It’s done. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (BERD) has just announced the results of applications for the third Moroccan cohort of its program “Star Venture“. This initiative aims to identify young innovative companies and help them accelerate their development.
At the end of the selection event, organized on December 18, ten promising startups were chosen to join the cohort, among 18 finalists who presented their projects to a jury of experts.
The elected companies, from strategic sectors such as fintechthe edtech and agritech, are: Alya, DeepLeaf, Hsabati, Jodoor, JoroCash, Jobzyn, Coding Schools, NowEdge, Ederest (ex-UP2Career) and Tookeez.
This selection marks a new stage in the development of these innovative structures, which will benefit from intensive support over a period of 18 months. The EBRD’s “Star Venture” program was designed to propel high-potential startups by offering them tailor-made support and adapted strategic tools. The selected companies will benefit from business diagnostics, advice from international experts, and expansion and financing opportunities. In addition, they will participate in workshops, mentoring sessions and meetings with high-level investors, aimed at strengthening their competitiveness and impact on local and international markets.
Remember that the “Star Venture” program is part of a broader approach to supporting the entrepreneurial ecosystem of the targeted regions. Funded by the Republic of Korea and managed by the EBRD, this program is currently active in several regions, including the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean (including Morocco), the Western Balkans, Turkey, Bulgaria, Moldova and Romania. To date, he has supported over 350 early-stage businesses.
“Star Venture” is a strategic lever to accelerate the growth of startups by providing them with the tools, resources and connections necessary to establish themselves in international markets. The program also contributes to the overall economic development of the regions concerned by strengthening their entrepreneurial fabric.
In Morocco, to join the 2024 cohort, startups had to meet several conditions. They had to be registered in Morocco and operate in an eligible sector (excluding sectors prohibited by the EBRD). Furthermore, they had to be less than 10 years old, have an annual turnover of less than 1 million euros, and be majority owned by citizens of EBRD member countries. Finally, they had to present an innovative business model, strong competitiveness and proven potential for rapid international growth. With this new cohort, the EBRD reaffirms its commitment to Moroccan entrepreneurs and provides them with major support to accelerate their development.
