Wednesday 16 October 2024, 9AM PST, 7PM Beirut Time

LebNet, in collaboration with LIFE, are hosting a series of online events dedicated to highlighting the vital work of NGOs in Lebanon during this devastating time. This initiative aims to showcase their on-the-ground efforts, share key insights, address their challenges, and articulate their needs. By spotlighting these organisations, we seek to raise awareness about their impactful work and foster meaningful engagement within our communities.

Our first event featured a panel of organisations we have previously proudly collaborated with: Arcenciel, represented by Rana El Asmar; Beit El Baraka, represented by Maya Ibrahimchah; and Ruwwad, represented by Sarah Al Charif. The discussion was moderated by LIFE Board Member, Haneen Sayed.

If you wish to support the NGOs:

Arcenciel: check this link.

Beit El Baraka: check this link.

Ruwwad Al Tanmeya
You can support Ruwwad’s efforts from abroad with cash donations through:

• Bank Transfers
• Money Transfer Services: WHISH, OMT, Western Union
• 501(c)(3) Partners in the US for tax-deductible donations

Check this link to know more.

For more details, contact Sarah Al Charif, Lebanon Director
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +961 3198516

You can find the full recording for this session here.

On October 17th, LebNet and LIFE Lebanon hosted a dynamic Pitch Night at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher in New York. The evening brought together founders, investors, and community members, highlighting the entrepreneurial talent within the Lebanese community.

The event kicked off with a panel featuring accomplished founders Alice Nawfal, Khaled Kteily, and Patrick Obeid, who collectively raised over $70 million. Moderated by Habib Kairouz, the discussion set the stage for an engaging night of pitches.  

Alice Nawfal shared her thoughts on the event, saying, "Thank you for planning and inviting us to speak! The startup pitches were great, and the audience enjoyed the networking a lot. I heard great feedback from everyone, including some who said it was their favorite event to date."

Founders and Pitches:

Eight selected founders delivered compelling presentations to a packed room of VCs, community members, and a review panel featuring Andrew Komery and Raida Daouk El Jisr. After the event, Andrew expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thank you for having us! I really enjoyed it and look forward to being more involved going forward."

Meet the Founders: 

• Alaa Safa
• Marc Ayoub
• Souraya Eid, CFA
• Karim Choueiri
• Fadwa Mohanna
• Jad Rizk
• Majd Maksad
• Anthony J. Wehbe

Featured Startups:

• lineup
• SAILE App
• Maera
• WECHEER
• One37
• ASAI Technologies
• TruAgents
• SENA Health

The energy was high as each founder showcased their innovative startups. 

Special Thanks:

• Marwan Azzi for hosting and E14 Fund and Rho Capital Partners, Inc. for sponsoring.
• LIFE Lebanon Team: Zeina Mhanna, Karine Barakat, Tana Haidar, Zayd Hammam.
• Selection Committee: Daniel Ghanem, Maher Abdel Samad, Widad Machmouchi, Youssef Mouawad, Zayd Hammam.
• Mentors and outreach partners: AUB Alumni, BDD, Endeavor, LAU NY, Viaka.
• LebNet NY Leadership Team: Marwan Madi, Osman Ghandour, Amali N, Yasmina Noueihed, René Sultan.

The night was a testament to the strength and resilience of Lebanese entrepreneurship, filled with innovation, networking, and inspiration.

On October 10th, LebNet organized a webinar on Navigating AI in EdTech for Arabic Language and Culture Learning, moderated by Alefb's founder, and featuring leaders from Ostaz, QCRI (Qatar Computing Research Institute), Falafel Games, and KamKalima.

Jeanine Akiki, Executive Director of LebNet, opened the session by acknowledging Lebanon’s challenges and encouraging continued support from the LebNet community. 

Michelle Tager stressed the importance of persevering despite regional challenges and expressed excitement about moderating the panel, since Alefb will likely be using GenAI to enhance Arabic learning while preserving cultural heritage. She emphasized involving all stakeholders—teachers, students, administrators, and parents—to ensure AI fosters individuality and diversity rather than uniformity.

