The Takween Accelerator, a key initiative of the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS) Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center (AEIC), has announced significant new funding from two major international partners. The accelerator has secured grants from both the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) via the Financial Services Volunteer Corps (FSVC), reinforcing its pivotal role in advancing Iraq’s entrepreneurial landscape.
GIZ Funding to Enhance Startup Readiness
Following a successful partnership in 2022, GIZ has awarded a second grant to Takween to run multiple programs aimed at strengthening early-stage startups. This funding will support a new round of its eight-week Pre-Accelerator program, designed to help founders overcome critical challenges and become “Accelerator-Ready” through personalized training and one-on-one mentorship from industry experts.
The GIZ grant will also facilitate a new Digital Readiness Program. This eight-week initiative will provide training and individual consultations to help startups digitally transform their businesses, complemented by digital services to expand their customer reach. Additionally, a series of online webinars will be launched to foster regional knowledge exchange and share best practices with experts from neighboring countries.
MEPI and FSVC Partnership to Continue Ecosystem Growth
For the second consecutive year, Takween has also secured a prestigious grant from MEPI through FSVC. This continued support is a testament to the success of last year’s programs and will fuel the accelerator’s core mission to empower startups, investors, and mentors.
Building on the previous year’s achievements, this funding will bolster three key pillars of Takween’s strategy. It will enable comprehensive support programs for startups, facilitate crucial connections between founders and investors to foster a dynamic investment landscape, and strengthen mentorship initiatives by connecting emerging entrepreneurs with experienced business leaders.
About Takween Accelerator
Housed at the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS) Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center (AEIC), Takween Accelerator is a leading platform dedicated to fostering innovation and economic development in Iraq. It nurtures the next generation of businesses by providing startups with comprehensive support, including mentorship, training, investor engagement, and access to critical resources needed to thrive in a competitive market.
Source: AEIC
