With Eyes Closed, You See Everything: Chemi Peres on Humility, Vision, and Optimism, in Entrepreneurship and Beyond

There are people whose presence fills a room, their story larger than the sum of its parts. Chemi Peres is one of them—a visionary, investor, and trailblazer in Israel’s high-tech landscape. In a conversation brimming with inspiration and insights, Chemi shared not only his impressive achievements but also the deep roots that shaped his journey, the challenges he faced, and the choice to keep looking forward even during life’s most difficult moments.

Growing up with a father like Shimon Peres—an icon of boundless vision—Chemi inherited values like innovation, humility, and ambition as an integral part of who he is. Yet, Chemi didn’t live in his father’s shadow. He took that legacy, reimagined it through his own lens, and embarked on a personal journey to turn this vision into tangible reality.

From Unicorns to Giraffes: Building Companies That Last

When Chemi speaks of vision, it’s impossible not to be captivated by his idea of “giraffes”—mega-companies worth trillions, far surpassing the scale of “unicorns.” This is not just a technological aspiration but a bold statement about Israel’s capacity to lead on the global stage.

However, Chemi views this journey not as a race or a battle but as a practice in humility. It’s the kind of humility that allows one to pause, reflect on the path already traveled, and recognize that great things are built from the ground up—with commitment to values, hard work, and an unfiltered understanding of reality as it is.

Loss and Transformation: Turning Grief into a Guiding Force

When Chemi speaks about the loss of his son, Guy, the silence in the room is palpable. This profound pain transformed him into a different person—a man who deeply understands what truly matters and who can distinguish the ephemeral from the eternal.

Chemi describes how this loss brought proportion and introspection into his life. It taught him to pause, reflect, and draw strength even from the hardest moments. This tragedy, both personal and familial, became a compass that guides his professional and personal journey toward generosity, creativity, and purposeful action.

Entrepreneurship with Soul: Blending Vision and Humanity

For Chemi, entrepreneurship is not just about building companies or developing technologies; it’s about leaving a meaningful imprint on society. Listening to him, it becomes clear how profound his vision truly is—not just to advance Israeli high-tech but to make it a driver of social change, promote equal opportunities, and bridge the gap between technology and values.

Chemi emphasizes the need to build companies with strong DNA, ones that integrate vision with humanity. He reminds us that everything begins and ends with people—with teams, relationships, and a shared belief that propels everything forward.

Optimism as a Tool: Rising and Dreaming Again

As the conversation draws to a close, I feel I’ve touched not just on Chemi’s professional world but also on the spirit that fuels him. He reminds me that optimism is not a privilege—it’s a tool. More than that, it’s the choice to see the sun rise anew every day, even after the storm.

Embarking on an entrepreneurial journey with Chemi Peres is an invitation not just to dream but to dare, not just to lead but to listen, and not just to succeed but to leave a lasting impact. It’s a lesson in turning the next big idea into a reality that resonates for generations.

This episode isn’t just about entrepreneurship; it’s about life itself—about how we create change rooted in values, meaning, and resilience. It’s a reminder that the journey is as important as the destination.