The panel explored how AI, Gen Ai, gamification, and innovative tools are transforming Arabic language learning while addressing linguistic and cultural challenges, as well as privacy, authenticity, accuracy, regulations, and readiness in education.

 Audrey Nakad highlighted how AI has streamlined processes at Ostaz, reducing onboarding time and costs while enhancing educational content.

Vincent Ghossoub discussed how Falafel Games uses AI for adaptive learning and content creation in educational tools.

Natasa Milic-Frayling of QCRI emphasized the importance of culturally relevant Arabic data in AI models. She also shared two AI-powered applications: QVoice, which provides feedback on Arabic pronunciation, and NUMUe, which facilitates personalized learning and helps teachers with lesson planning via generative AI. The AI assistant Sidr further supports students during their practice.

Nisrine El-Makkouk of KamKalima explained how AI tools like Fahim, an intelligent assistant, help students learn modern standard Arabic. 

The panel also addressed challenges such as limited Arabic data and the need to upskill teachers, emphasizing the importance of creating learning ecosystems that balance modern technology with cultural preservation.

The webinar provided a well-rounded discussion on AI's evolving role in EdTech and its impact on Arabic language and culture learning, giving attendees valuable insights into both the opportunities and challenges ahead. Watch the full webinar here.

The audience was very engaged and expressed a desire for more tools to preserve the Arabic language language and culture. 

As a special offer for the LebNet community, Michelle Tager shared exclusive resources from Alefb:

• Free 30-minute Arabic lesson with an expert tutor by messaging Alefb with the subject "FreeTrial."
• 15% discount on Arabic learning programs with code WEBINARAI2024.
• Free access to interactive storybooks and learning activities.

On September 18th, LebNet hosted an exclusive roundtable discussion with Charbel Atala, Managing Partner and Founder of Talent Gurus. Charbel led an engaging conversation focused on self-branding and professional development, encouraging participants to prioritize authenticity over traditional thought leadership. He emphasized the importance of being original and purposeful when shaping personal brands, while also stressing the need for continuous learning and adaptability throughout one's career.

The session sparked insightful discussions on how personal branding can help navigate the North American job market. Charbel offered practical advice on optimizing LinkedIn profiles, writing personalized cover letters, and using narrative-driven approaches in job applications.

The conversation also touched on talent acquisition, with Charbel highlighting the value of cultural fit and growth potential, particularly for small and mid-sized companies. He advocated for transparency in salary discussions and pledged to share self-discovery questionnaires to help participants further their personal growth. Charbel concluded the session by offering one-on-one guidance and introducing Talent Gurus' career development programs—Step, Climb, and Rise—designed to help professionals advance their careers.

Additionally, Charbel recommended books aligned with the event's themes:

1. “So Good They Can’t Ignore You” by Cal Newport: Emphasizes mastering valuable skills over simply following passion, perfect for those looking to refine their craft and stand out.
2. “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” by Mark Manson: Focuses on prioritizing what truly matters and letting go of societal expectations, resonating with our conversation on being authentic in personal branding.
3. “Steal Like an Artist” by Austin Kleon: Encourages borrowing inspiration and remixing ideas in a unique way, which ties into our discussion on creative self-expression and narrative-building in applications.

These books offer additional insights and inspiration for participants as they continue developing their personal brands and careers.

You can catch the full recording of the session here. A special thank you to Charbel for generously sharing his time and expertise with the community!

The Bay Area LebNet community gathered for a special evening to honor four distinguished award recipients: Abdo George Kadifa (Lifetime Achievement Award), Sassine Ghazi (Executive of the Year), Aya Mouallem (Mentor/Youth Champion), and Hadi Salman (Young Scientist). The event included a networking session, a panel discussion, and the Bireme Award ceremony, all set against a backdrop of Lebanese heritage, complemented by wine, refreshments, and traditional Lebanese Mezza.

