Wrapping Up 2018

 Starting with one mind trying to make a difference for the future of entrepreneurship among young and striving Palestinian entrepreneurs struggling to make it in life under occupation, MENACatalyst has offered a glimmer of hope to startups gazing new markets. In an environment with unfavorable conditions for fostering innovation and advancing technologically, in comparison to their counterparts in international markets, startups in Palestine are seemingly lagging behind. Taking these weaknesses and transforming them into fortresses of strength, MENACatalyst has dedicated its work to enhancing Palestinian startups’ exposure to diaspora business enablers from around the world - through its roadshow of demo events spanning the globe - in its efforts to build a vibrant Palestinian economy.

 In less than a year, MENACatalyst’s now team of 7, has worked tirelessly in their efforts to build a Palestinian diaspora network - now filled with over 100 committed diaspora business enablers and investors from different walks of life. From diaspora in Chile, to the US, Europe and the Middle East, they all bear one shared hope– their hope for a liberated Palestine. One that is free from restrictions, and where freedom can be enjoyed by all of its people. And what better way to foster liberation than through economic empowerment? 

 In its endeavor to craft a one of a kind model, MENACatalyst has been exploring new ways to connect the global diaspora with startups in Palestine, in its hope to build a ‘virtual global Palestinian economy’; where talented Palestinian startups are featured in telling stories on an inviting virtual platform alongside their diaspora counterparts, paving the way to a contemporary modality in this new era of interconnectivity.

 MENACatalyst’s revolutionary model has enabled startups in Palestine to go beyond borders. Offering startups the chance to give their best pitches at its pitch challenges in Palestine - for coveted spots to venture to diverse entrepreneurial havens to connect with a range of diaspora entrepreneurs [eager to offer mentorship], investors, and successful startups keen on unearthing their entrepreneurial secrets. 

 The whole of 2018, witnessed swarms of startup applications [upwards of 400 to be precise] upon MENACatalyst’s ‘Call for Applications’, ranging from startups in the West Bank, to Gaza and interestingly, from the diaspora abroad - a clear indication of the growing startup ecosystem in Palestine.

 In Chile alone, the successful diaspora community has rendered its unwavering support to Palestinian startups which participated in the ‘Santiago Demo Events’, geared to social and tech entrepreneurs, who are now receiving virtual coaching, despite the grueling time difference. And promises of outsourcing opportunities by leading diaspora entrepreneurs flowing from Chile to Palestine, has offered a spark of hope to jobless Palestinians – with a particular focus on filling unemployment gaps in Hebron. With a few investment offers now in the making, Chilean diaspora members are on the hunt for more entrepreneurial gems, expressing their willingness to host a second round of demo events in Santiago.

 The success of the diaspora community in the microcosm of the UAE - that is Dubai, had Palestinian startups turning heads. With MENACatalyst’s support, startups were in for a bombshell of business and mentorship opportunities from flourishing diaspora entrepreneurs. Meetings with leading universities, accelerators, entrepreneurs, angel investors, venture capital funds, and media platforms, like Wamda and MBC Group, startups watching from back home were yearning for an encore. 

 MENACatalyst’s roadshow of events has paved the way to new partnerships forged. Boasting names like Wamda, MBC, RIT University, diaspora organizations and international accelerators, business companies, and investment funds – all stark proof of the willingness of the international business community to promote entrepreneurship and stimulate economic growth in Palestine.   

 To reel in the new year, MENACatalyst is in preparation for a host of new opportunities for its startups. This new year will not only be focused on shaping new business and investment deals, but also on creating new international business connections for Palestinian startups, and accelerating joint ventures and outsourcing opportunities, all with the aim of fueling job creation in Palestine. AND in its efforts to construct a more collaborative network amongst the diaspora and local business communities, MEANCatalyst will continue to encourage business ventures between diaspora co-founders and local co-founders to strengthen and empower the startup ecosystem in Palestine.  

 Together with the diaspora community, MENACatalyst can cultivate a community of Palestinian change makers, and offer striving entrepreneurs a space which fosters effective and collaborative thinking, filled with talented minds, innovative ideas, and a passion to transform the political and economic landscape in Palestine, one that will emerge with more resilience and independence than ever before.

 Join us!
 2018 was our year of great success! Full of productive work and discussions with key stakeholders in the field of entrepreneurship, and due to this success, we will continue to build on the connections we made and actively work towards creating long-lasting and collaborative relationships with our diaspora community. We hope that you continue to support our vision and join us on our journey to foster innovation and leadership in Palestine.