Calling all Egyptian innovators, aspiring entrepreneurs, and tech wizards! Are you full of a creative idea but unsure of the next step? This blog is your one-stop guide to launching your dream venture, with a focus on the top programmes available in Egypt and the wider region.

Innoventures Egypt: Nurturing Homegrown Talent

Innoventures Egypt stands tall as a champion for Egyptian startups. This programme offers a unique value proposition:

Up to $135.6k in Funding: They directly invest up to ج.م300k ($8,190.) per company, taking only a 3% equity stake. This allows you to retain a significant portion of your company’s ownership.
Rigorous Support System: Innoventures goes beyond funding. They run an integrated programme, admitting up to 30 startups annually. You’ll receive business launch support, mentorship, training, office facilities, and investor connections.
Focus on Diverse Skills: They look for companies across a broad spectrum, including hardware design, mobile apps, rapid prototyping, software development, and green tech.

Innoventures,boasts an impressive track record. They’ve invested in 17 startups founded by 50 passionate entrepreneurs.

The funding they provide is significant, with each company receiving up to 10 Million Egyptian Pounds (EGP), which translates to a potential valuation of over $100 million (USD) for some of these promising ventures.

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The Innoventures Programme: A Step-by-Step Journey

Innoventures operate in two cycles per year, each divided into four phases:

Spark: This introductory phase ignites your entrepreneurial spirit with talks from established figures, discussions, and mini-workshops
Ignition: Here, things get real. Shortlisted startups receive intensive mentorship and have their business models assessed.
Plasma: The core phase! Selected teams gain access to the full package: comprehensive mentorship, focused sessions, co-working space, legal support, and business development guidance for four months.
Nova: The grand finale! Showcase your venture to a prestigious audience of investors, industry professionals, and potential collaborators.

Flat6Labs: A Regional Powerhouse

Looking for a programme with broader reach? Flat6Labs boasts a presence across several Middle Eastern and North African countries. Here’s what they offer:

Global Investment Network: Flat6Labs has directly invested a staggering $3.3 billion (USD) in promising startups. Their alumni have also secured a cool $8.9 million (USD) from investors like Aramco Ventures and Khwarizmi Ventures.
Focus on Tech-Driven Sectors: Their investment focus leans towards electronics, mobile apps, e-commerce, and green tech.
Comprehensive Support System: They provide seed funding, strategic mentorship, a vibrant co-working space, valuable perks, and business training tailored for entrepreneurs.

Annually, Flat6Labs invests in more than 100 innovative and technology-driven startups enabling thousands of passionate entrepreneurs to achieve their daring ambitions and ultimately becoming their institutional co-founders.

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Beyond Egypt: Exploring Additional Opportunities

While Innoventures and Flat6Labs cater specifically to the MENA region, here are some additional programmes worth considering:

Alexandria Startup Cup: This competition offers a £5,000 prize for mobile and business model-focused ventures.
EWA Ελλάδα 2024: Calling all female AgTech entrepreneurs in Greece! This programme offers €10,000 (Euros) per founder, online training, mentorship, networking events, and potential funding opportunities.
Changelabseg: This Egypt-based programme invests in 3 startups per year, offering $25,000 per team with an equity stake ranging from 3% to 10%.

Egypt received $101 million in funding, a significant drop from the previous year (13% in H1 2024 compared to 22% in 2023). The country accounted for 87% of the funding in Northern Africa, similar to the previous year.

Morocco was the only other country in the region to attract over $10 million in start-up investments, totaling $14 million. Following strong performance in 2021 and 2022, driven mainly by Yassir in Algeria’s case, both Tunisia and Algeria have seen limited activity since 2023.

Research the programmes that align with your vision and industry, polish your pitch, and apply with confidence. Remember, launching a startup is a thrilling journey, and with the right support, your innovative idea can develop into a game-changing venture.