According to stakeholders in Lebanon’s startup ecosystem, plans are in the making for a nation-wide accelerator. This could have a major effect – currently there are incubators for entrepreneurs operating companies at a more advanced stage, but for those just starting out there is no organized support. One previous attempt – Seeqnce – had some success in graduating a batch of eight startups but disbanded shortly after. Though the country’s entrepreneurs have over the past couple of years become more serious, competent and supported, this lack of early-stage support is limiting the ecosystem. The anticipated accelerator is desperately needed to boost the pipeline of startups. Particularly in the wake of Banque du Liban’s Circular 331, which will lead to $400 million more capital in the ecosystem, Lebanon needs a parallel increase of Series A investment-worthy deals. This will be a challenge for those involved, particularly to ensure both quantity and quality of
