Classiq/Handout via REUTERS/File PhotoJERUSALEM, June 28 (Reuters) - Fundraising by Israeli technology firms slumped 65% in the second quarter compared to the same period last year, data showed on Wednesday, as political turmoil in the country exacerbated a global slowdown in the sector. Israeli tech companies raised nearly $16 billion in 2022. But that was mainly in the first half, before the global economic slowdown, higher interest rates and weak stock markets hit. Between April and June, there were only 100 deals and only one was above $200 million, the report said. High-tech had been the fastest growing sector in Israel for a decade, accounting for 14% of jobs and almost a fifth of economic output.

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Persons: Yoni Zimmermann, Steven Scheer, Conor Humphries Organizations: REUTERS, IVC Research, Israel Innovation Authority, LeumiTech, Thomson Locations: Tel Aviv, Israel, Handout, cybersecurity, Israeli