftPal
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understanding of corporate structures concerning Disruptive Technology Projects, International Corporate and Tax Laws. His legal background equips him with valuable insights into compliance, audits, strategic legal due diligence, and negotiations within the Investment Industry.
Corrugated One-Way Pallets. These awards serve as a testament to the transformative impact that KraftPal has had on the material handling and logistics sector. One notable recognition received by KraftPal Technologies is the prestigious Green Innovation Award. This accolade acknowledges the company's commitment to environmental sustainability and its contribution to reducing the carbon footprint of the logistics industry. KraftPal has taken a significant step towards a greener and more ecofriendly future by replacing traditional wooden pallets with lightweight, recyclable cardboard pallets. In addition to the Green Innovation Award, KraftPal has also been honored with the Logistics Excellence Award. This recognition highlights the company's dedication to improving efficiency and optimizing supply chain operations. With its lightweight and versatile pallets, KraftPal enables
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smoother and faster material handling processes, resulting in enhanced productivity and cost savings for businesses. Furthermore, KraftPal's commitment to quality and innovation has earned the Trust and Reliability Certification. This certification assures customers that KraftPal's products meet the highest industry standards and that they can rely on the durability and performance of the corrugated cardboard pallets. By prioritizing quality and reliability, KraftPal has gained the trust of businesses across various sectors, including manufacturing, retail, and distribution. Leadership Gregor Brajovic, the company's Chief Executive Officer, brings a wealth of expertise and a diverse professional background to his role. With his extensive legal experience spanning Europe, the USA, Africa, and Asia, Gregor has developed a deep
In addition to his legal expertise, Gregor brings a strategic mindset and a commitment to excellence to his role as CEO. He understands the importance of thorough compliance and due diligence processes, ensuring that the company operates in accordance with the highest standards of legal and ethical practices. Furthermore, his extensive experience in negotiations within the Investment Industry allows him to foster strategic partnerships and drive the company's growth and success. As the industry continues to evolve, KraftPal Technologies remains at the forefront of innovation, constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible in material handling and logistics. The company's ongoing research and development efforts aim to further enhance the performance and sustainability of its pallets, introducing new features and technologies to meet customers' evolving needs. KraftPal Technologies continues to shape the future of material handling, offering customized solutions and disrupting supply chain models for a more efficient and sustainable world.
Eylon Sorek, Founder & CEO
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INNOVATIVE COMPANIES TO WATCH 2023
Pioneering Agri-Robotics LahakX is All about Modular Autonomous Drone Fleet for Spraying
I
n agriculture, innovation is the key to a sustainable and prosperous future. However, LahakX, a trailblazing agri-robotics company founded in 2017, is determined to reshape the landscape of modern farming. With a visionary approach and a commitment to pushing boundaries, LahakX is revolutionizing how crops are nurtured and protected. Harnessing the power of advanced technology, LahakX has embarked on a mission to transform traditional practices into a new era of efficiency, precision, and environmental stewardship. Who Founded LahakX? A successful company stands after a successful leader, and indeed Eylon is guiding LahakX with unwavering determination, stands as a beacon of inspiration, and lights the path to innovation and progress. Before joining LahakX, Eylon held the positions of founder and CEO at CommuniFin. He also has a history of entrepreneurship, having established
InnoBreeze. Eylon's professional journey encompasses roles in portfolio and product management at NokiaSiemens and Corrigent Systems. He has also contributed to engineering as part of the R&D team at Cisco Systems. Eylon's educational background includes a B.Sc. in Communication Systems Engineering and an MBA in Finance from BenGurion University in Israel. Concept Behind LahakX The company's inception was marked by an infectious excitement surrounding establishing and overseeing fully autonomous agricultural spraying operations. Realizing that the global agricultural spraying market held immense potential led them to question the rationale behind manual and indiscriminate spraying practices. Through intense brainstorming, the founders identified swarming and spotspraying as pivotal technologies that demanded a complete design overhaul. To validate their vision, they sought
feedback from all corners of the ecosystem, with a particular emphasis on input from growers. This vision was distilled into a concise proposition: "Enabling farms to be sprayed at the push of a button. LhakX has its challenges, like any other company. The initial obstacle concerns technology, encompassing hardware and software development, necessitating substantial time and financial investments. The subsequent challenge involves regulatory compliance, demanding additional resources to facilitate widespread commercialization. Overcoming the hurdles of sales remains a constant struggle. Lastly, as service providers, adeptness in logistics and operations emerges as a fresh skill set requirement. A Recap of LahakX's Journey Most of LahakX's initial funding was allocated towards product development, a critical phase in their journey. Subsequently, their focus
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demands an unwavering dedication to perseverance. Success Factors of LahakX A well-defined and vivid vision is a reliable compass, especially in the face of adversity, directing one's actions toward the right course and offering valuable guidance by indicating paths to avoid. In the company context, this notion takes shape through a resolute commitment to autonomous agriculture. The company not only believes in the potential of this innovative approach but is also deeply motivated to take on the role of a trailblazer, ushering in the concept within the market and driving its adoption.
