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Beirut, the capital city of Lebanon, has a growing startup ecosystem. Notable within this burgeoning scene are numerous success stories, including companies like Anghami, the leading music streaming platform in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Anghami was established in 2012 by Lebanese entrepreneurs Eddy Maroun and Elie Habib. To date, Anghami has over 70 million users and has raised more than $24 million in funding.
Another iconic success story is Bookwitty, a global platform for discovering and buying books, founded by Tarek Cheaib. The company has raised around $50 million, as of the latest funding round.
The Beirut Digital District (BDD) is an initiative to support startups, providing a digital hub for companies. The BDD has successfully aided in the growth of several startups in Lebanon, offering services including office spaces, community activities, and networking events, which have been crucial in fostering a collaborative entrepreneurial environment.
Also worthy of note is Leap Ventures, a Beirut-based venture capital firm that provides funding to tech startups in the MENA region. Other notable VC firms operating in the area include Berytech Fund II and Middle East Venture Partners (MEVP).
Initiatives such as Speed@BDD, a Beirut-based startup accelerator supported by IM Capital under the US State Department's Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), provide startups with cash funding, an accountant, and a lawyer in a full-time workspace for three months.
Despite the challenges the city has faced, including a challenging macroeconomic situation and a lack of a comprehensive legal framework for businesses, the startup scene in Beirut continues to thrive. The city's entrepreneurs are well educated, highly motivated, and facing adversity head-on, with over 45% of Lebanon's startups being situated in Beirut.
In conclusion, Beirut represents an intriguing and resilient startup and VC ecosystem, with notable success stories, impactful initiatives, VC firms, and entrepreneurial spirit despite the regional challenges.
Showing your skills in picking successful startups and advising founders is the surest way to build your reputation and secure a venture capital role.
Explore โYour community, region, or group thrives when its founders are given the chance to succeed before going back and reinvesting in their comunities.
Explore โEarn a share in startups you scout without the funds to invest directly just like a VC partner.
Explore โAs a podcaster, community manager, or event organiser you have a front-row seat to interesting startups which you can monetise by helping them fundraise.
Explore โBy identifying under-represented founders you're level the playing field for anyone to success based on merit independent from their social or ethnic background.
Explore โHelp your friends who are neck-deep in their startups get the funding they need to succeed.
Explore โBeirut is a vibrant city with a wealth of opportunities for startup investors. We offer exclusive dealflow opportunities from individuals, startups, and innovations coming out of Beirut. Reach out today for more information.
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