Doron Merdinger

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Doron Merdinger

Doron Merdinger (born 1968) is an Israeli-American tableware and jewellery designer. He is the founder of the Merdinger House of Design based in Miami, Florida. He is also the founder of Doroni Aerospace based in Pompano Beach, Florida.

Early life and education[edit]

Doron Merdinger was born in 1968 in Israel. His father owned a traditional Judaica silversmith company, Hazorfim.[1] Merdinger studied microelectronics and computers in high school. He then continued his education abroad, studying Business Administration in San Diego at USIU and then graduated from NYU's Stern School of Business New York University,[2] where he graduated with honors.

Career in Design[edit]

Hazorfim[edit]

After graduating from NYU, Doron returned to Israel to re-launch his family’s Hazorfim business as the Marketing Director and CEO. After 12 years, the business employed 200 employees and $18 million of revenue.[3]

Hazorfim is an Israeli company known for its craftsmanship in silver Judaica and luxury gift items. The company specializes in handcrafted products such as menorahs, candlesticks, and Kiddush cups. Hazorfim combines traditional Jewish motifs with modern design. The company operates retail outlets in Israel and internationally.[4]

Merdinger's first collection used pioneering new computer-assisted design (CAD) software created with 5 other designers. The design technique took two years to develop the Arabesque pattern.[5] It is the world's first fully integrated tableware collection that used 3D files and laser cutting technology.[2] This includes the Arabesque, Jacob's Ladder, and Ropes and Sails collection.[6]

Sustainable Materials and Cultural Impact[edit]

Merdinger uses precious stones, porcelain, metals, crystals and exotic woods.[7][8]

In an interview Merdinger was quoted saying, “My message to the world is that there is a God, and he does not belong only to the Jews, the Christians or the Muslims. It is important to understand that we need to share Him, and not fight about Him. My creations are a symbol of the higher world since their morphology is unique -- they were created in the virtual reality, the higher world. They show there’s more to life than physical items.”[2]

Recognition[edit]

Merdinger's collection has been carried by the British tableware store Thomas Goode and served at the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.[9] His work has been covered by news and media outlets such as the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Globes Israel's Business Arena, Tableware Today, and Israel National News.[10] He was asked to create a customized set for the court of the King of Dubai and has designed a personalized $10,000 necklace for Madonna.[11]

Urban Air Mobility and the eVTOL Industry[edit]

Doroni Aerospace[edit]

Doroni Aerospace is a Pompano Beach, Florida based company focused on eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) technology, founded in 2016 by Merdinger.[12] The company's work centers on developing sustainable transportation solutions in the field of urban air mobility.

FAA Certification[edit]

On December 1, 2023, the company's Doroni H1 eVTOL received FAA Special Airworthiness Certification.[13]

Fundraising and Investment for Doroni Aerospace[edit]

Since its inception, Doroni Aerospace has undertaken multiple fundraising rounds to support its eVTOL development:

Initial Crowdfunding[edit]

Doroni Aerospace raised over $1 million from individual investors.[14]

Seed Funding Phase[edit]

The company recently concluded its seed funding phase with a total of over $5.8 million raised through crowdfunding on StartEngine.[15]

Recognition and Partnerships[edit]

Local Government Endorsement[edit]

The Mayor of Pompano Beach, Rex Hardin, visited the company's facilities post-FAA certification, acknowledging its local impact.[16]

Hardin commented about Doroni Aerospace, “Witnessing firsthand the remarkable innovations they have brought to our community is truly inspiring. Their commitment to advancing technology, not just locally but as a beacon in South Florida, and their significant contribution to our local economy is highly commendable."

Collaboration with Space Florida[edit]

Partnering with Space Florida, a state agency supporting the aerospace industry, Doroni Aerospace has gained essential support in facilities, resources, and industry networking.[17]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Hazorfim - Handmade Silver Candlesticks, Candelabras And Menorahs". hazorfim.com. Retrieved 2020-04-27.
  2. ^ a b c Kadesh, Avigayil. "The golden hands of Doron Merdinger". Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  3. ^ Beserglick, Billy. "You Have to Get Lost to Find Yourself". globes.co.il. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  4. ^ "Hazorfim - Creating original silverware for your Yom Tov table". jpost.com. Retrieved 2020-09-03.
  5. ^ Hall, Christopher. "Home: Digital Dinnerware". Robb Report. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  6. ^ Stavis, Amy. "By Design Spotlight on the Creator: Doron Merdinger". Onlinedigeditions. Tableware Today. Retrieved 19 July 2015.
  7. ^ "Doron Merdinger :The Man Behind the Brand | Luxury Jewelry & Tableware". www.merdinger-online.com. Retrieved 2020-04-27.
  8. ^ "Gilded laces of elite sets of designer House Merdinger: Russian trace". ForumDaily. 2012-07-18. Retrieved 2020-04-27.
  9. ^ Klein Leichman, Abigail. "Doron Merdinger Goes for the Gold". Israel21c. Retrieved 10 April 2015.
  10. ^ Ben Gedalyahu, Tviz. "Kabbala of Gold Features Arab Sources". Israel National News. Retrieved 10 April 2015.
  11. ^ Beserglick, Billy. "You Have to Get Lost to Find Yourself". Globes Israel's Business Arena. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  12. ^ "How one South Florida startup's flying car could change transportation forever". miamiherald.com. Retrieved 2023-07-23.
  13. ^ "CUSHION OF AIR Flying car company launches milestone first successful flight of manned two-seater boasting a max speed of 140 mph". Retrieved 2023-07-18.
  14. ^ "Doroni Aerospace raises $3.5 million to bring flying cars to consumers". bizjournals.com. Retrieved 2023-03-17.
  15. ^ "Rethink your commute". startengine.com. Retrieved 2023-12-11.
  16. ^ "Could electric cars take off right here in South Florida? Head of startup thinks so". local10.com. Retrieved 2023-12-07.
  17. ^ "How one South Florida startup's flying car could change transportation forever". miamiherald.com. Retrieved 2023-07-23.
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