On November 13, 2025, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) launched the Star Venture Program, designed to support high-potential Lebanese startups. The launch event, “Building Forward: Voices from Lebanon’s Startup Ecosystem,” brought together startup founders, investors, university representatives, and other members of Lebanon’s entrepreneurial community.

The event included a Fireside Chat on Lebanon’s Evolving Entrepreneurial Landscape with guest speakers Antoun Mouawad (IM Fndng), Dr. Nancy Saliba Boueiri (USEK), Sandra Salame (Siira), and Ziad Chelala (Spexal). They discussed the challenges and opportunities facing Lebanese startups, talent mobility, new fundraising trends, and strategies to build a strong and sustainable startup ecosystem.

Overall, the event strengthened connections within the entrepreneurial community, offered valuable insights, and supported the growth of Lebanon’s startup ecosystem.