Wednesday September 30th, 2015 (Beirut, Lebanon) – Speed@BDD announced, in an event held on Tuesday, September 29th, 2015 at GardenState, the start of its first acceleration cycle with seven startups on board.
Speed@BDD is the first ecosystem-backed tech startup accelerator in Lebanon and is the country’s only Y Combinator-style accelerator. Speed@BDD is a collaborative effort between Lebanon’s leading investment funds and entrepreneurship support organizations to build an elite community for top-notch startups.
“We wanted to admit only outstanding entrepreneurs into our intense program, and after a thorough selection process focused on quality rather than quantity, here we are launching our first acceleration cycle with seven startups,” said Mr. Sami Abou Saab, CEO of Speed@BDD. “We look forward to getting the best out of each team and to sharing with you positive news at the conclusion of our acceleration cycle in three months,” he added.
The acceleration program, which started on the 22nd of September, offers $30,000 cash injection, in addition to free hosting,product development, business development, accounting services, legal services, and mentorship. Workshops are delivered by local and international mentors with various backgrounds and expertise.
“We are coaching each startup on its business and technology needs to deliver the most value within the 3-month acceleration,” added Abou Saab. The acceleration cycle concludes with the Demo Day, an event during which the startups pitch their products to a carefully selected, invite-only audience of potential investors. The top 2 startups of the batch will be sent to Silicon Valley for a follow-on immersion.
Hosted in the Beirut Digital District (BDD), Speed@BDD will admit two batches per year. The program is open to any startup team at the idea or Minimum Viable Product stage that can move to Lebanon for the acceleration.
Speed@BDD will start accepting applications for the next batch on a rolling basis (early applications have higher chances of getting selected) as of October 1st on the following link:http://www.speedlebanon.com/apply-now/.
Blitz
Mazen Al-Wafai
A social media platform that allows gamers, and daredevils to post and participate in challenges according to their talents. Through crowd funding everyone will be able to contribute to the value of the prize.
99 check
Karim Mneimneh and Karim Azar
A family communication app for teens to check in with their parents by sharing their selfie and location with the tap of a button. Instead of being continuously tracked, teens will reassure their parents by revealing their whereabouts only when asked for. The app promises to encourage a healthier parental relationship by respecting teens’ privacy.
Rational Pixels
Rida Sadek
Is pioneering a technology that will revolutionize the process of digital product placement in visual media. Our solution, currently patent pending, automates the usually complex digital product placement process, allowing this process to be carried out by the lay-person.
Next Automated Robotic Systems
Nicolas Zaatar
Or N.A.R. Systems delivers an affordable, efficient and innovative solution for fast forest fire detection based on the booming technology of drones; in order to control the irreversible harsh consequences of wildfires. Their fully-autonomous 24/7 drone called “QuadroFighter” is able to detect fires in their early stages and alert authorities in time on their mobile phones and desktop applications before the situation gets out of control.
Tulos
Mohamad Nabaa, Lujain Nabaa, Basma Jilani and Ralph Khairallah
Is a carpooling app that includes identity checks, a reward system and a full-out marketing campaign to reach out to frustrated university students who miss classes while caught in traffic or while looking for parking spaces.
Modeo
Emile Arayes
Modeo is a new way to design and build your own custom furniture quickly and easily, using a mobile app and interlocking modular parts.
Rafiqi
Rawad Fakhry, Ahmad Wehbe and Wael Hourani
Connects you to people around you with similar interests looking to share a cup of coffee, a game of football, a walk in the park, or any other activity.