Lebanon's startup ecosystem has grown and developed significantly, demonstrating resilience accredited to its entrepreneurs' innovation and tenacity. Lebanese entrepreneurs are creative and tenacious in their pursuit of innovation and making a name for themselves both locally and abroad. Against this backdrop, venture capital companies have played an important role in developing and supporting the growth of these entrepreneurs by introducing critical funding and experience into the ecosystem. In this article, we have compiled a comprehensive list of top VC Funds and Angel Investors in Lebanon that can provide you with the capital and support to help you succeed!
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Why Should You Raise Funds in Lebanon?
1. Supportive Regulatory Environment:
Lebanon has a generally favorable regulatory environment for startups, including incentives and support programs to stimulate entrepreneurship and investment. The Lebanese government has launched a number of programs to encourage innovation and attract international investment, including tax breaks, grants, and subsidies for businesses. Furthermore, the Central Bank of Lebanon has launched Circular 331, a ground-breaking program that will invest $400 million to assist the expansion of the knowledge economy through investments in startups and venture capital funds. This program has boosted Lebanon's startup ecosystem, drawing both local and foreign investors and establishing the country as a desirable fundraising destination.
2. Strategic Geographical Location:
Lebanon, located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, provides entrepreneurs with access to new markets and global trade channels. Lebanon's well-developed infrastructure, which includes modern airports, ports, and highways, makes it a gateway to the Middle East and beyond. Furthermore, the country benefits from its proximity to major economic hubs like Dubai, Istanbul, and Riyadh, which allows for commercial development and collaboration. Lebanon's unique geographic position and cultural affinity with both the East and West allow entrepreneurs to capitalise on these advantages to gain access and develop a strong presence in regional and global markets, hence increasing their competitiveness and growth opportunities.
3. Cost Effective Operating Environment:
When compared to other startup hubs in the area, Lebanon provides a more affordable working environment with fewer labor and operational costs. The country's skilled workforce is accessible at competitive wages, allowing businesses to use their resources and achieve higher cost savings. Furthermore, Lebanon has a favorable exchange rate, making it an appealing destination for international investors seeking high-quality people and low-cost commercial prospects. By seeking funding in Lebanon, companies may take advantage of these cost benefits, increasing their runway and scaling potential while maintaining a sustainable company strategy.
Venture Capitalist Funds in Lebanon
The venture capital firms below are actively looking for investments in promising companies throughout various stages and sectors. The stages stated do not limit the possibility of getting funding if your company is at any stage other than what is listed.
Year of Inception: 2015
Stage: Seed, Series A
Focus: FinTech
Notable Portfolio: TWIG Finance, Sarwa, NymCard, Bsynchro
Phoenician VC is a prominent venture capital firm focusing on early-stage technology companies across the MENA region, Europe, and the US. The firm's investment strategies revolve around identifying visionary founding teams and innovative, scalable products that address prevalent needs. Notable for its regional expertise and close relationships with key managers in its portfolio companies, Phoenician Funds is committed to fine-tuning growth strategies, setting scalability targets, and recruiting top talent for its portfolio companies. It has garnered recognition, notably being awarded the Best Seed Capital Fund Manager (Middle East) in 2019. Phoenician VC stands out for its deep understanding of the financial industry, an extensive network, and the ability to provide quick solutions for the challenges faced by its portfolio companies, further solidifying its position as a trusted partner for startups and entrepreneurs in the region.
Year of Inception: 2001
Stage: Seed, Series A
Focus: Information & Communication Technology, Digital Content, Industrial & Product Design, Fashion Design, Renewable Energies
Notable Portfolio: Edulab, Dermandar, Bsynchro, Cardio Diagnostics, Mobinets, Scriptr
Berytech, a renowned player in the venture capital landscape, has made significant contributions to the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Lebanon. The Berytech Fund I, established in 2008, has been instrumental in investing in early growth Lebanese ICT companies, showcasing the organization's commitment to nurturing local talent and innovation. With a focus on information and communication technology, the fund has invested $6 million in 15 companies, with per-transaction portions ranging from $100,000 to $1,200,000. Furthermore, Berytech's establishment of the Berytech Fund II, a 50 million US Dollars Beirut-based venture capital fund, underscores its dedication to fostering growth and innovation in the knowledge economy sector. Berytech's extensive support and investments in the Lebanese entrepreneurial landscape have significantly contributed to the activation and development of the country's startup ecosystem.
Saned Partners, an independently managed venture capital fund, has been a cornerstone of early-stage company nurturing across the MENA region. The firm's investment strategy focuses on providing means and resources to entrepreneurs, aiming to transform promising projects into established, best-in-class businesses that deliver exceptional value to stakeholders. While being sector agnostic, Saned Partners primarily supports entrepreneurs specializing in information technology, telecommunications, media, light manufacturing, food & beverage, and consumer services. The firm's investment approach involves targeting validated and scalable business models, proven concepts, and products and services that address market demand, with typical investment values ranging between US$100,000 and US$400,000. Saned's commitment extends beyond capital, as it offers entrepreneurs guidance and support. Additionally, the firm's strong network and versatile expertise, coupled with its commitment to economic and social development, position it as a catalyst for entrepreneurial success in the MENA region.
