At international pitch nights, LIFE mobilizes diaspora to support Lebanese startups

LIFE, a global network of Lebanese professionals in the diaspora, recently hosted two successful Pitch Nights in Paris and Dubai as part of its ongoing mission to empower Lebanese entrepreneurs around the world. The gatherings gave Lebanese business owners access to a worldwide network of financiers and business titans, broadening their influence and increasing their capacity to effect genuine change on a national and worldwide scale.

Over 130 people attended the Dubai edition, which brought together 10 entrepreneurs from the MENA region at the PwC offices on May 15. The attendees were a vibrant mix of LIFE members, investors, and entrepreneurs. Wamda Capital, Access Bridge Ventures, Dubai Angel Investors, MEVP, Phoenix Venture Partners, and Saudi Angel Investors were among the many outreach partners that helped organize this event. These included some of the most active alumni networks in the region, entrepreneurship communities, and tech companies like Nvidia, AWS, and HBS Club of the GCC, among many others.

LIFE’s Pitch Nights are more than just startup showcases; they are a testament to the strength of a community striving to transform innovation into impact, especially for the Lebanese public. Before the event, seasoned investors provide startups with practical support and direction, and they continue to gain from their mentorship long after it is over.

In cities like New York, London, Paris, and Dubai, LIFE has hosted eight pitch nights over the last three years, providing 56 founders with support, funding, and mentorship. “13 of these companies have raised over $43 million since pitching, demonstrating the caliber of startups chosen for the LIFE Pitch Nights.” Zeina Mhanna, LIFE’s executive director.

Although the entrepreneurs who pitched at LIFE’s recent events came from a variety of industries, including fintech, edtech, healthtech, greentech, SaaS, and artificial intelligence, they all had the same objective: to develop better, more intelligent, and more creative solutions to problems that exist in the real world. In December 2025, LIFE will hold its first Pitch Night in Beirut since 2019.

By empowering marketers to produce genuine, culturally relevant content and campaigns, Rawa.ai seeks to transform marketing by providing incredibly focused and captivating experiences at previously unheard-of scale and cost.

“The Dubai Pitch Night was a great experience. We received valuable support ahead of the event to fine-tune our pitch deck and approach. The night itself was super organised, with a great crowd and meaningful conversations. A must for any startup looking to grow and connect. It was also very special to meet and connect with other Lebanese founders and professionals; it felt like home.” Charbel Hamouche, co-founder and COO of Rawa.ai

“It was a great pleasure for Wamda Capital to support and participate in the LIFE Dubai Pitch Night. The Lebanese entrepreneurial spirit was on full display, with a mindset and attitude of resourcefulness, resilience, and focus on building with real-world impact.” Daniel dos Reis, Investment Director, Wamda Capital.

LIFE’s Pitch Nights, which were first held in Dubai in 2022, have grown to be an integral component of the organization’s endeavor to assist Lebanese business owners around the world. And soon, a pitch night will be organized for the first time, aimed at connecting founders in Lebanon with LIFE’s international community.