Technopark Casablanca Panel Explores Startup Investment Readiness in Morocco

Casablanca – Technopark (MITC) hosted a panel discussion on Wednesday at its Casablanca site, bringing together legal experts, investors, and startup founders to examine the practical steps and common pitfalls tied to fundraising in Morocco’s tech sector.

The session opened with remarks from Lamiae Benmakhlouf, Director General of Technopark, who pointed to a recurring issue among startups. Rather than a lack of ideas or talent, she noted shortcomings in preparation when entering discussions with investors.

On stage were Hajar Benyachou from Sila Law Firm, Julien Nouchi from Gide Loyrette Nouel, Kelly Hazan from Bird & Bird, and Nihal Grii from Renew Capital. Each spoke from their area of expertise, with the discussion evolving into a broader exchange as legal, tax, and investment considerations intersected throughout the fundraising process.

Startup voices added practical, on-the-ground perspective. Simo Zizi, Co-Founder and CEO of Jobzyn, and Maha Bennani, Co-Founder and CEO of LNKO, shared their experience navigating early fundraising stages, from approaching investors to structuring initial deals. Hamza Debbarh, Founder and CEO of ARK-X, moderated the panel. Their contributions anchored the discussion in the operational realities faced by startups.

Discussions remained focused on execution. Panelists detailed how startups should approach legal structuring, taxation, as well as data and intellectual property considerations when preparing for investment. The exchange moved between expert insight and real cases, with founders pointing to recurring friction points such as unclear deal terms and limited preparation ahead of investor engagement.

Questions from the audience, largely composed of entrepreneurs and investors, extended the conversation to valuation, timing, and the role of advisors at different stages of a raise. Across the panel, a consistent takeaway emerged. Startups are expected to anticipate constraints early, build a clear structure, and align with investor expectations before entering negotiations.

The discussion comes as Morocco’s startup ecosystem continues to expand, with venture capital activity rising sharply in recent years. Moroccan startups raised close to $95 million across 40 deals in 2024, nearly tripling the previous year’s total, as local funds take a more active role in financing early-stage companies.

At the policy level, this momentum is supported by public investment. In December 2025, Morocco announced a MAD 1.3 billion funding package under its Digital 2030 strategy, including MAD 450 million dedicated to venture capital and MAD 70 million to expand and strengthen the Technopark network. The program targets the creation of 1,000 startups by 2026.

The event also comes as Technopark continues to roll out targeted, hands-on support for startups. A new workshop scheduled for April 29 in Rabat will focus on go-to-market strategy, helping founders structure their commercial launch and secure their first clients.

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