RISE Egypt
RISE Egypt is a 501c3 nonprofit operating as a 'Think and Do Tank' that connects Egyptian social entrepreneurs to a global network of professionals, researchers, and investors through its LEEP digital platform, fellowship program, and Global Ambassadors initiative.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2014
- HeadquartersCairo, Egypt
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What RISE Egypt does
RISE Egypt is a 501c3 nonprofit organization registered in Massachusetts, USA, operating as a 'Think and Do Tank' that accelerates social entrepreneurship for development in Egypt. Founded in 2013 and officially launched at Harvard University in 2014, the organization links Egyptian social innovators to a global network of professionals, researchers, and investors through a combination of fellowship programs, summits, research, and diaspora engagement. Its flagship product is LEEP (Library and Ecosystem Engagement Platform) for Collaborative Impact—a web portal and mobile application comprising a Digital Social Innovation (DSI) Map of Egypt, an innovation calendar, and a community-curated knowledge library—that provides continuous visibility, accessibility, and connectivity across the social innovation ecosystem. LEEP complements offline programming including monthly meetups, global town halls, and the Global Ambassadors Program, which mobilizes diaspora professionals in cities worldwide.
The organization's business model is donation- and grant-driven. Revenue is generated through individual monthly sustainer donations processed via Stripe at tiers ranging from $10 to $400 per month, supplemented by one-time donations, foundation grants (Drosos Foundation provided pilot funding in 2018), and corporate partnerships (HSBC joined in 2019). Programs and services are provided free of charge to beneficiary social enterprises; RISE Egypt does not sell products or charge fees. Primary customer segments include Egyptian social entrepreneurs, global diaspora professionals seeking structured channels to contribute, development researchers and practitioners, and ecosystem partner organizations collaborating on initiatives spanning education, environment, disability inclusion, e-waste, and other development verticals. The organization is led by co-founder and President Dr. Mona Mowafi, a Visiting Scientist at Harvard University, and operates with a lean professional staff of 11–50 supplemented by pro-bono consultants and a volunteer-led global network.
RISE Egypt firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- RISE Egypt
- Legal name
- RISE Egypt, Inc
- Website
- https://riseegypt.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2014
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- RISE Egypt is a 501c3 nonprofit operating as a 'Think and Do Tank' that connects Egyptian social entrepreneurs to a global network of professionals, researchers, and investors through its LEEP digital platform, fellowship program, and Global Ambassadors initiative.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
RISE Egypt industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Social Innovation Ecosystem Support
- NAICS
- Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813), Civic and Social Organizations (813410)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus & Resilience Programming (BPADAEAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- STEM, Digital Skills & Innovation Partnerships (EDADALAJ), Humanitarian Coordination, Information Management & Needs Assessment (BPADADAL)
Keywords
Where RISE Egypt is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Cairo
- HQ country
- Egypt
- HQ region
- Africa
Offices2 records
Markets served
RISE Egypt business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Individual Donations: RISE Egypt is powered by individual donations from its global community of supporters. Monthly sustainer programs and one-time donations fund programming and research activities.
- Foundation and Corporate Grants/Funding: Pilot funding secured from Drosos Foundation to build and test the LEEP model. HSBC joined as a corporate partner in October 2019. Funding supports organizational operations and specific initiative development.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Monthly | Monthly sustainer donations from $10 to $400 |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
RISE Egypt product offering
Product offeringCore offering
RISE Egypt is a 501c3 nonprofit "Think and Do Tank" that operates LEEP (Library and Ecosystem Engagement Platform) for Collaborative Impact, a web portal and mobile application connecting Egyptian social innovators to a global network of professionals, researchers, and investors. The organization runs fellowship, ambassador, research, and accelerator programs to scale social entrepreneurship and address Egypt's development challenges.
Product overview
RISE Egypt operates as a global nonprofit 'Think and Do Tank' focused on accelerating entrepreneurship for development in Egypt. The organization centers its work around LEEP (Library and Ecosystem Engagement Platform) for Collaborative Impact, its flagship technology-enabled platform that connects Egyptian social innovators to professionals and researchers. LEEP is a comprehensive ecosystem comprising a web portal and mobile application, a digital social innovation map of Egypt, an innovation calendar, and a community-curated knowledge library. Beyond the LEEP platform, RISE Egypt offers programs including the RISE Fellowship Program, Global Ambassadors Program, RISE Solutions Summits, RISE Research (impact evaluation arm), and Global Accelerator Programs. The organization was founded in 2014 and operates as a 501c3 nonprofit registered in Massachusetts with an office in Cairo, Egypt.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- LEEP (Library and Ecosystem Engagement Platform): A platform that connects passionate Egyptian social innovators to professionals and researchers and facilitates the exchange of ideas and resources between them. A community that works collectively to improve the quality of life for individuals and communities across Egypt.
