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Rising from the Rubble: Syrian founders rebuild country with innovation

5 min readJanuary 2025

Innovative entrepreneurship is set to drive recovery and innovation in Syria, new research reveals.

January 2025 – Damascus

Innovative entrepreneurship is set to drive recovery and innovation in Syria after years of conflict and economic collapse, new research by Startup Syria reveals.

The first study on the role of entrepreneurship in Syria following the fall of the Assad regime provides insights into Syria's emerging startup ecosystem.

Key Findings from the report

•Over 200 startups are currently active across Syria.
•300+ community events since 2021.
•80.5 percent see entrepreneurship as essential.
•34.7 percent of founders are women.

Top challenges facing Syrian entrepreneurs

•Economic instability and inflation (73 percent)
•Scarcity of financial investment
•Limited digital infrastructure
•Skills and capacity gaps

Entrepreneurship is not just a business activity but a driver of economic recovery, social cohesion, and peacebuilding.
— Rising from the Rubble Report

Recommendations

•Introducing pro-entrepreneurship laws.
•Investing in infrastructure.
•Supporting skills development.
•Designing inclusive programs.
•Mobilizing diaspora networks.

Download the full report: https://report.startupsyria.org/

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