Described as “the world’s largest open air prison” and with 80% of its 1.8 million population living in poverty, Gaza is not the first place that springs to mind when thinking of places to invest in for startups.
Funded $900,000 by Google, the US charity Mercy Corps was able to set up Gaza Sky Geeks in 2011, which was able to connect top teams to global resources to transform Gaza’s most talented youth into the Middle East’s business leaders. Through Gaza Sky Geeks, investors around the World have invested in startups and have provided expertise and mentorship.
Gaza Sky Geeks have provided help and investment to many different companies. One of which is the taxi and carpooling app, ‘Wasselni’, described by the Gaza Sky Geeks manager as “the Uber for the Middle East”.
So why are startups in Gaza important?
Gaza has a very highly-educated population, with a literacy rate of 99% and high levels of tertiary education, the population of Gaza hold a lot of potential to make the most out of a startup movement.
The startups campaign has already proved to be very successful, where in just three years they have hosted training days and hosted over 100 competitions reaching 1,500 of Gaza’s youth.
Gaza Sky Geeks have also proved to be very popular with investors. When the funding from Google ran out, a crowdfunding campaign raised $250,000 from 800 people to cover the basic salaries such as internet, rent and salaries.
In a region where locals need express permission to cross borders, it is very difficult to find foreign investment. Hassan, the manager however remains hopeful;
“We are still in the beginning and are not big like Silicon Valley, but many young Gazans have the essence of entrepreneurs.”
To find out more and make a contribution, visit www.gazaskygeeks.com
Safiya Bashir - 02/02/2016
