Lebanon-based Nucleus Ventures has launched a seed programme to support early-stage Lebanese entrepreneurs.

The Nucleus programme will offer selected startups and SMEs with cash prizes ranging from $5,000 up to $100,000 in seed funding to help them kickstart their businesses with the addition of mentorship and access to local and international markets.

Moreover, Nucleus Ventures, through its partnership with Lebanosse Enterprise and Employment Program (LEEP), will offer selected startups fresh cash grants to help them increase their exporting opportunities.

“Lebanon’s economy has been decimated. We’ve hit rock bottom. But we are bound to reinvent ourselves. Someone has got to start somewhere. That has been our mission since inception in 2015 to turn Lebanon’s rentier economy to a productive one. Now, more than ever, we can’t quit that fight. And ​The Nucleus​ is our defiant rallying call,” said Nadim Zaazaa, managing partner of Nucleus Ventures. 

 ​The company said that it would accept applications from startups starting this month through its online platform or in-person.

“Now is the time to mobilise your money, your know-how and your networks to retain and harness our best value creators,” said Naji Boutros, chairman of Nucleus Ventures.