Amsterdam-based TAP (Talent Acceleration Platform), an edtech and career-focused enterprise, has successfully raised $1M in new funding to enhance its operations and launch an AI-powered job platform. Targeted at Palestine, Jordan, and Lebanon, the initiative is designed to tackle high unemployment rates by connecting young professionals with remote job opportunities. This funding round was spearheaded by Invest International, alongside support from impact-focused angel investors. TAP’s efforts symbolize a broader push for economic empowerment in underserved regions, combining technological innovation with local impact strategies.
How will TAP’s funding be used?
The newly raised funds will support TAP’s expansion in Palestine, Jordan, and Lebanon, where the platform is already addressing employment challenges. TAP plans to launch an AI-powered platform in early 2025 that aims to simplify the job search process for youth by providing tools for career development, global mentorship, and remote job acquisition. The company has confirmed that pilot testing of this platform is underway, in collaboration with three prominent education NGOs. TAP’s Co-founder and CTO, Jafar Shunnar, emphasized the role of remote jobs in breaking barriers, stating:
“Jobs are the ultimate equaliser, especially remote jobs—they break down barriers and level the playing field, no matter the circumstances or local limitations.”
What progress has TAP made so far?
TAP was founded in 2018 by Jafar Shunnar and Christian Vezjak with the original aim of creating job opportunities in Gaza. Since then, it has evolved into a scalable tech platform. Over the past year, the company has doubled its remote job placements from 30-40 roles in 2023 to over 100 in 2024. Additionally, TAP expanded its reach to Jordan and Lebanon, addressing similar economic disparities in these regions. TAP’s Head of Product, Tabea, remarked on the technological potential of the platform, stating:
“Our AI-driven tools have the potential to revolutionise how underserved youth access opportunities—not just in Palestine, Jordan, or Lebanon, but worldwide.”
The company also onboarded 1,000 mentors globally in 2024 to support its mission.
A year ago, TAP secured $1M funding from investors such as Wamda Capital, the World Bank, and Loyal VC. That investment primarily focused on scaling TAP’s operations in Palestine. Recent funding builds on this foundation, enabling the launch of AI tools and partnerships in a broader geographical range. This shift highlights the company’s evolving strategy to integrate artificial intelligence for solving employment challenges.
The company’s upcoming goals include creating 1,000 remote jobs by 2025 and enhancing access to career-building tools. TAP’s strategy leverages technology and mentorship to empower individuals, particularly in regions burdened by economic instability. Co-founder Christian Vezjak reiterated TAP’s mission, stating:
“We are building a movement to challenge the systemic injustices that lock young people out of opportunities. With every supporter, we grow stronger—and we won’t stop until a future where opportunity is accessible to all becomes a reality.”
TAP’s initiative is part of a broader trend of using AI and digital tools to address unemployment in underserved regions. Similar platforms have been introduced by competitors in other areas, but TAP’s focus on the Middle East and its mentorship network set it apart. Its efforts align with growing interest in using technology to tackle systemic employment barriers globally.
The ongoing efforts of TAP highlight the role of technology in bridging employment gaps, particularly in areas where traditional job markets face significant challenges. With its AI-powered platform and global mentorship network, TAP offers a scalable model for addressing youth unemployment. The company’s ability to balance local impact with technological innovation will likely influence how similar initiatives are developed in the future.
