Tunisia's Exciting Startup Scene: A Guide to the Hottest Startup Events and Investors

Tunisia, the small North African country with a population of around 11.7 million, is often overlooked when it comes to startup culture and innovation. However, the country has been making significant strides in recent years to become a hub for tech startups and entrepreneurship in the region. This article will explore some of the hottest startup events in Tunisia and introduce you to the investors that are driving the country's tech scene forward.

Startup Grind Tunis

Startup Grind Tunis is the local chapter of the global Startup Grind community, which is the largest independent startup community in the world, actively educating, inspiring, and connecting more than 3.5 million entrepreneurs in over 600 chapters.

Startup Grind Tunis hosts monthly events featuring successful local founders, innovators, educators and investors who share personal stories and lessons learned on the road to building great companies. The events are a great opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, learn from experienced entrepreneurs and expand your network.

Investors to Know

• Khaled Ben Jilani - A partner at AfricInvest, one of the leading private equity firms in Africa, with assets under management of over $1.5 billion. Khaled has extensive experience in venture capital and private equity, having invested in and advised numerous companies across various industries.
• H Faizal Kankariya - A managing partner at CED Ventures, the venture capital arm of the Tunisian American Enterprise Fund (TAEF). Faizal has a strong background in finance and investment, and has a proven track record of supporting startups in Tunisia and beyond.

Tunisia Startup Act Conference

Tunisia Startup Act Conference is an annual event that brings together entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, and other stakeholders to discuss and promote the Tunisian Startup Act, a groundbreaking law designed to support the creation and growth of startups in Tunisia.

The conference offers a platform for exchanging experiences, presenting best practices, and networking with key players in the Tunisian and international startup ecosystem. It is an excellent opportunity for startups to learn about the resources and support available to them, as well as for investors to discover new and exciting investment opportunities.

Investors to Know

• Amine Mcharek - A managing partner at Wika Capital, a Tunisian investment firm focused on supporting high-growth startups in Tunisia and the MENA region. Amine is an experienced investor with a strong track record of supporting successful startups.
• Slim Feriani - A partner at Cathay Innovation, a global venture capital firm that invests in startups at the intersection of technology and sustainability. Slim is a seasoned entrepreneur and investor, with a particular focus on the African tech ecosystem.

Tunisian Startup Scene: An Overview

Tunisia's startup scene is rapidly growing, driven by a number of factors, including:

• Government Support: The Tunisian government has taken a number of steps to support startups, including the creation of the Startup Act and the establishment of the Tunisian American Enterprise Fund, which provides funding and support to Tunisian startups.
• Education and Research: Tunisia has a strong education system and a vibrant research community, which provides a fertile ground for innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Access to Funding: With a growing number of venture capital firms, angel investors, and other funding sources, startups in Tunisia have access to the capital they need to grow and thrive.

Despite these positive developments, there are still challenges facing Tunisian startups, including a lack of access to markets and a need for greater support in scaling their businesses. However, with a supportive ecosystem, a talented pool of entrepreneurs, and a growing number of investors, Tunisia's startup scene is poised for continued growth and success.

FAQ

What is the Tunisian Startup Act?

The Tunisian Startup Act is a groundbreaking law designed to support the creation and growth of startups in Tunisia. The law provides a number of benefits for startups, including tax exemptions, funding opportunities, and simplified registration procedures.

Who are some of the key investors in Tunisia's startup ecosystem?

Some of the key investors in Tunisia's startup ecosystem include Khaled Ben Jilani, H Faizal Kankariya, Amine Mcharek, and Slim Feriani, among others.

What are some of the challenges facing Tunisian startups?

Some of the challenges facing Tunisian startups include a lack of access to markets, a need for greater support in scaling their businesses, and a limited number of experienced entrepreneurs and mentors.