1776, a Washington, DC-based technology incubator with a direct presence in Dubai, has signed a partnership agreement with the UK Lebanon Tech Hub (UKLTH), a joint initiative by Banque du Liban (Lebanon’s Central Bank) and the UK Government.
The partnership is aimed at supporting Lebanon’s fastest-growing tech start-ups and help them break into new international markets such as the UAE and the neighboring Gulf countries.
Start-up companies will be jointly selected by UKLTH and 1776 for an acceleration programme in Dubai based on the following criteria: a scalable business model, sectorial focus (EdTech, FinTech, digital health, and smart cities), socio-economic impact, and readiness to enter international markets.
Commenting on the partnership, Evan Burfield, cofounder and CEO of 1776, said: “We are looking to collaborate with incubators and accelerators from across the MENA region and are pleased to have signed the first formal partnership with UKLTH.
“1776 Dubai will be a first point of entry into the UAE and GCC markets for its ‘scale-up’ startups, in addition to enabling them to establish connections with targeted customers, investors and regional and international media based in Dubai.”
The partnership provides UKLTH start-ups with access to 1776’s global digital platform Union, which was launched at the 2016 Global Entrepreneurship Summit and includes learning resources and a global network of mentors and investors.
In addition, they will get a branded working space at the 1776 Dubai campus alongside the Dubai Future Accelerators (DFA) in Emirates Towers and an active participation during the annual 1776 Challenge Cup global start-up competition.
The first batch of UKLHT start-ups to be based at 1776 Dubai includes Kamkalima, a web-based platform that helps teachers create engaging assignments in Arabic, Riego, a maker of smart, solar-powered irrigation devices, and Artscoops, an exclusive online auction and sale channel for art buyers worldwide.
