Issue link: http://endeavor.uberflip.com/i/317370
KEY FINDINGS HUMAN CAPITAL 58% of surveyed entrepreneurs deem human capital to be available in Lebanon, yet 61% reveal that they face the challenge of finding experienced talent when recruiting. Brain drain remains the main hurdle in talent retention. MARKETS Three quarters of surveyed companies generate revenues both in local and foreign markets with the Gulf being the most widely cited market outside Lebanon. The next markets are the Levant, Europe and USA/Canada. A non-negligible 8% of surveyed companies, while based in Lebanon, generate revenues in foreign markets only. FINANCE Roughly 86% of surveyed entrepreneurs have used their own or their "family and friends" funds as a source of capital and around half of them report not having used any source of professional investment or debt financing. Equity financing is still at a nascent stage. Less than one in three entrepreneurs consider Venture Capital and Private Equity financing to be available in Lebanon. Angel investment is perceived to be the least available source of equity financing in the country. CULTURE One in two entrepreneurs surveyed believe that Lebanese tend to have a positive image of entrepreneurship but almost as many consider there is no tolerance of risk in the country. 42% of surveyed entrepreneurs consider that there are no, or few, inspiring role models in Lebanon. QUOTED "The trinity of success comprises talent and innovation on one side, supportive infrastructure (from electricity and internet to mentorship and training academies) on another, and access to smart capital on the third side." Labib Shalak, Founder and CEO, Mobinets Endeavor Entrepreneur 14