In a significant move to streamline access to ecosystem resources for entrepreneurs, Egyptian entrepreneurship expert Dr. Nabil Shalaby has officially launched Nabil Map, a global interactive platform designed to consolidate support entities into a single, accessible directory. The platform aims to help founders and startups make faster, more informed decisions when selecting the right support partners.
Dr. Shalaby, who described the initiative as “Egypt’s gift to the world,” highlighted that the platform serves as a digital compass for users. It addresses the common challenge of fragmented information and the difficulty of finding reliable support, which often leads to wasted time and resources for early-stage companies.
A Digital Compass for Entrepreneurs
Nabil Map provides a smart search experience that allows users to filter options based on their specific needs. Founders can navigate the ecosystem by growth stage (idea, incorporation, growth, expansion) and by the type of support required, such as funding, incubation, acceleration, mentorship, or non-financial services.
The platform also supports filtering by country, sector, and entity type, significantly reducing the time spent on traditional research. This functionality is designed to increase the chances of startups connecting with the right support at the right time, whether it be incubators, accelerators, funding sources, mentorship networks, or government agencies.
From Local Initiative to Global Platform
The concept for Nabil Map originated in 2017 at the Egypt Entrepreneurship Summit in Hurghada. Dr. Shalaby initially began a practical effort to compile ecosystem players into a single, understandable format. Over the years, this idea has evolved from a local map into a comprehensive global digital platform.
The platform operates on a model that balances comprehensiveness with accuracy, allowing users to submit new support entities or startups through a dedicated form. All submitted content undergoes a review and verification process to ensure data quality.
Mapping the MENA and Global Ecosystem
According to its launch data, Nabil Map currently features 2,031 diverse support channels and lists startups from 72 countries. The platform already displays comprehensive data for key MENA markets including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, alongside South Africa, with more countries to be added as their data is completed and verified. Additionally, it showcases 252 innovative, high-tech startups from 12 countries around the world.
For investors, grant-making bodies, and policymakers, the platform offers a valuable tool for diagnosing ecosystem gaps, understanding the geographic and sectoral distribution of services, and identifying areas of strength and need. This data-driven insight can support strategic planning for new programs and initiatives across the region.
About Nabil Map
Nabil Map is a global interactive platform that aggregates and organizes entrepreneurship ecosystem support entities in one place. Its mission is to simplify the search process for entrepreneurs seeking resources such as incubators, accelerators, funding, and mentorship. By providing a smart, filterable database, the platform aims to foster better connections between startups and support organizations worldwide.
Source: Rowad Alaamal
