A stubborn idea
that became a nonprofit.

Fifteen years
of evolution.

From a small entrepreneurs' circle in 2011 to an international ecosystem in 2026, EDN built itself one step at a time. Each year added its own brick.

1. 1998
   The informal start

   Sami Jemni, himself an entrepreneur since 1995, begins backing other entrepreneurs — no structure, no framework, just on request. This informal activity goes on for more than a decade.
2. 2011
   Founding of CEED

   The informal mentoring carried out since 1998 finally gets a structure: the Circle of European Entrepreneurs from Diversity. Inaya is a co-founder from day one.
3. 2013
   Official registration and launch

   The nonprofit is officially registered under French law. First backing from the European Union — a partnership that has never wavered since. The five-year support model is set up to counter the "3-year effect" — 60% of startups close down before their third birthday.
4. 2016
   CEED becomes EDN

   The name evolves into Entrepreneurship & Diversity Network. Shorter, more international, more inclusive. The mission stays the same.
5. 2017
   The turning year

   The Solal Group joins Inaya as second co-founding group. Creation of EDN Capital, the investment fund, in London. Launch of the Africa Moves event platform. Co-founding of Accelerate Africa, EIGHT International and The World Moves. A year that accelerated everything.
6. 2021
   Birth of the charity initiatives

   Launch of #IStandByAfrica (1000 courts, 1000 schools, girls' empowerment through sport, electrification, digitalization) and #IStandByLebanon (emergency, economy, lasting impact projects). EDN no longer just backs startups — the nonprofit acts where it matters.
7. 2022
   #IStandByTunisia rollout

   #IStandByTunisia is the local arm of #IStandByAfrica in Tunisia. First on-the-ground deployment of the strands: sports courts in schools, girls' empowerment through sport, solar electrification, digitalization.
8. 2026
   Promo 11

   100+ founders backed, 5 cities (Paris · London · Tunis · Doha · New York), solidarity programs structured across 3 continents. The 11th promo arrives in September.

We stay five years

Not three months. Five years. It's our structural commitment, not a marketing line. We support, advise, and pivot with founders when needed.

We bet on people

People from diverse backgrounds, underserved neighborhoods, women entrepreneurs, projects from Africa, Europe or Lebanon. The best idea doesn't wait for the right résumé.

We aim for what's useful

All sectors welcome, with one clear priority: innovative projects and/or projects with strong social or environmental impact. Climate, health, education, agriculture, sport, energy. Innovation must have a purpose.

We act local and global

5 cities — Paris · London · Tunis · Doha · New York —, 4 continents, programs rooted in Tunisia, Africa, Lebanon. EDN supports ecosystems where they're being built — not only in Paris.

We're accountable

Backed by the European Union, EDN follows a full-transparency principle: rigorous project selection, financial controls, impact measurement, published reports.

We never act alone

Solal, Inaya, European Union, schools, field partners. No action without alliance. That's what makes impact last.

EDN Capital,
the financial arm.

EDN Capital is the investment fund created in July 2017 by the nonprofit and Solal, based in London. It invests in startups selected by EDN through equity participation, complementing the incubator's operational support.

Returns generated by portfolio companies are reinvested into the nonprofit — creating a sustainable revenue stream that reduces dependence on grants.

You've understood the nonprofit.
Now join it.