Products and services
- LEEP (Library and Ecosystem Engagement Platform) for Collaborative Impact LEEP is RISE Egypt's flagship platform that connects passionate Egyptian social innovators to professionals and researchers, facilitating the exchange of ideas and resources. It combines a community-curated library, digital social innovation map, innovation calendar, and online/offline engagement programming to improve quality of life for individuals and communities across Egypt.
- RISE Fellowship Program A 2-year flagship fellowship program connecting Egyptian social entrepreneurs to a global ecosystem of support including mentorship, capacity-building, accelerator programs, and networking opportunities to enable, catalyze, and scale development in Egypt.
- Global Ambassadors Program A program leveraging respected professionals worldwide to organize networks in local and professional communities, expanding connections and contributing ideas to RISE's strategy. Ambassadors are strategic leaders who amplify RISE's impact by making strategic connections for work in Egypt across diaspora communities.
- RISE Solutions Summits Platforms designed for promoting best practices and knowledge-sharing in specific innovation fields while co-creating new ideas for collaboratives. The first Solutions Summit focused on education innovation.
- RISE Research RISE's think tank arm conducting impact evaluations and integrating global best practices and data for decision-making into the DNA of social impact startups. Includes longitudinal studies of portfolio organizations.
- Global Accelerator Program Global programs visiting learning partners curated in areas of highest need for each startup, including cross-cutting workshops and fellowship retreats to deepen bonds and build authentic community exchanges. Includes visits to leading organizations in the U.S. and internationally.
Quantifiable outcome
- 37 startups supported through LEEP pilot (January 2020)
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use RISE Egypt
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
RISE Egypt technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration2 records
Feature2 records
RISE Egypt partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
23 partnerships are on record, tiered core and secondary.
- Giza Systems Education FoundationcoreRISE Egypt has been a partner with GSEF since 2017, collaborating on projects to improve evidence-based impact and efficiency. GSEF joined the LEEP for Collaborative Impact community in 2021.
- GreenishcoreLEEP community member and environmental social enterprise. RISE teamed up with Greenish and UNDP Accelerator Labs at the Greenish Festival to engage the community in mapping environmental solutions on the Digital Social Innovation Map.
- UNDP Accelerator LabscoreCollaboration on mapping green innovations for the Digital Social Innovation Map of Egypt. Working together on solutions mapping initiatives in Egypt.
- Transport for CairosecondaryLEEP community member and knowledge consultancy focused on improving mobility in Cairo. Partnership for innovation mapping and visibility on the LEEP platform.
- MIT Civic Data Design LabsecondaryGlobal field study visit in 2018 to establish best practices in digitizing maps for social impact. Met with experts on creating effective maps to inform social policy.
- Harvard Humanitarian InitiativesecondaryGlobal field study visit in 2018 to learn about enabling mapping in remote areas as part of best practices research for digital mapping.
- United Nations Data 4 SDGssecondaryMet with experts on alignment with SDGs for global benchmarking as part of digital mapping best practices research.
- AzaveasecondaryGlobal field study visit in 2018 to learn about creating effective maps to inform social policy as part of best practices research.
- Digital Social Innovation EUsecondaryPresented work developing LEEP for Collaborative Impact at the Digital Social Innovation conference in Warsaw, Poland.
- CODATAsecondaryPresented at the 'Towards Next-Generation Data Driven Science' summit in Beijing, China on data practices.
- Friedrich-Ebert Stiftung FoundationsecondaryCollaborated on climate change workshop in Alexandria in preparation for COP27, equipping civil society organisations with necessary information on climate change.
- Kayan FoundationsecondaryCollaborated with Greenish and Friedrich-Ebert Stiftung on climate change workshop for civil society organisations in preparation for COP27.
- San3aTechsecondaryCollaborated on the Greenish Festival, an environmental festival in collaboration that brought together thousands of attendees.
- Very NilesecondaryLEEP community member organization that organizes sustainable clean-ups of the Nile river, participated in the Greenish Festival.
- KendakasecondaryLEEP community member specializing in upcycling, participated in the Greenish Festival.
- ElBadeelsecondaryLEEP community member offering alternatives to everyday items harmful to the environment, participated in the Greenish Festival.