shifted towards securing regulatory approval for the commercial application of their pioneering solution within the United States. Presently, they are harnessing their extensive technological expertise and licensing resources to extend agricultural spraying services to California's leafy green and strawberry cultivators. Within their industry, enterprises that successfully navigate the formidable entry barriers encounter moderate competition within an expansive market. This dynamic is shaped by the considerable investments of time, effort, and resources essential for product development, regulatory compliance, and overall business operations. How is LahakX Making a Difference in Consumers' Life? LahakX offers agricultural spraying services tailored for growers, employing their exclusive technology and deploying a dedicated team
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equipped with licenses and insurance. This approach has proven to be their optimal go-to-market strategy. The quality of service is easily assessable to growers, as they can gauge it based on factors such as cost-effectiveness, precision, accessibility, and safety. These aspects represent fundamental pillars shaping the future of agricultural spraying. Work Culture and Basic Ethics of LahakX Accurate and secure pesticide applications are essential. The necessity for novel technologies to enhance crop protection by reducing pesticide usage to benefit the soil, crops, and human well-being is evident. Achieving this goal holds the potential for significant economic and environmental transformations. The foremost gauge of a thriving business lies in content and paying clientele. Crafting a product that garners user engagement and financial support
In amalgamating an array of disparate domains, the company embarks on a journey to create autonomous agricultural spraying solutions. This endeavor entails the intricate orchestration of software and hardware research and development alongside the distinctive realms of chemicals and agronomy, each marked by their unique expertise and terminology. Yet, these challenges merely encompass the realm of product development. On the commercial front, the company must navigate the intricacies of innovation regulation, adeptly manage sales strategies, and proficiently oversee operational aspects. As for the future of LahakX, each sprayer will be aware that our technology backs their actions.
Cenk Tukel , Founder & CEO
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1
INNOVATIVE COMPANIES TO WATCH 2023
Tukel, Inc. Accounting Empowering Online Entrepreneurs with Expert Accounting and Consulting Services
C
enk Tukel is the founder of Tukel, Inc. Accounting, a company dedicated to supporting online entrepreneurs and small business owners seeking to expand globally and operate through their U.S. enterprises. With an extensive background as the former CFO and Board Member of PepsiCo subsidiaries, he brings over 20 years of experience in managing large-scale accounting and financial planning teams, spearheading technological advancements, optimizing cash flow, and driving profitability. Furthermore, Cenk has acted as the deputy CEO on numerous occasions and has overseen Information Technology, Legal, Procurement, and HR teams. Beyond his role as a Strategic CFO with credentials from Wharton, he is a licensed US CPA in Delaware and an expert in accountancy and consulting. Moreover, Cenk's proficiency extends to being a Professional Coach (ICF) and Mentor (EMCC), which enables him to effectively guide his clients and his team toward success.
The Concept Behind Tukel's Foundation Having dedicated more than two decades to the corporate world, the executives have held esteemed C-level positions within various PepsiCo subsidiaries across the globe, including locations in New York, Geneva, Dubai, Jordan, and Cairo. Throughout Cenk Tukel's career, he has successfully overseen diverse departments such as governance, compliance, finance, business development, human resources, legal, and procurement. This breadth of experience has equipped him with the expertise to manage all aspects of a business seamlessly, from developing operational strategies to monitoring financials and achieving business objectives. However, a part of Cenk Tukel always yearned for innovation and new opportunities to explore. Motivated by this desire, he made the bold decision to embark on his entrepreneurial
journey. The idea took shape by amalgamating three essential components: the vast knowledge and industry expertise, the drive to assist founders in growing their businesses and reaching global markets, and an unwavering passion for innovation and navigating complex tax and compliance regulations. Tukel's Journey of Navigating Challenges and Embracing Growth In the present day, the idea that "less is more" holds true. You don't always need a big team to grow quickly; assembling a small group of skilled people and helping them learn can lead to significant progress. While looking for experienced financial and business advisors had its difficulties, Tukel's confidence in improving its current staff and making internal processes more efficient led them to believe they could achieve the same goals with a smaller team.
