With over 90% of Egypt’s startup capital historically concentrated in Cairo, a new initiative is taking bold steps to shift the balance. Launching its applications on July 15, 0107invest offers direct investment to one startup in each of Egypt’s 27 governorates, aiming to drive regional innovation and support homegrown growth across the country. The initiative is led by Egyptian entrepreneurs Mohamed El Sheikh and Mohamed Aboulnaga who have designed a model focused on simplicity, equity and impact. Startups selected from each governorate will receive EGP 1 million or approximately $21,000, in exchange for 7 percent equity.
The application window for this first round of funding will remain open until September 15, 2025. Startups from across Egypt are invited to submit a clear pitch deck that outlines their business model and growth potential. The process has been designed to be straightforward and founder-friendly, removing unnecessary complexity in favor of speed and clarity. 0107invest operates outside of any formal fund structure. It is a privately funded nonprofit initiative where the backers are not seeking financial returns. The mission is to unlock potential in regions that have historically been overlooked by mainstream investment activity.
The program draws inspiration from global accelerators such as Y Combinator but adapts the model to Egypt’s local context. In addition to capital, selected startups will receive strategic support in the form of mentorship and governance. Each startup will be supported by an experienced founder or investor who will take a board seat and offer direct involvement in guiding the business forward. This approach emphasizes active collaboration over passive funding and gives founders immediate access to guidance they can use.
What makes 0107invest distinctive is its structure. Each of Egypt’s 27 governorates will be represented by a local “Regional Champion,” a successful founder or investor who will help identify high-potential startups in their area. This ensures that decision-making remains grounded in local knowledge. It also gives visibility and access to startups operating in places that often fall outside the reach of national investors. So far, two governorates have already confirmed their leadership: Gharbia will be overseen by Mohamed El Sheikh and Mansoura (Dakahlia) by Mohamed Aboulnaga. Additional regional champions are expected to be announced soon.
By focusing on one startup per governorate, the initiative ensures geographic equity in startup funding. In Egypt most startup capital and support services have historically been centralized in Greater Cairo. Startups in Upper Egypt, the Delta and border governorates have struggled to attract attention or early funding despite strong ideas and local demand. 0107invest changes that dynamic by offering equal access to capital and resources across the country.
The investment itself is flexible and can be used in ways that suit the specific needs of each startup. Whether the founder is building a new product, hiring team members or expanding into new markets, the EGP 1 million investment comes with the freedom to grow at their own pace and according to their vision. The added support of a board member helps guide growth and opens new doors through mentorship and strategic insight.
The application process is deliberately simple. There are no long forms or multi-stage review panels. Founders are asked to submit a clear pitch deck that shows the strength of their business model and explains how they plan to grow. This efficient approach reduces delays and lets startups focus on building rather than applying. It also aligns with the initiative’s broader values of trust, speed and accessibility.
0107invest is not only a funding mechanism. It is a platform for long-term ecosystem change. By funding startups from Aswan to Alexandria, from Marsa Matrouh to North Sinai, it puts a spotlight on regions with talent but few resources. It demonstrates that innovation is not limited to capital cities and that real solutions are often created by people closest to the problem.
The fact that the initiative is nonprofit is central to its identity. Neither El Sheikh nor Aboulnaga are looking for returns. Their goal is to give back by using their networks, experience and personal resources to empower the next generation of founders. They describe 0107invest not as a venture but as a movement, one that seeks to change how funding is distributed and how success is defined in Egypt’s startup ecosystem.
For startups across Egypt that have been waiting for their chance, the time to act is now. Applications open July 15. What follows could be the beginning of a new chapter for founders ready to grow their vision and bring change to their communities.
