Dear LebNet Members and Supporters,
As I reflect on 2025, the past that built LebNet, the present we are scaling, and the future we are poised to unlock, I am genuinely excited about what we are building together.
LebNet’s journey unfolds in four chapters that naturally bring us to where we are today and where we are headed next.
Chapter 1: The Birth (1999)
A founders’ volunteer board launched LebNet in the Bay Area, creating a first home for Lebanese technologists.
Chapter 2: Early Seed (2014)
We added structure, expanded the board beyond the Bay Area, and hired an Executive Director, evolving from a local community into an organization with operational muscle.
Chapter 3: Finding Our MVP (2021)
A new, younger board tested and refined programs including Women in Tech Fellowship and Mentorship and expanded chapters to dozens of cities across North America, proving what works.
Chapter 4: Scale-Up (2026+)
This year, we welcomed seasoned executives to the board, increased funding capacity, and began growing the team so we can scale the programs that consistently deliver outcomes.
From that foundation, the results speak clearly.
Our Impact
- Connected 4,000+ members across North America and beyond
- Created 1,000+ jobs through mentorship, networking, and referrals
- Delivered 500+ events offering knowledge, visibility, and connections
- Supported 75+ startups with funding, expertise, and exposure
- Built 15+ communities across cities to strengthen our network
- Provided $9M+ in crisis relief to Lebanon during urgent times
These outcomes are powered by programs that turn community into opportunity.
Our Programs Today
- Fellowship: 170+ fellows trained from 13 Lebanese universities since 2022
- Internships: 80 interns placed with top companies since 2018
- Job Board & Networking: Thousands of connections across the tech industry
- Mentorship: Hundreds guided, including early to mid career women in tech
- Soft Landing: 20 graduate students supported in their transition to North America since 2023
Looking ahead to 2026 and 2027, our focus is targeted growth. Expanding mentorship matches, internships, and job referrals. Increasing chapter activity and employer partnerships. Deepening Soft Landing pathways. Building structured collaborations with Lebanese ministries, universities, and NGOs. The goal is simple. Scale what works and widen the on ramps for Lebanese tech talent across North America and beyond.
Thank you for mentoring, hiring, hosting, funding, and cheering this community forward. I am excited for what we will build together in the year ahead.
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a happy, healthy New Year.
Warm regards,
Habib Haddad
Chair of the board of LebNet
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