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During the pandemic, many business leaders faced tough challenges due to economic troubles, rising prices, and limited investment opportunities. These situations could cause financial problems or even the closure of companies. To respond, Tukel took a flexible and responsive approach. They guided their clients through the uncertainties of this time and gave advice on managing money wisely, offering strong support. Tukel's Journey: A Trail of Triumph and Progress Tukel's journey has been exciting and rewarding, marked by continuous growth, learning, and adaptability since its beginning. Finding joy in watching clients make progress, even starting from zero income, and giving them advice as they build their businesses, is a never-ending source of satisfaction. Every client brings unique challenges and chances to learn, which help the company improve its services. They see each day as a new chance to come
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up with new ideas, become stronger, and provide excellent services to clients. The road ahead is full of anticipation and excitement. Tukel's Range of Offered Services At Tukel Accounting, the team offers an all-encompassing range of services, including accounting, taxes, HR, payroll, and CFO support, specifically tailored for U.S. businesses. Tukel takes pride in being a one-stop-shop for its clients, going beyond just individual accounting aspects to deliver a comprehensive solution that caters to their diverse financial requirements. From establishing U.S. companies to efficiently managing accounting, taxes, HR, payroll, and compliance, the team handles it all with precision and expertise. The team's proficiency extends beyond the standard services, as they also provide valuable guidance on U.S. company operations, funding options, investor plans, and other crucial
aspects pivotal to business success. Through the extensive partner network and expertise, they become more than just service providers; Tukel acts as an integral part of clients' finance departments. With a holistic approach and personalized attention to each client, the team cultivates lasting relationships built on trust. Tukel's commitment to client satisfaction is evident in the fact that they have never lost a client due to dissatisfaction. What Sets Tukel Apart from the Competition? Since the Tukel Foundation, the company has been driven by a mission that surpasses the traditional realm of accounting services. The goal goes beyond merely handling financials and taxes; they strive to offer much more—value-added advisory and a deep commitment to meeting compliance requirements upfront in this ever-changing business landscape.
Whether Tukel's clients are startups with zero revenue or multinational corporations, the team treats each one with equal dedication, fostering trust through the team's personalized approach. Building strong and meaningful relationships with the company's clients is at the core of focus. Tukel prioritizes responsiveness and ensures that all their queries receive prompt attention within a single business day. This dedication has resulted in a remarkable track record, where they have retained all company's clients, and they, in turn, have become their biggest advocates. Throughout their journey, Tukel stands by its clients, offering unwavering support. Depending on unique needs, Tukel connects them with an extensive partner network, which includes legal service providers, immigration specialists, and more. Tukel joins calls with clients when necessary, ensuring a seamless, comprehensive experience—a true ONE-STOP-SHOP. Understanding clients' needs and pain points is paramount to them. Through discovery calls, Tukel gains valuable insights, allowing them to tailor their solutions accordingly. Together, Tukel set clear expectations, offering services precisely aligned with their requirements—nothing more, nothing less, ensuring clients pay only for what they genuinely need. This commitment to transparency and personalized service forms the foundation of Tukel's success and the trust the clients place in them. Tukel's Work Culture and Ethical Business Practices Establishing a sustainable business hinges on cultivating a shared culture
and strong business ethics. In the finance and accounting industry, where trust and credibility are paramount, these elements form the bedrock of Tukel's principles. At the heart of the company's values lie trust, credibility, collaborative relationships, agility, and client-centricity, and they have carefully assembled their team based on these guiding principles. As a service provider, the utmost priority is the client, and Tukel center its focus on client-centricity. They dedicate themselves to understanding their unique needs and strive to fulfill them in the best possible way. We believe that a foundation of trust fosters open dialogue, encouraging innovation, growth, and consensus within the team. Moreover, embracing agility and fostering a culture of continuous learning allows Tukel to outpace competitors and drive rapid growth. The commitment to innovation and the adeptness at leveraging technology to its fullest potential further distinguish Tukel in the market. Innovation of Tukel Accounting In their work, they're proud to be a mix of three things – 50% accounting and tax, 50% giving advice, and 50% technology. This combination is like a special recipe that's even better than each part by itself. Cenk Tukel started this company after leaving PepsiCo and made three technology-focused companies. He got into a world of different computer programs and tools that live on the internet. He employed an array of cloud-based applications and tools, spanning from developer utilities to CRM systems, seamless integrations, email marketing platforms, SEO tools, task management solutions, PSPs, and
collection systems, as well as work and project management aides, among others. The variety of tools at his disposal seemed limitless. He is really careful about picking the newest and best technologies for their work. Tukel fits all these tools together to make things work really well and without needing much human effort. All these pieces come together to give Tukel's clients a fancy, technologypowered, and, most importantly, very easy-to-use online space and tools. They want to make things as simple as possible for their clients by using easy and effective technologies. Everything is kept in the digital world – no paper copies, except when the tax regulations need them. Tukel's Forward-Looking Vision The future holds great excitement for Tukel. The aspirations go beyond mere growth in size; Tukel is dedicated to enhancing and strengthening Its partnerships with key players in the sector. The collective growth drive aims to bring added value to the industry as a whole. Over the next few years, Tukel remain committed to investing in the most valuable asset their people. By doing so, they envision pushing the boundaries of accounting to new heights, leveraging cutting-edge technologies like machine learning and artificial intelligence. These advancements will undoubtedly propel Tukel toward a more innovative and impactful future.
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