Is Tunis 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.

Tunis 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 Tunis 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 Tunis

Funding is one of the most critical ingredients in building a successful startup – and Tunis 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.

Tunis has a developing early-stage funding environment, bolstered by initiatives like the government-backed Startup Act, which provides benefits and access to funding. The ANAVA Fund of Funds, managed by Smart Capital, is a significant player, investing in various VC funds to support startups across different stages. Notable VC firms active in the early stage include 216 Capital Ventures and Flat6Labs, the latter also running a prominent accelerator program. Angel networks like Damya, the first network of women business angels in Tunisia, are also emerging to support local founders. Despite this progress, challenges persist, including a recognized seed-stage funding gap and difficulties for startups in accessing foreign currency due to regulations, which can hinder international expansion. While overall funding has seen fluctuations, with around $15.2 million raised by Tunisian startups in 2024, the ecosystem is actively working to bridge these gaps and increase investment opportunities.

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  

Tunis 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.

Tunis has a growing startup and innovation ecosystem with a notable presence of coworking spaces and tech events. Numerous coworking spaces operate in Tunis, offering flexible workspaces and community hubs for entrepreneurs and freelancers. The city also hosts various tech events, conferences, and meetups covering topics like AI, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies, fostering networking and knowledge sharing. Entrepreneurial activity is significant, driven by opportunity, with a positive societal perception of entrepreneurship. The ecosystem provides support through various programs and organizations. While standardized programs exist, there is also a focus on personalized support for early-stage founders through incubators and initiatives aimed at specific sectors or demographics, including the Tunisian diaspora. The Startup Act further provides a legal framework and incentives to support startup growth at different stages.

For many entrepreneurs, the energy and resources available in Tunis 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 Tunis, 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 Tunis 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.

Tunis has a growing pool of educated talent, crucial for its developing startup ecosystem. The country emphasizes technical and scientific fields, with numerous IT institutions and engineering schools producing skilled graduates annually. Key industry skills available include web development, Python, data analysis, AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, and digital marketing. Many professionals are multilingual, proficient in Arabic, French, and English, aiding international collaboration. Local talent supports entrepreneurial growth through a strong culture of problem-solving and innovation. Government initiatives like the "Startup Act" provide a supportive legal framework, incentives, and funding opportunities, encouraging graduates to start ventures and attracting investment. Incubators and accelerators also nurture early-stage companies.

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 Tunis 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

Tunis 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.

Tunis offers a growing infrastructure for startups, including incubators, accelerators like Flat6Labs, and co-working spaces. These provide mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities. Funding is available through various avenues, including venture capital firms like AfricInvest and government-backed funds such as Anava Fund of Funds and InnovaTech. A key government initiative is the Startup Act, passed in 2018 and enhanced with Startup Act 2.0. This act provides a legal framework, tax exemptions for up to eight years, access to funding, and simplifies administrative processes, fostering a more favorable environment for startups to thrive and attract investment. Smart Capital plays a crucial role in implementing these initiatives.

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 Tunis. 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 Tunis Be Considered the Best Place to Launch a Startup?

There’s no doubt that Tunis 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.

Entrepreneurs launching startups in Tunis face several hurdles. Competition exists within the growing startup ecosystem, though Tunisia ranks below more mature African markets. Regulatory issues pose significant challenges, with a complex and cumbersome tax system and bureaucratic procedures. Obtaining licenses and navigating foreign exchange restrictions can be difficult. While the cost of living is mentioned as a factor making it difficult for businesses to thrive, some sources also cite Tunisia's low cost of living as an attractive factor. Additionally, retaining talent can be hard due to competitive global salaries. Despite initiatives like the Startup Act aimed at simplifying processes and offering incentives, implementation and navigating the existing bureaucracy remain challenges.

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 Tunis or elsewhere, EWOR’s remote programmes are designed to support founders no matter where they are located.

So, while Tunis 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