Accelab, the innovative entrepreneurial incubator, is making waves in the African gaming industry. The incubator which has accumulated over $1.5 million in funding since it was founded in 2020, is set to revolutionize the gaming landscape in Morocco and pave the way for groundbreaking developments in the sector.
In a recent partnership, Accelab joined forces with the Moroccan Games and Sports organization, creating a dynamic alliance dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. The collaboration was celebrated during a momentous meeting held at the headquarters of Moroccan Games and Sports, where the winners of the highly anticipated “Morocco Sportech Summit” competition convened on June 9th, 2023.
The triumphant startups, Adaptmove, Sportym, and Lgame, emerged victorious from the competition and are poised to transform the gaming industry in Morocco. Specializing in sports and e-sports, these visionary companies will soon embark on an acceleration program designed to propel their innovative projects to new heights. Supported by the Moroccan Games and Sports and spearheaded by Accelab, this program is tailored to meet the unique needs of the sports industry.
The “Morocco Sports Technology Summit” served as the perfect platform to unite professionals from the realms of innovation, investment, and sports. The forum’s primary objective was to highlight the multitude of opportunities in the sports sector, with a particular focus on the rapidly expanding global e-sports industry. Distinguished experts, investors, contractors, and influential figures gathered for the inaugural session, engaging in thought-provoking discussions and exploring the endless possibilities that lie within the sports and gaming realms. The climax of the event was the startup competition, where pioneering entrepreneurs presented their cutting-edge projects to a panel of industry experts.
Out of the fierce competition, three exceptional startups emerged victorious:
- Adaptmove: This innovative startup is revolutionizing sports facilities by catering to individuals with limited mobility. Led by Aziza Gnoun, who draws inspiration from her personal experience with multiple sclerosis, Adaptmove offers state-of-the-art equipment and personalized support. With an integrated social vision, the company holds immense potential for making a positive impact.
- Sportym: Co-founded by Majd Bensouda and Yacine Benamour, Sportym introduces an innovative application that simplifies the process of booking tennis and football courts. Through their user-friendly platform, athletes can effortlessly connect with each other and reserve sports facilities. Sportym also aims to expand its services across the entire nation and broaden its offerings to include a diverse range of sports disciplines.
- Lgame: Stepping into the world of e-sports, Lgame has developed a dynamic video game platform that organizes tournaments and leagues for players at all skill levels. By providing an immersive and competitive gaming experience, Lgame has quickly gained recognition in the industry. Their collaboration with Accelab promises to enhance their services and provide additional value to professional partners.
The expert jury was captivated by the impressive growth potential, innovative nature, and positive societal impact of these three startups. As a result of their triumph, they have secured their place in Accelab’s acceleration program, which enjoys generous support and funding from the Moroccan Games and Sports. Through this program, the startups will receive customized support, gain access to a network of esteemed mentors and experts, and be presented with opportunities for financing from both local and international investment funds.
Mr. Othman bin Ghazaleh, the General Manager of Accelab, expressed his satisfaction, stating, “In the past three years, we have supported and nurtured 68 startups, raising a total of 15 million dirhams ($1.5M). However, our primary goal has always been to promote sports entrepreneurship and draw investor attention to the brilliant minds within the sports industry. The success of the Morocco Summit Competition for Sports Technology, which took place on June 9, 2023, would not have been possible without the unwavering support of Al-Maghrabia for Games and Sports.”
Mr. Younes Mechrafi, the General Manager of Al-Maghrabia for Games and Sports, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing their unwavering commitment to supporting and financing the incubation program led by Accelab. Their shared vision aims to empower startups in the sports and e-commerce sectors, providing them with the necessary tools to unlock their true potential and achieve resounding success. Through tailored support and access to a professional ecosystem, the winning startups will be equipped to implement their projects effectively and make a lasting impact.
Based in Rabat, Accelab stands as an esteemed innovation and investment incubator, established in 2020 by a network of visionary entrepreneurs. The organization provides mentoring programs, an enabling work environment, and a vibrant community of like-minded individuals. Its mission is to offer specialized expertise, engineering support, and suitable facilities to nurture progress and catalyze success. Over the course of three years, Accelab has supported 68 startups and successfully raised funding totaling 15 million dirhams.
As the partnership between Accelab and the Moroccan Games and Sports organization gains momentum, coupled with the unwavering support and funding from Al-Maghrabia for Games and Sports, a new era dawns upon the gaming landscape in Morocco. With tailored support and expert guidance, these innovative startups are poised to usher in a new era of gaming, forever changing the face of the industry.
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Charles Rapulu Udoh
Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer, who has several years of experience working in Africa’s burgeoning tech startup industry. He has closed multi-million dollar deals bordering on venture capital, private equity, intellectual property (trademark, patent or design, etc.), mergers and acquisitions, in countries such as in the Delaware, New York, UK, Singapore, British Virgin Islands, South Africa, Nigeria etc. He’s also a corporate governance and cross-border data privacy and tax expert.
As an award-winning writer and researcher, he is passionate about telling the African startup story, and is one of the continent’s pioneers in this regard