Seeqnce to support eight ICT start-ups

Developers of mobile and web apps to get
cash, consultancy, and acceleration support

Seeqnce, a local Internet startup accelerator, has selected eight winning web and mobile application developers for a six-month acceleration program. The overall cost of the program exceeds $600,000.

Seeqnce and its investors will acquire 30 percent of each of the newly established start-ups. Fadi Bizri, Seeqnce founding member and program director, said the initiative aims to prove that local talents are able to create efficient Internet solutions and applications.

Each of the startups won a prize worth $76,000, which includes cash, acceleration, and consultancy fees. The startups will be based at Seeqnce’s offices in Beirut throughout the acceleration period.

According to Bizri, the acceleration and incubation industry fits the local market perfectly because startups do not require huge capital. “We are very optimistic about the outcome of this initiative and the coming month will affirm our expectations,” he said.

The winning start-ups developed various applications in different fields. ‘elManshar’, the only foreign start-up, is an online Arab designers community designed by Egyptian Hussain Nagem. The application collects designs from new and established designers. The community votes to select what designs go into production.

‘Kactus’, another winner, offers an interactive to-do list. The application collects and organizes the steps needed to complete any procedure in a simple and reliable way.

‘Bayt Baytak’ is an online real estate solution through which realty owners and agents can post their properties and buyers can search for properties.

‘et3arraf’ is an online dating website tailored to the Arab region. The structure of the website guarantees secrecy and intimacy.

‘Rikbit’ is another social platform for group outings. Rikbit users will be able to browse and customize offers that are designed for groups, create group events, and benefit from discounts.

‘Presella’, is a web platform that allows event-planners to organize events and activities risk free, with guaranteed funds and predictable attendance. The Presella app guarantees a specific number of attendees for events through online bookings. Once the desired number of tickets is pre-sold, the event is officially confirmed.

‘medHP’ is a web and mobile app that provides information on all aspects of the medical industry. From doctors and hospitals’ contact information and ratings, to online medical inquiries and medical conditions.

‘Yoofers’ is a crowd funding platform that helps people raise money without accumulating real debt. With Yoofers’ ‘Reputation Engine’, users can see who has supported them, and receive notifications and suggestions.

Reported by Rana Freifer