AUC Venture Lab

Established in 2013, AUC Venture Lab (V-Lab) is Egypt's first university-based startup accelerator, operating under the American University in Cairo's School of Business. V-Lab's mission is to assist entrepreneurs in launching, growing, and scaling innovative tech-enabled startups, providing a comprehensive support system that includes mentorship, business training, and access to a vast network of investors and industry experts. The accelerator has been recognized as the Best Accelerator in Africa by the Global Startup Awards in 2022, highlighting its significant impact on the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

V-Lab offers a range of programs tailored to different stages of startup development. Its flagship Startup Accelerator is a four-month program designed to help entrepreneurs refine their business models, develop growth strategies, and prepare for investment. Additionally, the Fintech Accelerator focuses on financial technology startups, providing specialized support to navigate the complexities of the fintech sector. Through these programs, V-Lab has supported over 1,000 founders, aiding them in transforming their business solutions into viable, scalable, and investment-ready tech startups.

The accelerator's portfolio includes notable companies such as Swvl, Egypt's first unicorn to list on Nasdaq, and Koinz, a prominent player in the food and beverage sector. V-Lab's commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship has led to the creation of more than 12,000 job opportunities and the raising of over EGP 5 billion in funding for its startups. By leveraging AUC's world-class facilities and extensive alumni network, V-Lab continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Egypt's startup landscape.