A panel discussion hosted at Technopark Casablanca brought together investors, legal experts, and founders to dissect the practical hurdles Moroccan startups face when preparing to raise capital. The event moved beyond high-level strategy to address execution-focused gaps in legal structuring, financial preparedness, and investor engagement.
Quick Facts
- Moroccan startups raised nearly $95M in 2024.
- Panel identified preparation as a key founder weakness.
- Government has allocated MAD 450M for VC support.
More Than Just a Good Idea
Lamiae Benmakhlouf, Director General of Technopark, opened the session by identifying a critical pattern in the ecosystem. She observed that the primary obstacle for many local startups is not a shortage of innovative ideas or talent, but rather a lack of fundamental preparation when they approach investors.
This sentiment set the stage for a hands-on discussion aimed at bridging that gap, with panelists offering concrete advice on building an investable company from day one.
In the Trenches: Founders and Investors Speak
The panel featured a mix of legal and investment professionals, including Hajar Benyachou from Sila Law Firm, Julien Nouchi from Gide Loyrette Nouel, Kelly Hazan from Bird & Bird, and Nihal Grii from Renew Capital. They outlined the essential legal, tax, and intellectual property frameworks that founders must establish before seeking funding.
Adding ground-level context were founders Simo Zizi of Jobzyn and Maha Bennani of LNKO. Moderated by ARK-X founder Hamza Debbarh, they shared firsthand experiences navigating early-stage fundraising, highlighting recurring friction points like unclear deal terms and insufficient due diligence preparation. The consensus was clear: startups must anticipate investor requirements and build a solid operational and legal structure before negotiations begin.
Ecosystem Momentum Meets Policy Support
The discussion is timely, as Morocco’s startup scene is experiencing significant growth. Venture capital investment nearly tripled in 2024, with local startups securing close to $95 million across 40 deals.
This private sector activity is backed by government initiatives. In December 2025, Morocco launched its Digital 2030 strategy, a MAD 1.3 billion funding program that includes MAD 450 million for venture capital. The strategy also dedicates MAD 70 million to expand the Technopark network, with an ambitious goal of fostering 1,000 new startups by 2026.
About Technopark
Managed by the Moroccan Information Technopark Company (MITC), Technopark’s primary mission is to support the creation and development of startups in Morocco’s ICT, Green Tech, and cultural industries. It provides infrastructure, coaching, and networking opportunities to foster innovation and business growth.
Source: Morocco World News
