Is Casablanca a Good Place to Launch a Startup?

Where you start your company still matters – but sticking too closely to one location might limit what you’re able to build. In today’s startup landscape, geography shapes your path – but it doesn’t have to define your potential.

Casablanca has emerged as a strong hub for entrepreneurship, offering access to funding, talent, and infrastructure. But with growing competition, rigid local programmes, and support often reserved for the most polished startups, relying solely on what’s nearby can slow you down – or hold you back.

In this article, we’ll explore what Casablanca gets right – and where founders often run into friction. We’ll also show how EWOR offers an alternative: a global, remote-first platform that gives you access to funding, mentorship, and community – no matter where you’re based.

1. Access to Funding in Casablanca

Funding is one of the most critical ingredients in building a successful startup – and Casablanca offers a growing ecosystem of support. From venture capital firms to government grants and angel investors, founders in this region have several pathways to raise capital and gain early traction.

Casablanca's early-stage funding scene is developing, with players like MNF Ventures and Azur Innovation Management actively investing. Government initiatives such as the Innov Invest fund and programs like 212 Founders also provide crucial support and funding for local startups. However, challenges persist, including a notable seed-stage funding gap and difficulties attracting larger international investments compared to other African hubs. Despite Moroccan startups raising $70 million in 2024, placing fifth in Africa, this figure represents a significant drop from previous years and highlights the need for more robust mid-level financing.

A More Flexible Path Forward

In the wake of these challenges, founders don’t have to rely solely on local funding options. EWOR offers a more flexible path – providing up to €500,000 in early-stage capital But EWOR is more than a cheque. Our capital comes bundled with personalised support, investor-ready storytelling, and access to a network of over 400 active European investors – many of whom regularly participate in our Grand Pitch events. On average, EWOR fellows who complete the programme and pitch go on to raise €2 million in follow-on funding – over 10x more than founders from comparable European initiatives.

2. Innovation and Startup Culture  

Casablanca has become a centre of innovation, with numerous tech hubs, coworking spaces, and accelerators that foster creativity and new ideas. The local startup culture is vibrant, with a growing community of entrepreneurs working together to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Casablanca has a dynamic and growing startup ecosystem, ranking first in Morocco and second in Northern Africa. The city is home to numerous coworking spaces, offering flexible workspaces and networking opportunities. A variety of tech events, conferences, and meetups are held regularly, fostering connections among entrepreneurs, investors, and industry professionals. Entrepreneurial activity is strong, with notable startups in sectors like Ecommerce & Retail, Foodtech, and Fintech. The ecosystem provides support through incubators, accelerators, and government initiatives, offering resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities for both early-stage and more mature startups. While standardized programs exist, there are also initiatives and hubs focused on providing dedicated support and fostering innovative projects.

For many entrepreneurs, the energy and resources available in Casablanca can provide the ideal environment to test new ideas and gain early traction. The collaborative atmosphere allows founders to connect with fellow innovators and build networks that can help their startups grow.

While the local startup culture is vibrant, the support founders actually receive can be hit or miss. VCs might offer funding but little time. Angel investors often give advice, but it’s scattered and inconsistent. What’s more, many accelerators rely on a one-size-fits-all model that doesn’t reflect the needs of exceptional founders. In fast-moving, competitive ecosystems like Casablanca, standing out is hard enough – getting the right kind of support shouldn’t be.

The Alternative to Cookie-Cutter Programmes

Finding a programme that truly adapts to your journey, not the other way around, is rare. However, EWOR offers the kind of depth and flexibility that many local programmes simply can’t match. Instead of following a fixed curriculum, our fellowships are modular and tailored – giving you the right support at the right time, based on where you are in your journey.

But the real strength of EWOR goes beyond structure. Fellows often describe the community as the most unexpected – and valuable – part of the experience. As some have put it: “The real magic lies in the community: the kind of conversations, insights, and connections that lead not only to breakthroughs – but to lasting friendships with some of the most fascinating people they’ve ever met”.

3. Talent and Workforce Availability

One of the greatest assets of launching a startup in Casablanca is access to a skilled and diverse talent pool. With universities producing top-tier graduates in technology, business, and other fields, startups can tap into a wealth of expertise to help grow their teams.

