For the first time since 2019, LIFE, a global network of Lebanese professionals in the diaspora, brought its Pitch Events back to Beirut, reaffirming its commitment to supporting Lebanon-based entrepreneurs and strengthening the local startup ecosystem.
Held at Beirut Digital District, the event marked a meaningful return, reconnecting entrepreneurs on the ground with members of the Lebanese diaspora, investors, and mentors.
The Pitch Event welcomed 9 Lebanon-based startups, offering early-stage entrepreneurs a platform to pitch their businesses, share their vision, and engage directly with ecosystem leaders. In the lead-up to the event, participating founders also benefited from mentoring and preparation support, helping them refine their pitches and sharpen their strategies ahead of presenting on stage.
The event featured startup pitches alongside two fireside chats: one with Tamim Khalfa, Co-Founder & CEO of Toters, moderated by Rabih El Khoury, Managing Partner & Chief Exit Officer at MEVP, and another with H.E. Kamal Shehadi, Minister of State for Technology and AI, moderated by Elias Aad, Senior Partner and Digital Entrepreneurship Lead at Kearney. The event concluded with a networking brunch designed to encourage dialogue, connection, and collaboration.
Organised in partnership with 11B VC, BY Venture Partners, Globivest, LebNet, MEVP, Phoenix Venture Partners, and Razor Capital, the event aimed to accelerate the growth of Lebanese startups by opening access to mentorship and long-term support. True to LIFE’s approach, the focus extended beyond pitching, creating relationships that can continue well beyond the event itself.
“The Beirut Pitch Event demonstrated that Lebanon’s entrepreneurial ecosystem remains active and resilient, yet in need of continued support. This is where the investors on the event committee were able to play a meaningful role and add real value.” Zeina Mhanna, Executive Director, Promote at LIFE.
For participating entrepreneurs, the event represented more than visibility. It was an opportunity to be heard, challenged, and supported within a trusted community that believes in Lebanon’s entrepreneurial potential.
Hekmat Kassir, CEO & Founder of Chimera Cybersecurity noted that “The energy leading up to LIFE’s pitch event has been amazing. Seeing this level of professionalism and caliber return to Lebanon is exactly what we need. Beirut’s startup scene is back on the global stage!”
LIFE extends its sincere thanks to E14, Kearney, and MEVP for their generous support as co-sponsors of the event and for sharing LIFE’s belief in the power of entrepreneurship to drive resilience and growth.
Rabih Khoury, Managing Partner & Chief Exit Officer at MEVP, added that “LIFE’s Pitch Event series, pioneered at the Dubai Chapter in 2022, supports the next generation of Lebanese tech founders by bridging the gap between ambition and opportunity. As a mentor and sponsor, MEVP is proud to be part of an initiative that strengthens the Lebanese entrepreneurial ecosystem, both locally and abroad.” Rabih Khoury, Managing Partner & Chief Exit Officer at MEVP.
LIFE also extends its gratitude to its outreach partners for helping bring this event to life: Asher Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (ACIE), Beirut Digital District, Berytech, BIAT, CCI France Liban, CSTouch Advisors, Flat6Labs, IM Fndng, La French Tech Beirut, Lebanese American University, Lebanese League for Women in Business (LLWB), MENA American Chamber of Commerce, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, SmartESA, Talal and Madiha Zein AUB Innovation Park, and The Pitch MENA.
By bringing Pitch Events back to Beirut, LIFE reaffirmed its belief that Lebanese entrepreneurs deserve sustained support and access to networks, mentorship, and capital, both at home and abroad. As LIFE continues to host Pitch Events across cities worldwide, this return to Beirut reflects a broader commitment to supporting Lebanese entrepreneurs wherever they are, strengthening connections between local ambition and global opportunity.