Year of Inception: 2011
Stage: Seed, Series A
Focus: Technology
Notable Portfolio: Instabug, Hawaya, Mint Basil Market, Sawerly
Flat6Labs in Lebanon, a leading accelerator and seed investment program, plays a pivotal role in cultivating the burgeoning startup ecosystem in the country. With a strategic focus on empowering entrepreneurs for rapid company development, Flat6Labs Beirut provides a platform for early-stage startups to flourish. The program's investment strategy centers around identifying and nurturing innovative, high-potential ventures, with a keen emphasis on sectors such as technology, telecommunications, and consumer services. Notable for its significant contributions. Furthermore, Flat6Labs Beirut's commitment to guiding and mentoring entrepreneurs, coupled with its extensive network of industry experts and strategic partners, underscores its dedication to fostering the growth and success of startups in Lebanon.
Year of Inception: 2018
Stage: Seed, Series A
Focus: Technology
Notable Portfolio: ABAKA, Celgene, Comply Advantage, Elvie, Jawbone
Asseily Ventures has exhibited a strong commitment to investing in early-stage startups. The firm's investment strategies are centered around backing early-stage ventures with disruptive technologies that offer radically better unit economics and environmental impact. With a mission to address the climate crisis by supporting deep tech companies, Asseily Ventures focuses on sectors that can significantly reset industries, such as steel, construction, commercial buildings, and agriculture, through breakthroughs in matter, energy, time, and space. Notable for their strategic investments, the firm has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting startups, with a keen focus on upgrading the relationship with components of nature – Air, Water, Soil, and Biodiversity. The firm's hands-on support for its portfolio companies, coupled with its mission-driven approach, positions it as a catalyst for environmental innovation and sustainability in the venture capital landscape
Year of Inception: 2005
Stage: Seed, Series A, Series B
Focus: Consumer and retail, Food and beverage, Agriculture, Education, Energy, Financial services and insurance, Healthcare and pharmaceuticals, Information technology
Notable Portfolio: Novamed, Belimpex, Khoury Home, Indigo Company
EuroMena Funds has positioned itself as a key player in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, specializing in emerging markets with a track record of successful investments. The
firm's investment strategy is built on a structured approach that emphasizes hands-on involvement in portfolio companies, aimed at maximizing growth and ultimately achieving profitable exits. EuroMena Funds has successfully raised over US$350 million through its three funds (EuroMena I, II, and III) from reputable European Development Finance Institutions. The firm's proactive involvement in its portfolio companies has led to remarkable achievements, such as transforming local enterprises into global businesses, fostering growth plans that culminated in successful divestments, and expanding companies into new markets. Notably, EuroMena Funds' strategic investments have played a pivotal role in facilitating access to capital for companies in emerging markets, contributing to job creation and sustainable development in the region. Through its carefully crafted three-pillar strategy, the firm has consistently provided significant value to its investors, generating high returns and additional revenue streams.
Year of Inception: 2015
Stage: Seed, Series A, Series B
Focus: Sector Agnostic
Notable Portfolio: MYKI, Reef Kinetics, Natagri, Bokja, Fly-foot
IM Fndng has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing the investment ecosystem in Lebanon through its strategic investment initiatives. Notable for its partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and its implementation of the MENA & Lebanon Investment Initiatives, IM Fndng has been instrumental in providing matching capital, equity guarantees, and support programs to a diverse range of businesses, spanning from seed stage to growth phase, as well as to investors in Lebanon. The firm's investment strategies encompass early-stage funding, matching capital, mentoring, coaching, and angel investing, reflecting a comprehensive approach to nurturing and empowering entrepreneurial ventures. Furthermore, IM Fndng has made significant strides in fostering the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Lebanon by obligating substantial investments in tech startups, as well as launching a new fund, the SoLR& Renewable Energy fund, emphasizing its commitment to advancing renewable energy and sustainable solutions. With a proactive approach to supporting its portfolio companies and a strong focus on fostering growth and innovation, IM Fndng continues to play a pivotal role in catalyzing entrepreneurial success and driving positive economic impact in Lebanon's investment landscape.
Angel Investors in Lebanon
Angel investors may act as an individual or as a syndicate to fund projects of their preference, so these networks are the best opportunity for you to find a potential Angel with an aligned vision and interests.
Stage: Pre Seed, Seed
Focus: Sector Agnostic
Notable Portfolio: -
Seeders Angel Group, headquartered in Beirut, Lebanon, is a distinguished community of qualified Business Angels dedicated to enriching the Lebanese entrepreneurial landscape by strategically injecting smart capital into early-stage, high-risk ventures. Notably, Seeders Angel Group has played a pivotal role in supporting the growth and success of pioneering startups, exemplified by its participation in the seed investment round for Moodfit, an innovative online interior design platform in the MENA region. Collaborating with prominent entities such as IM Capital, Impact Fund by Middle East Venture Partners (MEVP), and iSME Capital, Seeders Angel Group's investment focus encompasses sectors such as furniture, e-commerce, and home decor, reflecting its commitment to fostering innovation in these domains. The company's proactive involvement in funding promising startups and its strategic partnerships demonstrate its dedication to driving entrepreneurial success and innovation in Lebanon's vibrant startup ecosystem. Additionally, as a catalyst for early-stage ventures, Seeders Angel Group continues to play a crucial role in nurturing and empowering emerging businesses, thus contributing to the overall economic and technological advancement of the region.
Closing Thoughts on VCs and Angel Investors in Lebanon
In the face of adversity, Lebanon's startup ecosystem exemplifies tenacity, ingenuity, and potential. Venture capital firms are critical facilitators, providing the fuel for entrepreneurs to develop and achieve their goals. As Lebanon continues on its road to economic recovery and technological growth, the relationship between startups and venture capital will play an important role in molding the country's entrepreneurial future.
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