Panel Discussion
Moderated by Sam Azar, VP of SW Engineering at Nvidia, the panel explored each honoree's professional journey and the influence of their Lebanese roots on their careers:

• Abdo George Kadifa reflected on pivotal moments that shaped his leadership across major global companies, emphasizing how his Lebanese heritage fostered global connections and advocacy for Lebanese professionals in tech.

• Sassine Ghazi, CEO of Synopsys, shared key experiences that prepared him for his role, highlighting how his background has shaped his leadership style, particularly in managing tough decisions and effectively handling stress.

• Aya Mouallem, who joined via Zoom due to illness, shared her journey from co-founding All Girls Code to empowering underserved students through the LebNet Tech Fellows Program, driven by her desire to offer others opportunities she was fortunate to have.

• Hadi Salman shared insights from his groundbreaking AI research, emphasizing the importance of community building through his Lebanese in AI Slack channel, which fosters connections and knowledge sharing among Lebanese AI professionals worldwide.

A special thank you to Sam Azar for expertly moderating the panel.

Awards and Testimonials
Each honoree received heartfelt tributes from family and friends, recognizing their significant achievements, contributions, and the inspiration they provide. Video messages from loved ones added a personal and emotional touch, showcasing their impactful work and the pride they instilled in their families, along with their deep connection to their Lebanese roots. To honor their lasting impact, a cedar tree was planted in Lebanon in each honoree's name, symbolizing their enduring legacy.

This event powerfully showcased the fusion of excellence in technology and Lebanese cultural pride, uniting the community in celebrating shared accomplishments. A heartfelt thank you goes to our honorees for strengthening our Lebanese tech community, fostering a spirit of giving, and creating a lasting impact that benefits us all.

Acknowledgments and Gratitude

Additionally, a huge thank you to the Bay Area community for showing up in force to support the event! It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces and dedicated LebNet supporters. Special appreciation goes to the LebNet Bay Area Leadership team—our fearless leader and sponsor, Jibran Jahshan, along with Karim Ahmad and Nathalie Saade—for organizing this memorable event.

Special thanks to Château Bellevue from Bhamdoun, Lebanon, for generously donating the wines for the evening. If you enjoyed the wine, please consider joining their Wine Club!

Thank you to White & Case for supporting this event and providing the amazing venue.

This evening was truly a celebration of connection and inspiration!

On a sunny and windy afternoon, over 60 members of the LebNet San Diego community gathered on September 28th for their annual picnic, enjoying great food, fun activities, and meaningful connections. Despite the difficult news coming out of Lebanon, the community came together with even greater determination to support one another and strengthen their bonds.

The picnic welcomed members, families, and friends, fostering a sense of togetherness in the beautiful outdoors. The kids had a great time playing soccer and exploring the playground. It also provided a unique opportunity for the youth to connect with tech professionals, gain insights into their careers, and seek mentorship within the community.

With delicious food, refreshing drinks, and engaging conversations, the event perfectly blended networking and family-friendly fun, allowing everyone to relax and connect in a casual, vibrant setting.

A special thank you to the LebNet San Diego Leadership team,Aziz Gholmieh, Cynthia Jereige, Diana Maamari, Jean Abou Rahal, Fram Akiki, Shadi Dayeh, andReem Masri, for organizing this wonderful event, and to all the community members who showed up in support, making it a resounding success. Even in challenging times, the strength of our community was clear, reminding us of the importance of connection and solidarity.

We look forward to seeing everyone again next year for another celebration of our shared heritage, professional achievements, and meaningful connections!

On September 15th, the Pacific Northwest LebNet community came together at Green Lake Park Playground for a relaxed picnic and afternoon of fun. About nine families attended, including some new faces, making it a fantastic opportunity for networking and connection in a laid-back outdoor setting.

