MENACatalyst reaching out, 1948 and beyond
In an effort to reach out to the wider Palestinian community, MENACatalyst has been working towards consolidating an expansive network of diaspora professionals from across the globe. Continuing on this mission, MENACatalyst has taken the next strategic steps forward, and has begun reaching out to potential business and industry partners of Palestinian descent residing within what now constitutes 1948 territories.
Building bridges between startups from the West Bank with their counterparts in 1948 territories has the potential to enhance the economic capabilities and viability of Palestinian based startups. The possibilities are endless, paving the way for joint businesses ventures featuring co-founders from both areas. A vast array of opportunities such outsourcing services will effectively contribute to the creation of a countless number of jobs for unemployed yet talented and driven Palestinian youth, ultimately making Palestine the go-to destination for outsourcing services on an international scale. Joint access to markets across the West Bank and within 1948 territories are only the beginning of a mutually beneficial and dynamic collaboration that ensures the visibility and viability of Palestinian enterprise.
It is clear that the startups and business ventures led by Palestinians descendants within 1948 territories have the access to networks, resources and acumen, that would make a world of difference for locally-based startups. Making the connections that will lead to strategic investments and allow local entrepreneurs to connect with professionals willing to mentor up-and-coming startups is a major step in the right direction. A step that will lead to an inherently resilient Palestinian economy, unrestricted by borders, virtual in nature and expansive in scope.
MENACatalyst is already working to tap into these connections and has begun a series of meetings with a range of entrepreneurs and business professionals committed, namely Fadi Swidan, director of Nazareth Business Center and Hybrid Accelerator, a holistic program for early-stage ventures led by Arab founders within 1948 territories; and Anan Copty, founder and CEO of SynergyMed Ltd, an emerging medical device company that focuses on the treatment of early stage for the veterinary, research and human markets.
With a dynamic and inclusive platform, as well as a planned incubation and acceleration exchange program, entrepreneurs, business experts and venture capitalists from within ‘48 will be able to take advantage of the singular opportunity to connect and collaborate with Palestinian-based entrepreneurs in the West Bank. Committed startups and business professionals hailing from ‘48 will also be given the opportunity to be featured in impact stories on MENACatalyst’s dedicated platform, connecting them to locally-based startups and the wider Palestinian diaspora.
Participating in signature programs including acclaimed international demo events and highly impactful mastermind groups, MENACatalyst is eager to incorporate the acumen, resources and innovation the ‘48 community of entrepreneurs has to offer. Further, connections are not only limited to virtual outreach, as MENACatalyst is in the process of establishing an ongoing series of hackathons and ideation camps, to build on these connections, leverage invaluable skills and establish long-lasting initiatives.
To strengthen or even just to create a virtual based economy, strong networks between an expansive diaspora community, inextricably linked to a shared Palestinian identity and heritage with local Palestinian innovation and enterprise is essential. With an overarching mission to enhance the economic capabilities of local Palestinian enterprises, MENACatalyst has been on the forefront of building connections with Palestinian descendants across the diaspora and beyond, providing the tools and the platform, for diaspora to reach out and show their support