LIFE, the global network for Lebanese professionals, has expanded its support for the country’s entrepreneurs by hosting its first-ever Pitch Night on the US West Coast. The event, held in San Francisco, signals a strategic push to connect Lebanese-founded tech startups with the influential investor and tech community in Silicon Valley.
Quick Facts
- First LIFE Pitch Night held in San Francisco.
- Featured 10 US-based, Lebanese-founded startups.
- Past participants raised over $80M within a year.
Bridging Beirut’s Talent with Bay Area Capital
Held on June 17 in partnership with LebNet and Endeavor Lebanon, the San Francisco event brought together 10 Lebanese startups based in the United States. The companies, operating in sectors like AI, fintech, healthtech, and cybersecurity, pitched to an audience of investors, founders, and tech leaders from the Bay Area.
The evening also included a keynote address from George Kadifa, Co-Founder and Senior Advisor at Sumeru Equity Partners and Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the American University of Beirut, who shared insights from his career in tech and venture capital. This inaugural West Coast event follows the 10th edition of LIFE’s Pitch Night series, which took place at Meta’s London offices in April and featured six Lebanese startups from the UK and Europe.
A Global Stage for Lebanese Innovation
Since launching the Pitch Nights in 2022, LIFE has created a global platform for Lebanese founders, holding events in key hubs including London, Paris, New York, Dubai, and Beirut. The initiative has supported over 70 tech startups, which have collectively raised more than $80 million in funding within a year of their participation.
The events provide a crucial link for Lebanese entrepreneurs to access international networks, mentorship, and investment opportunities necessary for global expansion.
More Than Just a Pitch
Beyond the pitching stage, selected founders receive dedicated mentorship and coaching to refine their presentations and fundraising strategies. The program aims to provide comprehensive support while highlighting Lebanese innovation within the global tech ecosystem.
Ziad Nasr, founder of Biteright, commented on the experience, stating, “The pitch night provided us with a valuable opportunity to increase our visibility, which is critical for Lebanese entrepreneurs developing their projects outside the country. I am very grateful to the LIFE network for this opportunity and for connecting us with the right networks and people.”
This focus on building lasting connections is central to the initiative’s success.
“It’s great to see the quality of relationships, opportunities, and discussions that consistently emerge from these events,” said Tana Haidar, Project Manager at LIFE. “The Pitch Nights help build sustainable relationships between Lebanese entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, and industry leaders around the world.”
About LIFE
LIFE is a global membership organization of over 1,900 Lebanese professionals working in finance, consulting, law, and technology. Founded in 2009, its mission is to connect Lebanese professionals in the diaspora to empower the Lebanese community. Operating across 20 chapters worldwide, LIFE is an independent, non-partisan, and non-sectarian organization committed to high standards of governance and transparency.
Source: twaslnews1
