Avital Beck, PhD, MBA, stands at the forefront of innovation as the CEO of Wilk, a publicly traded company in TASE. With a background as a biochemist and former CEO of multiple biomed startups, including MilkStrip, Avital has seamlessly bridged the realms of science and business. Her journey from academia to entrepreneurship reflects her commitment to pushing boundaries and creating meaningful change. Beyond her professional endeavors, Avital is a dedicated advocate for women in entrepreneurship, serving as the head of the female accelerator NERA and actively participating in initiatives to empower women founders. We at CIO Global, are proud to introduce Avital Beck as one of the Market Disruptor: Women Leaders to Watch, 2024.
Avital’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in biotechnology from Bar-Ilan University, followed by a Ph.D. in molecular cell biology from the prestigious Weizmann Institute of Science. Her expertise spans across various fields including diabetes, stem cell research, microbiology, and bioinformatics. As a mother of seven children, Avital is passionate about supporting mothers in their professional careers while balancing familial responsibilities in the modern world.
“Leadership isn’t about conforming to expectations; it’s about challenging norms, breaking barriers, and leaving a legacy of empowerment.” – Avital Beck
Avital’s path to becoming a market disruptor in the biotech industry was marked by unexpected turns and unwavering determination. Initially drawn to academia, Avital had aspirations of pursuing a career as a scientist. However, life’s circumstances led her to pivot towards the biotech industry in Israel, where she discovered a newfound passion for innovation and entrepreneurship. Fueled by her high energy and desire to make a tangible impact, Avital founded MilkStrip, a pioneering startup offering breast milk diagnostic kits.
Today, as the CEO of Wilk, Avital continues to push boundaries by developing real breast milk from mammary cells in a lab, addressing the needs of families unable to breastfeed. Her journey exemplifies resilience, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in the face of challenges. Avital’s inspiration to embark on her entrepreneurial journey stems from her dual roles as a mother and a scientist. The intersection of these identities fueled her mission to leverage scientific knowledge for the betterment of mothers worldwide. With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by breastfeeding mothers, Avital is involved in pioneering innovative solutions to empower them through technology and scientific advancements. Her commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of mothers reflects her unique blend of personal experience and professional expertise.
At Wilk, Avital brings a unique perspective to the industry by spearheading the development of cell-based fats for the dairy and formula industries. This groundbreaking approach not only offers superior nutritional quality but also addresses sustainability and ethical concerns. Avital’s vision for Wilk extends beyond conventional boundaries, challenging the status quo and driving innovation in the biotech sector. Despite the scientific and financial challenges inherent in deep tech ventures, Avital remains undeterred in her pursuit of revolutionizing the way we think about food production and maternal health.
Avital Beck’s leadership at Wilk encompasses navigating through a myriad of challenges and setbacks inherent in the business landscape. Beyond typical leadership responsibilities, she must address additional complexities arising from her gender and national identity. Confronting these challenges requires her to make nuanced decisions, foster innovation, and prioritize the well-being of her team. Avital’s approach involves open communication, strategic decision-making, and resilience, ensuring that Wilk remains steadfast in the face of adversity.
Avital’s strategy to maintain a competitive edge revolves around a steadfast commitment to bio-mimicking nature, eschewing shortcuts for cell- based milk. By prioritizing authenticity and quality over expediency, Wilk distinguishes itself in the market, offering a unique value proposition that resonates with consumers seeking innovative solutions. Avital reflects on a significant instance where her company’s innovation could have made a profound impact. During a period of crisis in Israel, where there was a surge in demand for human breast milk due to unfortunate circumstances, Wilk’s lab-grown breast milk could have provided a vital solution for infants in need. This highlights the potential of their innovation to address critical societal needs and underscores the importance of their work.
“Diversity fuels creativity, inclusion drives innovation, and resilience propels success.” – Avital Beck
Wilk stands out as a women-led company in the male-dominated tech industry, exemplifying diversity and inclusion in leadership roles. Avital’s background as an Orthodox Jewish woman and a mother of seven further enriches the organization’s diversity, fostering a culture of creativity, acceptance, and excellence. By championing diversity, Wilk creates a conducive environment for innovation and growth. Avital’s advice to aspiring women leaders emphasizes the importance of identifying pain points and pursuing innovation fearlessly. She encourages focusing on the “what” rather than the “how,” stressing that progress often starts with addressing a fraction of the problem. Avital’s journey serves as a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to one’s goals.
Avital believes that personal well-being is integral to professional success. She emphasizes the significance of continual personal development and resilience-building to navigate life’s challenges. For Avital, professional success and personal well-being are intertwined, with each complementing and reinforcing the other in a harmonious balance. In Avital’s view, the biotech industry presents numerous opportunities for growth and innovation, particularly in developing affordable methods to scale cell-based systems. By leveraging technology and scientific advancements, companies like Wilk can revolutionize food production and address pressing global challenges.
Wilk harnesses cutting-edge cell biology from the medical field to drive innovation in the food industry. Avital recognizes the challenge of making this technology affordable and robust for mass adoption. By pioneering advancements in cell-based systems, Wilk is at the forefront of technological innovation in its industry. Avital emphasizes the importance of mentorship in nurturing the next generation of women leaders. By serving as role models and demonstrating that leadership positions are attainable, women like Avital inspire and empower younger generations to pursue their ambitions fearlessly. Wilk’s approach to staying agile and adaptable revolves around diligence, perseverance, and creativity. Avital and her team remain steadfast in their pursuit of innovative solutions, constantly evolving to meet the demands of an ever-changing market landscape.
Legacy as a Market Disruptor and Woman Leader:
Avital’s legacy as a market disruptor and woman leader is rooted in her unwavering belief in the attainability of dreams. By breaking barriers and defying societal norms, she paves the way for future generations of women to pursue their aspirations with confidence and determination. Avital’s legacy is one of resilience, innovation, and empowerment, inspiring others to strive for excellence and create lasting change in their respective fields.
“Innovation knows no boundaries – it’s about embracing challenges, finding solutions, and making a difference.” – Avital Beck