After an absence of more than six years, Beirut’s startup scene is witnessing a significant revival with the landmark return of the LIFE Pitch Event. The event, organized by the global network LIFE, brought together Lebanese entrepreneurs with a select group of mentors, investors, and venture capital funds, signaling a renewed confidence in Beirut’s potential as a regional innovation hub.
Held in partnership with prominent investment funds, the event provided a vital platform for emerging startups to showcase their ideas and connect directly with key decision-makers and capital providers in the ecosystem.
A Global Initiative Returns Home
While this was the first time the event was held in Beirut, the initiative was originally launched in Dubai in 2022 with the mission of supporting Lebanese entrepreneurs globally.
Zena Mehanna, CEO of LIFE, explained that the event has previously been hosted in major cities like Dubai, Paris, London, and New York. “This is the first time it has been held in Beirut, after organizing nine events since 2022 with the participation of more than sixty Lebanese entrepreneurs,” she noted.
The initiative does not focus on a specific sector but requires all participating startups to have a strong technology component, with a notable presence from companies in FinTech and SaaS solutions.
Fostering Investment-Ready Startups
LIFE employs a meticulous selection process for participating startups, conducted by a committee of VCs, angel investors, and seasoned industry experts. Once selected, founders undergo intensive training and mentorship to prepare them for the pitch day.
Mehanna highlighted the event’s unique value proposition for founders. “Potential investors make up between 25 and 30% of the attendees, giving entrepreneurs a real opportunity for direct contact and to build promising funding relationships,” she added.
Navigating Post-Launch Challenges
Providing an investor’s perspective, Steve Khayat, a mentor at PVP, spoke about the critical hurdles startups face after launching their initial product. He explained that the most difficult challenge is making the company fundable for the long term, rather than just securing a single round.
“The focus is on aligning the business model with the revenue model,” Khayat stated. “Often, the idea is innovative, but the mechanisms for generating financial returns are not in harmony with it, which weakens the chances of growth and sustainability.”
He emphasized the crucial role of accelerators, incubators, and international initiatives in preparing MENA founders to approach institutional investors from a position of strength.
Spotlight on Lebanese Innovation
The event showcased a range of promising ventures. Imad Dougan, founder of Mohtawa, shared the story of his platform, which was born from his experience at global agencies in Dubai. He identified a gap in the market for authentic visual content that reflects the region’s identity, leading him to build a platform that combines AI, creative workflows, and a library of locally representative content.
Nehme Jbeily, founder of Bilo, presented his solution to the complexities of managing out-of-home (OOH) advertising campaigns. His platform uses AI to digitize and simplify the entire process, allowing companies to select ad spaces and launch campaigns quickly and efficiently.
Despite launching only five months ago, Bilo is already working with major corporations and has surpassed $150,000 in revenue. “Participating in the LIFE Pitch Event allowed me to present my idea to top investors in one place, which enhances our opportunities for support and expansion,” Jbeily said.
About LIFE
LIFE is a global, non-partisan, and non-sectarian network of Lebanese professionals in the diaspora. Its members work together towards a brighter future for Lebanon by channeling their influence, expertise, and resources to support talent, nurture entrepreneurship, and promote economic development.
Source: Annahar
