We invest in people, in entrepreneurs and in their big dreams. This is the message Dr. Nicolas Rouhana, General Manager of IM Capital likes to share when asked about what the company does. And for good reason. Apart from matching capital, guaranteeing equity, conducting trainings, and graduating business angels, they recently backed a trip up the highest mountain in Africa and are now supporting a 160km-swim to raise environmental awareness.

“Being a successful athlete or entrepreneur is all about perseverance and diligence,” comments Dr. Rouhana. Indeed, from the ability to stay focused, to being dedicated to what they do, athletes and entrepreneurs share the same essential skills, usually giving them an edge over the competition. “Simply put, athleticism translates to the entrepreneurial world; so yes, we are very proud of our athlete entrepreneurs and support them wholeheartedly.”

To the highest African Top

On August 15, 2019, Toufic Azar - the founder of Meacor, an IM Capital portfolio company, challenged himself and climbed the world’s highest free-standing mountain in Africa, the Kilimanjaro. This mountain is considered the highest point of Africa, with its summit Uhuru Peak about 4,900 meters from its base, and 5,895 meters above sea level. Kilimanjaro is one of the world’s largest volcanoes, world heritage and wonder of Tanzania, Africa.

Meacor is a biotechnology startup developing a novel catheter that enables the accurate positioning and attachment of an implant around the heart’s mitral valve annulus (ring) through a minimally invasive approach that aims at reducing the area of the valve and stopping regurgitation.

Swimming to save marine life

Soumaya Merhi - the founder of TAQA, another IM Capital portfolio company, is joining a group of athletes to swim 160km from Cape Greco in Cyprus to Batroun in Lebanon. It will take them 3 days and nights to swim with the aim to raise awareness about microplastics ruining marine life. The team is planning this athletic feat in October 2019.

TAQA is a bakery and healthy snack provider that produces a selection of oat cookies, oat maamouls, dried fruit and nut bars, bread, and crackers. Their factory is ISO 22000:2005 certified, and they continuously work on acquiring food management certifications.