Casablanca has a growing talent pool supported by numerous educational institutions, including universities and specialized schools offering programs in various fields like engineering, business, and technology. The city is developing industry-specific skills, particularly in tech areas such as AI, cloud computing, and software development, driven by increasing demand. Local talent supports entrepreneurial growth through participation in a developing startup ecosystem, aided by government initiatives, incubators like Technopark, and events connecting talent with opportunities. While talent retention can be a concern, efforts are being made to connect local skills with international markets and foster innovation.

Like funding, competition for talent can be fierce, especially for highly specialised roles in fields like software development or AI. For startups looking to scale quickly, hiring the right people at the right time can be a challenge, leading some founders to look outside the region for remote talent solutions.

Get Global While Local

While hiring locally in Casablanca can be competitive and slow, EWOR gives you instant access to a global network of exceptional talent. Built by founders for founders, the EWOR team has launched and exited companies worth over €12 billion – and they bring that experience directly into your venture. It's not just about funding or surface-level advice; it's akin to having a co-founder from day one. 

The team collaborates closely with you to refine your idea, challenge your thinking, and support you through real-world decisions – just like a hands-on partner would. Moreover, with EWOR’s exclusive co-founder pool, you can find the right person to build with, regardless of their location.

4. Infrastructure and Support Systems

Casablanca boasts a strong infrastructure that supports the growth of new businesses. From modern office spaces to high-speed internet, entrepreneurs have access to everything they need to run their startups smoothly. Government policies may also provide tax breaks, legal support, and other incentives that make starting a business more attractive in this region.

Casablanca offers a robust ecosystem for startups, featuring numerous incubators, accelerators, and coworking spaces like Technopark, LaStartupFactory, HSEVEN, and New Work Lab. These provide essential infrastructure, mentorship, networking opportunities, and sometimes initial funding. Government initiatives significantly bolster the ecosystem. The Maroc Digital 2030 strategy aims to position Morocco as a regional digital hub and supports startups with funding. Programs like Maroc PME promote SMEs and create a business-friendly environment. The Innov Invest Fund also enhances access to financing. These resources help startups develop, attract investment, and scale both locally and internationally.

But what looks good on paper often proves more complicated in practice. Bureaucracy can be time-consuming and opaque, especially for first-time founders unfamiliar with local laws. Incorporation takes longer than expected. Accessing public funding often means navigating slow processes, strict requirements, or hard-to-reach advisors. And operational costs – from accounting to regulatory compliance – can quickly eat into early budgets. 

A System That Moves With You

With access to expert guidance, practical legal resources, and a network of experienced entrepreneurs who’ve built across a range of regulatory systems, EWOR is well positioned to help founders navigate the bureaucratic and legal complexities that often come with building in Casablanca. Instead of wasting time figuring things out alone, you’ll have the tools and support to stay focused on what matters most – growing your venture.

And while we’re remote-first, our support is anything but distant. Through in-person gatherings like the EWOR House, city-based meetups, and our twice-yearly Grand Pitch event, you’ll still build meaningful relationships with investors, peers, and mentors. It’s a system that helps you focus on building – not just dealing with paperwork.

Can Casablanca Be Considered the Best Place to Launch a Startup?

There’s no doubt that Casablanca provides a vibrant environment for startups, with access to funding, innovation, talent, and infrastructure that can help entrepreneurs build successful businesses. For many, it’s a strong contender for the best place to launch a startup, thanks to its growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and support systems.

Launching a startup in Casablanca presents several challenges. Competition is increasing as the city's startup ecosystem grows and attracts both local and international players. While the cost of living can be relatively affordable compared to Western cities, it varies by neighborhood, and expatriate lifestyles can be more expensive. Regulatory hurdles and bureaucracy can also pose difficulties, with potential delays in obtaining licenses and permits. Additionally, navigating labor regulations and hiring foreign talent requires specific processes. Access to adequate funding also remains a challenge for many startups.

However, it’s important to remember that the location of a startup is no longer the be-all and end-all. In today’s digital age, location-independent options like EWOR allow entrepreneurs to access world-class mentorship, funding, and resources from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re based in Casablanca or elsewhere, EWOR’s remote programmes are designed to support founders no matter where they are located.

So, while Casablanca offers significant advantages, it’s worth considering options like EWOR that enable you to launch and scale your startup with global support – whether you’re in the heart of a bustling startup hub or working from a quiet corner of the world.

Image credits: by Andreas Brücker on Unsplash