North Africa-focused startup accelerator, Flat6Labs, has launched Ignite Tunisia, a capacity building program for regional support structures in Tunisia. The program is being funded by the European Union and implemented by Expertise France as part of the “Innov’i” project. 

“Ignite Tunisia was born from a reflection of more than two years. We were able to identify the challenges encountered by the regional support structures which can range from the establishment of a program adequate to the needs of entrepreneurs in each region up to to the economic model of said structures. Through Ignite Tunisia, we have set ourselves the mission of transferring skills to enable regional structures and startups to have an active and innovative ecosystem,” said Yehia Houry, Managing Director of Flat6Labs .

Here Is What You Need To Know

• Ignite Tunisia aims to strengthen the capacities of 20 structures such as incubators, coworking spaces, associations as well as public structures operating directly with startups. The aim is to ensure the viability of the structures and to increase the number of startups created in the regions.

• Given the fact that 90% of startup support structures are based in the capital Tunis, Ignite Tunisia is a program that aims to boost regional ecosystems by transferring skills and expertise in the implementation of support programs for startups that Flat6Labs has acquired for more than a decade of operation across the MENA region. The program will be implemented during 24 months and will support 20 structures over 3 cohorts.

“By supporting 20 support structures in the governorates, Flat6Labs contributes to increased regional integration of the Tunisian ecosystem and to a better territorial network to support entrepreneurs. It is also a lever for disseminating the culture of the innovation and to open up access to new opportunities for project leaders,” said Clara Guilhem, Innov’i project manager.

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• More than 80 of such support structures from the four regions of Tunisia have applied to be part of the first cohort of Ignite Tunisia.

• They will benefit from and have access to an extensive network of experts, mentors and investors from Flat6Labs.

• The program will also allow the creation of a community of structures in order to optimize exchanges and facilitate contacts between the different actors. It will be set up over 24 months and will support 20 structures over 3 cohorts.

Charles Rapulu Udoh

Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer who has advised startups across Africa on issues such as startup funding (Venture Capital, Debt financing, private equity, angel investing etc), taxation, strategies, etc. He also has special focus on the protection of business or brands’ intellectual property rights ( such as trademark, patent or design) across Africa and other foreign jurisdictions.
He is well versed on issues of ESG (sustainability), media and entertainment law, corporate finance and governance.
He is also an award-winning writer