Deadline: 30-November-2025
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is inviting high-potential startups in Lebanon to join its Star Venture Programme, which supports innovative and scalable ventures through a comprehensive 24-month growth and acceleration journey.
Focus Areas: The programme is looking for tech-enabled ventures that offer an innovative, scalable tech-driven solution or business model, qualify as SMEs under the EU definition, have an annual turnover of less than EUR 1 million, operate in at least one EBRD country of operation, are majority-owned by citizens of the relevant EBRD country, are less than 10 years old, and are committed to continuous engagement throughout the 24-month programme. The initiative supports startups across diverse sectors but cannot work with companies involved in military products or services, gambling or tobacco.
The EBRD Star Venture Programme provides comprehensive support to startups through a structured two-year journey designed to accelerate growth and enhance business capabilities. Upon joining the programme, selected startups first participate in a Business Diagnostics Workshop delivered in collaboration with the University of Cambridge’s Institute for Manufacturing. This workshop helps identify key growth opportunities and lays a strong strategic foundation for further engagement within the programme.
Following the diagnostic phase, startups receive customised business advisory support that addresses their most pressing challenges. Through local and international consultants, participants gain targeted guidance in areas such as strategy, marketing, operations, and finance to unlock new growth pathways.
Mentorship plays a vital role in the Star Venture experience. Startups are connected with a global network of over 1,500 mentors through partnerships with Seedstars and Dosen, offering access to Silicon Valley founders, industry experts, and investors who provide practical and strategic insights to drive business development.
In addition to mentorship and advisory, the programme enhances access to finance by linking startups with investors and partner funds. Participants benefit from investor pitching sessions, fundraising workshops, and introductions to venture capital networks. Tailored fundraising advisory and crowdfunding support are also offered to strengthen investment readiness.
The programme further supports startups in expanding their market reach by facilitating participation in leading global technology and business conferences such as GITEX Global, Web Summit, London Tech Week, and How To Web. Startups may propose business matching trips that align with their growth strategies to connect with potential clients, partners, and investors.
To promote continuous learning and digital transformation, participants gain access to Coursera’s e-learning platform as well as cloud infrastructure credits from Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Founders Hub, empowering them to scale effectively using world-class tools and training.
For more information, visit EBRD.