- Dayma JourneysecondaryNGO dedicated to providing unique experiences in nature, partner at the Greenish Festival.
- Sustainable Fashion AlliancesecondaryRaises awareness on the harms of fast fashion, partner at the Greenish Festival.
- ElRehla (The Journey)secondaryOrganized retreat for social innovation ecosystem players to connect, reflect and learn from one another in early 2019.
- ConcordiasecondaryGlobal summit for world leaders, C-Suite professionals, foundation heads and thought leaders. RISE delivered programming spotlighting entrepreneurship opportunities in Egypt.
- Athar AcceleratorsecondaryPartner organization providing insights on challenges facing the Egyptian social innovation ecosystem during economic uncertainty.
- EnrootsecondaryPartner organization providing insights on challenges facing the Egyptian social innovation ecosystem during economic uncertainty.
- enpactsecondaryPartner organization providing insights on challenges facing the Egyptian social innovation ecosystem during economic uncertainty.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
RISE Egypt competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Echoing Green: Global fellowship and accelerator for early-stage social entrepreneurs, operating a multi-year fellowship model with curated cohorts. Directly comparable to RISE's fellowship program and the supporting community/platform approach.
- Ashoka: Global network supporting the world's leading social entrepreneurs through fellowship and ecosystem-building. Highly comparable in mission (social innovation), model (fellowship + global changemaker network), and positioning (linking innovators to resources).
- Skoll Foundation: Invests in and convenes social entrepreneurs and the organizations that support them. Comparable because both operate at the layer of ecosystem support rather than direct program delivery, with a focus on scaling systemic solutions.
- Alfanar: Venture philanthropy operating across the Arab region, investing in Arab social enterprises and supporting the broader ecosystem. Closely comparable in geography (MENA) and mission (building social-enterprise infrastructure).
- Acumen: Impact investor and entrepreneur-support organization focused on tackling poverty in emerging markets, with fellowship-style programs (Acumen Fellows). Comparable in building a global community of professionals around social entrepreneurs in developing economies.
- Unreasonable Group: Runs immersive fellowship-style programs that convene entrepreneurs addressing major social and environmental challenges and pair them with global advisors and investors. Comparable in the cohort/mentorship/diaspora-network mechanic.
- Village Capital: Runs peer-supported accelerator and investment programs for social-impact startups globally, including in emerging markets. Comparable as an alternative support model for early-stage social enterprises with curated cohorts.
- enpact: Supports and connects entrepreneurs in emerging economies, including Egypt, through programs like the Migration-Talent Partnership and ecosystem-builder networks. Directly comparable regional player and an active partner of RISE Egypt.
Emerging players
- Social Innovation Exchange (SIX): A global network connecting social-innovation practitioners, researchers, and funders across regions. Adjacent and overlapping in goal (ecosystem connecting) rather than direct program delivery.
Others
- Net Impact: Global membership community of students and professionals advancing social and environmental impact through careers and business. Thematically related as a community-led platform but operates on professional-network rather than fellowship/grant lines.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
RISE Egypt social profiles
Digital presenceRISE Egypt financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
RISE Egypt leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
RISE Egypt funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
RISE Egypt M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about RISE Egypt
What does RISE Egypt do?
RISE Egypt is a 501c3 nonprofit "Think and Do Tank" that operates LEEP (Library and Ecosystem Engagement Platform) for Collaborative Impact, a web portal and mobile application connecting Egyptian social innovators to a global network of professionals, researchers, and investors. The organization runs fellowship, ambassador, research, and accelerator programs to scale social entrepreneurship and address Egypt's development challenges.
Is RISE Egypt a public or private company?
RISE Egypt is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was RISE Egypt founded?
RISE Egypt was founded in 2014. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is RISE Egypt based?
RISE Egypt is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt, in the Africa region.
How does RISE Egypt make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Individual Donations are the primary driver. The others are foundation and Corporate Grants/Funding.
Who are RISE Egypt's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Echoing Green, Ashoka, Skoll Foundation, Alfanar, Acumen, Unreasonable Group, Village Capital and enpact. Social Innovation Exchange (SIX) is listed as an emerging player. Net Impact is listed as an others.
Does RISE Egypt have an API?
No public API is recorded for RISE Egypt.
What industry is RISE Egypt in?
RISE Egypt's product category is Social Innovation Ecosystem Support. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPADAEAK, Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus & Resilience Programming, with a secondary code of EDADALAJ, STEM, Digital Skills & Innovation Partnerships. Its NAICS code is 813.