Startup Syria Launchpad: Elevating Founders to the Next Level
Startup Syria Launchpad is a two-week pre-accelerator program designed for idea-stage or pre-funding entrepreneurs. It equips
participants with essential entrepreneurial skills, focusing on customer discovery, business modeling, and solution
refinement. Through targeted workshops, mentorship from industry experts, and peer support, founders will gain the tools
to take their startups to the next level.
Builds on years of experience supporting founders and innovators globally. Designed specifically for early-stage
entrepreneurs in Syria, this program offers the training, mentorship, and network needed to elevate ideas into impactful
ventures.
What Makes This Program Unique
Founder-Focused
The program is designed to be a founder focused at every step, working to create a strong foundation under the founder which elevates their long-term potential, expands their ambitions, exposes them to new opportunities, and connects them to their own greatness.
Learning Experiences
Offer immersive, hands-on learning experiences rooted in real-world case studies and practical insights from successful founders and industry leaders. We emphasize interactive sessions that dissect each founder's primary challenges, offering tailored guidance and actionable next steps ensuring that the learning experience is relevant for each startup journey.
Network-Driven
We connect founders with a robust network of local and international successful founders, mentors, investors, and industry experts. By accessing this diverse community, founders gain critical resources, strategic partnerships, and ongoing support essential for long-term business growth and innovation.
Associate-Led Support
In addition to mentorship, we provide dedicated associate teams to support founders in key areas of Business
Development, Financial planning, Marketing Strategy and Product Development, user experience, and design innovation.
Program Structure and Focus
Our two-week program is designed for early-stage founders navigating fragile. We focus on practical skills, real-world insights, and actionable strategies, with multiple daily sessions organized around six core areas:
Problem Validation & Local Adaptation
This track teaches you how to validate your idea with real users, adapt your solution to local contexts, and build a product that genuinely meets customers needs. You’ll learn how to gather feedback efficiently and iterate quickly.
Lean Operations & Financial Sustainability
Efficiency and resourcefulness are key when operating in conflict-affected regions. This module covers lean operations, financial planning, and sustainable revenue models. Learn how to manage cash flow, track essential metrics, and build a resilient financial strategy to keep your startup afloat.
Resilience & Crisis Management
Navigating fragile contexts requires preparation for unexpected challenges. This track covers building resilient teams, crisis management, and maintaining momentum through adversity. You’ll hear from founders who’ve successfully operated in volatile environments and learn practical approaches to risk mitigation.
Leadership & Team Building
Successful startups are built on strong leadership and effective teams. This category will focus on leadership skills, team management, and fostering a collaborative work environment. Founders will learn how to work with their cofounders, lead with vision and build a motivated, resilient team.
Product Development & Innovation
Turning ideas into impactful solutions requires innovation and adaptability. Learn how to design products with limited resources, prototype efficiently, and integrate user feedback. We’ll focus on developing products that are both practical and scalable, even in low-resource settings.
Investment Readiness & Storytelling
Raising capital in fragile contexts requires a clear story and a compelling pitch. This module covers building a strong pitch deck, crafting a narrative that highlights your mission, and presenting confidently to investors. You’ll also learn about cap table management, term sheet negotiation, and the fundamentals of investment readiness.
People
Firas Khalifeh
CEO / founder
Carbon Mobile
Majed Lababidi
Director of Investment/Integration
Alchemist Accelerator
Abdulwahab Omira
Founder, CEO
Farmitix inc
Rama Chakaki
General Partner
TRANSFORM VC
Rami Alhamad
Founder
Alma
Saleem Najjar
Serial Entrepreneur/Co-founder
Umbrella500
Wafaa Arbash
Head of Product Workforce
CloudFactory
Abdel Malek Al-Mouzayen
Co-Founder & CEO
Tradinos
Homam Al-Rabbat
Co-Founder & CEO
Workiom
Alex Alwan
CEO / CPO
PRODUCT360
Fadi Mujahid
Co-Founder & CEO
Green Mawared
Mustafa Salam
Co-Founder & CEO
Corrsy
Sami Al-Ahmad
Co-Founder & CEO
Emonovo
Ayman Kabbani
Tabib+
Akram Bustati
Study Loop
Ayham Ksayer
Al Mkhtar
Adel Hatahet
Jamalukom
Anas Alhamali
From Syrians
Ibrahim Nassif
From Syrians
Wael Razouk
Hoshblas
Muhammad Alasrawi
Hoshblas
Rand Eid
HiRO Health
Jad Akkary
HiRO Health
Yousuf Al Qalam
الروبوت فتحي
Tasneem Al Kadi
الروبوت فتحي
Alaa Aldeen Lababidi
Warsha Plus
Mohannad Shokal
Warsha Plus
Manar Jamal
ري سات
Kinan Naim
ري سات
Amer Oudeh
Shindi
Nawras Maatalah
Shindi
Ahmad Doghoz
Madad Fund
Muhammad Awad
Madad Fund
Moaz Albarry
زوائد إعمار
Momen Alhajiri
زوائد إعمار
Salih Alhaj Gharib
MeMate
Abdul Rahman Alkhalaf
MeMate
About Startup Syria
Startup Syria is a community-powered initiative founded in 2013 dedicated to supporting founders, startups, and entrepreneurship support organizations working in and for Syria.
We believe entrepreneurs are the driving force behind Syria’s recovery and future prosperity. Our mission is to empower Syrian innovators by connecting them with essential resources, expertise, mentorship, and networks locally and globally, enabling sustainable impact and growth right at home.
FAQs
Who can join the program?
The program is open to Syrian startups or those with at least one co-founder based in Syria.
Will the program be conducted entirely online?
While most of the program will be conducted virtually, there will be some in-person events and workshops as part of the hybrid model.
How many founders will be in the program?
We keep the program small and focused, accepting up to 20 companies with a maximum of two founders per cycle.
Should multiple co-founders apply?
Only one application is needed per startup, but you can include information for up to two founding members within the same application form.
Will information from the application process be shared or made public?
No, we respect your privacy and will not share the information you provide.
How many hours per week do I need to commit?
The program will run for two weeks with three-hour sessions per day. Additional time for mentorship and project work may be required.
Will I need to complete tasks or assignments during the program?
Yes, participants may be expected to complete tasks or assignments to apply what they have learned during the sessions.
How are mentors selected for the program?
Mentors are chosen based on their industry experience, track record in supporting startups, and relevance to the challenges faced by Syrian entrepreneurs.
Who can apply to the program?
Founder Profile:
- Original cofounder (preferably the CEO).
- Passionate and deeply committed to solving a specific problem.
- Demonstrates leadership within their community or industry (coaching, managing, or leading initiatives).
- Maintains a growth mindset: solution-oriented, collaborative, and willing to learn from failure.
- Actively looking to expand leadership abilities and scale their company.
Company Profile:
- Has some form of external validation (investment, partnerships, executive hires).
- Solves a clear, significant problem with an innovative, scalable solution.
- Shows promising early growth, reaching a key milestone (e.g., securing capital, expanding to a new market, or overcoming
a critical challenge).
What are the selection Criteria?
The selection criteria for the program are divided into three areas: Founder, Product, and Company.
- The Founder category (50 points) evaluates the founder’s motivation, current challenges, guiding values, vision for
their ecosystem, and clarity in their personal video.
- The Product category (30 points) assesses the problem being addressed, the innovation of the solution, and customer
engagement.
- The Company category (25 points) considers the company’s mission, competition awareness, revenue model, and team
strength.
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