Beirut, August 27 2014 – Lebanese entrepreneurs Hind Hobeika, founder of Instabeat, a sports technology startup, and Omar Christidis, founder of ArabNet, the leading platform for Arab digital professionals and entrepreneurs, join Endeavor's global network of High-Impact entrepreneurs. Further to their selection at Endeavor’s 54th International Selection Panel (ISP) held in New York, United States, from 11 to 13 August 2014, the selected entrepreneurs became the 18th and 19th Endeavor Lebanon Entrepreneurs and will receive support and mentorship from Endeavor to take their businesses to higher levels of success.
Hind Hobeika, Instabeat: a groundbreaking solution for swimmers and athletes worldwide
Swimmers worldwide will thank Hind Hobeika for Instabeat, a tiny swimming device that greatly helps swimmers to minimize discomfort and improve their training. Hind was a professional swimmer who needed a non-existent heart rate monitoring device for her swims, so she created one. By tracking the swimmer's heart rate in real time and displaying it on the display monitor mounted on their goggles' straps, the innovative device won first prize of the MIT Enterprise Forum Pan Arab Business Plan Competition in 2012 and third prize of the Stars of Science Competition in 2010.
A diligent graduate engineer, Hind has roamed the world's biggest technology shows to promote self-tracking and swimming, and pioneered the 'Quantified Self Movement' in the Middle East. "Our technology is applicable not just for swimmers, but other athletes too. We plan to launch a Triathlon Instabeat version next year and Endeavor's global support and mentorship will be critical for us to move on with our big scaling plans", said Hobeika, commenting on her selection as Endeavor Entrepreneur.
Hind's groundbreaking technology fills a gap in the global market for wearable technology, estimated to reach USD 50 billion in 2015. To fulfill her idea, Hobeika first sought crowd funding, and learned from early market feedback to improve her idea before putting it into production. "Hind showcases all traits of a bright young entrepreneur that is determined to succeed. Her solutions-oriented approach to innovation is much needed in Lebanon; as a nation we have got the talent and the creativity and we now have a supportive startup ecosystem that will help entrepreneurs fine tune their ideas and realize them", commented Tarek Sadi, Endeavor Lebanon Managing Director.
Omar Christidis, ArabNet: a hub for Arab Digital Professionals in the Middle East
It is difficult to imagine the digital Arab world without ArabNet, the platform connecting Arab digital professionals, entrepreneurs and investors since 2009. Through this digital enterprise, Omar Christidis is spearheading the growth of the web and mobile industry in the Arab world and catalyzing its digital startups. ArabNet organizes the largest digital gatherings in the MENA region, bringing together thousands of unique attendants every year and globally-renowned speakers. ArabNet’s 'Startup Database' is the largest database of Arab web and mobile startups on the internet, and helps established corporations connect and do business with innovative young companies. Additionally, the ArabNet website and Quarterly Magazine, are increasingly becoming leading references for digital businesses in the Middle East.
Based in Beirut, Omar Christidis leads a team of 18 technology enthusiasts, hooked on the latest developments in the digital landscape and working to organize, connect and catalyze this burgeoning industry. "Our audience is growing by the minute and there are tremendous opportunities to engage with it in new ways. Our biggest challenge now is not just to continue our regional expansion and launch new industry-focused events, but also to leverage the company’s expertise to create new revenue streams. With Endeavor's mentorship and global support we will be better equipped to navigate the exciting times to come and take the Arab digital industry to new heights", said Christidis.
With the Arab world's internet usage growing at 16.7%, ArabNet stands at the forefront of a digital revolution in the region. "ArabNet’s impact extends beyond the revenue and jobs it creates; ArabNet catalyzes the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. In supporting Omar, Endeavor will be supporting thousands of digital entrepreneurs and companies benefiting from ArabNet's services", added Sadi of Endeavor Lebanon.
Endeavor's 54th International Selection Panel: the largest and most diverse panel held
Endeavor selected 31 high-impact entrepreneurs leading 21 companies in 15 countries, at its 54th International Selection Panel, held from August 11-13th for the first time in New York City. A number of pioneering entrepreneurs and groundbreaking companies were part of this new class, including Saudi Arabia’s Lateefa Alwaalan, the first female candidate from the country and founder of Arabic coffee producer Yatooq. Spain also welcomed its first entrepreneur, Ignasi Vilajosana of Worldsensing, into the network. Endeavor now supports 948 High-Impact Entrepreneurs from 606 companies across 20 countries. Endeavor will be hosting two more ISPs in 2014. Locations will be Istanbul, Turkey and Miami, FL.
About Endeavor
Endeavor breaks down barriers that prevent entrepreneurs from reaching their high-impact potential. Hailed by NYT columnist Thomas Friedman as the "mentor capitalist" model and “the best anti-poverty program of all,” Endeavor identifies entrepreneurs leading high-growth innovative companies around the world. These entrepreneurs are given world-class strategic advice, access to key networks and other tools that will catapult them to success. With Endeavor's guidance they become “high-impact” – expanding employment, generating wealth and inspiring others to innovate. Often overlooked, these local entrepreneurs are now jump-starting private sector development in their countries.
For more information, please visit www.endeavorlebanon.org, or to request an interview with Endeavor Entrepreneurs, Sadi or one of the Endeavor Lebanon Entrepreneurs, please contact:
Endeavor Lebanon
tsadi@endeavor.org
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