Attendees enjoyed engaging conversations, meeting fellow community members, and sharing experiences. The youth also had the chance to connect with one another and with tech professionals, gaining insights into different career journeys.

With plenty of pizza and refreshments to keep the energy up, it was a fun-filled afternoon of community building. We’re excited for more events like this in the future!

On August 29th, the LebNet NY community gathered for a fantastic summer networking event in New York City. The event brought together a friendly and professional crowd eager to connect and collaborate, making it a great success.

The atmosphere was incredibly open and welcoming, with attendees actively engaging in conversations and making new connections. The casual vibe was a hit, creating a comfortable environment that encouraged mingling.

With over 30 attendees, the mix of people was perfect, representing a wide range of ages and professional experiences, including professionals in tech and innovation. Some guests even brought friends who weren't on the invite list, adding to the lively and inclusive atmosphere.

Feedback from the event was overwhelmingly positive. Attendees valued the relaxed setting, which made it easy to engage." There was clear enthusiasm for more of these laid-back gatherings in the future.

We’re thrilled with the success of this event and look forward to hosting more opportunities for Lebanese professionals in New York to connect, collaborate, and grow together. Stay tuned for upcoming events—we can’t wait to see you at the next one!

LebNet was a proud ecosystem partner of STEP SF on August 15th, offering its founders a valuable opportunity to connect with leading tech executives, investors, and entrepreneurs. This partnership enabled Lebanese startups, such as Revilico Inc., co-founded by Christopher Korban, to fully capitalize on the networking and engagement opportunities at the event.

Korban (Pictured below with Jibran Jahshan, LebNet's Bay Area community leader) shared, "STEP SF generated a lot of great connections for us, helping secure meetings with leading VCs in the AI-integrated pharmaceutical and biotechnology space. We also gained valuable design partners and pharmaceutical customers in the Bay Area and Saudi Arabia, as well as significant exposure for our technology platform and team. We are very grateful to LebNet for the experience and thoroughly enjoyed the conference."  

The event was well-attended by early-stage startups focusing on AI, biotech, healthcare, agriculture, and B2B services. Gulf and Saudi companies made a strong impression, showcasing their homegrown capabilities. The lineup of speakers and panelists was tailored to the needs of the vibrant, young, and early-stage audience. Notably, many startups were founded or co-founded by women from the Middle East, highlighting the region's evolving landscape of innovation and social change. 

Looking ahead, LebNet plans to expand its partnership and participation with STEP next year, offering more opportunities for its members and founders to engage with the event and ensuring earlier advocacy to boost Lebanese startup representation.

On August 22, LebNet San Diego hosted a successful event focused on biomedical startups, drawing in over 40 engaged attendees. 

Walid Soussou, CEO of QUASAR, Inc. and founder of Wearable Sensing, leads both companies in their mission to facilitate non-invasive brain monitoring across the lifespan, from delicate neonates to the elderly, in virtual, real-world, and extreme environments. His technology is currently used to treat thousands of mental health patients. Walid’s session was both interactive and enlightening, as he discussed challenges such as licensing issues, partnerships with China, and fundraising strategies.

George Harb followed with a deep dive into the work he has been leading to disrupt type 1 diabetes treatment. He covered beta cells, insulin therapy, and emerging cell therapies, while also addressing challenges related to patient access, financing, and market opportunities. George highlighted key successes such as the first beta cell company exit and advancements in next-generation therapies, fostering an engaging exchange of ideas with the audience.

We are deeply grateful to our speakers for sharing their valuable experiences and expertise with the community. A heartfelt thanks to the San Diego community for always showing up with enthusiasm and to Intuit for generously hosting the event. The feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, a testament to the vibrant and supportive atmosphere.

LebNet's San Diego's community leadership team, Aziz Gholmieh,Cynthia Jereige,Diana Maamari, Jean Abou Rahal,Fram Akiki,Shadi Dayeh and Reem Masri, look forward to welcoming everyone again at our Yearly Family Picnic on September 28th!