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Palestinian-Dutch Startup TAP Raises $1 Million to Empower Youth with AI-Powered Job Platform

Omar Wael
Omar Wael

3 min

Big Win for TAP: The funding round, led by Invest International from the Netherlands and backed by passionate angel investors, marks a pivotal moment for TAP's mission.

Grassroots Beginnings: Founded in 2018 by the dynamic duo, Jafar Shunnar and Christian Vezjak, TAP started in Gaza and has since blossomed into Palestine, Jordan, and Lebanon.

Revolutionizing Job Hunting: Come early 2025, TAP plans to unveil its next-gen AI platform, set to shake up how high-potential youth find remote jobs.

Ambitious Goals: After creating over 100 remote jobs in 2024, TAP is gearing up to generate 1,000 jobs by 2025, making a real difference in young lives.

Mentorship Magic: With over 1,000 global mentors on board, TAP is not just offering jobs but nurturing careers through guidance and support.

TAP, the Palestinian-Dutch trailblazer dedicated to opening doors for marginalized youth, has hit a major milestone by raising $1 million to turbocharge its cutting-edge, AI-powered job-hunting platform. This hefty investment, led by Invest International in the Netherlands and boosted by a group of impact-driven angel investors, couldn't have come at a better time.

Back in 2018, when co-founders Jafar Shunnar and Christian Vezjak kicked things off in Gaza, they probably didn't foresee just how far their vision would reach. Fast forward to today, and TAP has grown beyond its roots, making waves in Palestine, Jordan, and Lebanon. Their secret sauce? A blend of global mentorship, personalized coaching, and innovative tools—all designed to help young talent build fulfilling careers without uprooting their lives.

"We started TAP because we saw so much untapped potential in these regions," shared Jafar. "Our goal has always been to empower youth to shine on the global stage right from their hometowns."

The fresh influx of funds is set to amplify TAP's impact. Early 2025 will see the launch of their next-generation AI-powered platform, a game-changer that's poised to revolutionize the job hunt for ambitious youth. This isn't just about finding jobs; it's about creating pathways to meaningful, remote careers that align with their aspirations.

Looking back at 2024, the numbers speak for themselves. TAP successfully facilitated over 100 remote job placements—a significant leap from the 30 to 40 positions in 2023. And they're just getting started. With eyes set on generating 1,000 jobs by 2025, TAP is gearing up for exponential growth.

But TAP isn't stopping at job creation. They've woven a robust mentorship program into their fabric, onboarding over 1,000 mentors from all corners of the globe. These mentors play a pivotal role, offering guidance, support, and that all-important network to help young professionals navigate their career journeys.

Christian reflected, "It's incredible to see the transformation when these young individuals realize what's possible. The mentorship network has been a cornerstone of that change, bridging gaps we couldn't have crossed alone."

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Despite the hurdles—operating in regions grappling with systemic challenges and occupation—TAP's relentless spirit shines through. Their work isn't just about employment; it's about igniting hope, fostering resilience, and laying down the foundations for stronger economies in underserved areas.

As partnerships across the region expand, and with the impending launch of their AI platform, TAP stands at the cusp of making a profound difference in the Middle East and North Africa. By marrying technology with a human touch, they're not just addressing unemployment—they're reshaping the future for countless youth.

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