Category: Startups

In a move that signals a major push for European technological sovereignty, Karim Beguir, the Tunisian-born founder of the AI pioneer InstaDeep, is joining forces with a prominent former European finance minister to launch a groundbreaking initiative: a dedicated European hub for AI computing power and sustainable energy. The ambitious project, details of which are still being finalized, aims to address what experts call Europe’s critical “compute deficit”—its growing dependence on non-European, primarily American and Asian, providers for the vast processing power required to train and run advanced artificial intelligence.…

Tunisia is witnessing a significant transformation in its economic landscape, with women’s participation in digital activities recording a notable 35% increase over the past five years. The announcement was made by Fatma Thabet Chiboub, Tunisia’s Minister of Industry, Mines, and Energy, during her address at the opening of the International Council for Women Entrepreneurs Congress. Minister Chiboub revealed that women are now at the forefront of the country’s entrepreneurial drive, co-founding 40% of all startups established since 2020. This growth is underpinned by strong educational achievements, where women constitute 60%…

Tunisian startup WildyNess has closed an undisclosed pre-seed funding round to accelerate the growth of its sustainable travel marketplace across North Africa and the Middle East, signaling investor confidence in a tourism model focused on authenticity and direct community impact. The round was co-led by the Bridging Angels network and the African Diaspora Network, marking a strategic first investment in the region’s travel tech ecosystem. Founded in 2021 by engineers Achraf Aouadi and Rym Bourguib, WildyNess operates a B2C and B2B2C marketplace that connects conscious travelers with unique, curated experiences.…

As the continent’s electric vehicle market accelerates, one innovator is harnessing solar power to create a more accessible and sustainable driving solution.  Africa’s electric vehicle (EV) market is shifting into high gear, with projections from Mordor Intelligence indicating it could reach a value of $4.2 billion by 2030, more than double its current size. Yet, a central challenge remains: the electricity charging these vehicles often comes from a grid powered by fossil fuels. Enter Bako Motors, a Tunisian startup steering the trend in a new direction. Founded in 2021, the…

Local venture capital firm 216 Capital has partnered with Silicon Valley giant Plug and Play to launch a new venture accelerator. The joint initiative, named the 216 Capital Venture Accelerator, is designed to fast-track Tunisian startups towards regional and global expansion. The six-month program will select up to 20 promising startups, providing each with an initial investment of €50,000. Beyond capital, participants will gain access to intensive mentorship from international investors and coaches, as well as Plug and Play’s vast global network of corporations and venture capitalists. Top-performing companies will…

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…