Tunisian venture capital firm 216 Capital has joined forces with Silicon Valley’s global innovation platform, Plug and Play, to launch a significant new accelerator program for the country’s startups. The initiative, named the 216 Capital Venture Accelerator, is a direct effort to position Tunisia as a leading center for innovation in Africa and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
The six-month program is designed to select and support up to 20 high-potential Tunisian startups, providing them with the resources to refine their business models, attract investment, and scale into international markets. Each participating company will receive an initial investment of €50,000, with a promise of potential follow-on funding for top performers.
Beyond capital, the program offers tailored mentorship from a global network of investors, venture capitalists, and business coaches. Startups will also gain access to Plug and Play’s extensive worldwide ecosystem, which includes corporate partners and international mentors, providing a critical gateway to global opportunities.
The initiative is backed by Smart Capital and the ANAVA fund of funds, aligning with a national strategy to build a robust, competitive startup ecosystem in Tunisia. “By joining forces with Plug and Play, we are giving local founders the tools to structure their businesses, raise capital, and access international markets,” said Dhekra Khelifi, a Partner at 216 Capital.
TunisianMonitorOnline (BRC)
