TAP Bags US$1 Million From Invest International

The Netherlands-based and Palestine-focused accelerator Talent Acceleration Platform (TAP) has raised US$1 million to expand its artificial intelligence (AI)- driven job-hunting platform.

The funding round was led by the Netherlands-based investment firm Invest International, with the support of impact angel investors. The investment is set to enable TAP to scale its operations as well as set a benchmark for innovative job creation in the MENA region. 

Founded in 2018 by Jafar Shunnar and Christian Vezjak, TAP began with a mission to create job opportunities in Gaza. Over time, it has grown into a scalable platform designed to help underserved youth in Palestine, Jordan, and Lebanon build sustainable careers without the need to migrate.

TAP offers 16-week online training programs, equipping participants to secure remote jobs with European companies. In 2023, the platform facilitated over 100 remote job placements across the Middle East, doubling its numbers from 2022.  

In an interview with Inc. Arabia, Vezjak, who is the CEO of TAP, said that the enterprise aims to generate an additional 1,000 jobs and launch a new platform in mid-2025 with the new funding. The platform, designed to support job seekers in the MENA region, will feature artificial intelligence (AI)-driven tools to help users build professional networks, manage job applications, and engage with mentors.

Plus, by offering tools such as AI-driven suggestions for expanding LinkedIn contacts, organizing outreach efforts, and enhancing mentor engagement, the platform aims to address economic inclusion by equipping young people in challenging economies with the resources to find jobs. 

"These features aim to shift the dynamic from traditional job applications to proactive networking, addressing the reality that 80 percent of jobs are found through networks," Vezjak said. "By empowering underserved youth in the MENA region with these capabilities, TAP's platform will democratize access to job opportunities, fostering economic inclusion and creating a scalable movement of global support." 

He also noted that the funding will help TAP expand its pilot programs in collaboration with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and institutions to provide more students access to the platform and help advance its AI tools, refining network-building and job search functionalities to better serve users. 

Vezjak noted that as a company that was founded to support job seekers in Palestine, it has had to grapple with the challenges of operating in conflict zones and struggling economies. However, when discussing industries with significant potential for remote work growth in the region, Vezjak noted that his organization has seen success with digital marketing, B2B tech sales, software development, and product management. He also highlighted the growing demand for content creators, social media managers, SEO specialists, skilled sales representatives, developers, and professionals adept at managing digital products remotely. 

Vezjak also pointed out that the platform has collaborated with entities like the World Bank to enable subsidies for international hires and leveraged mentor networks to help create remote job opportunities. “Many of these mentors are professionals originally from the region, who have successfully secured positions in top companies abroad, and are now giving back," he shared. "TAP also provides tools and training to help youth take ownership of their job searches, focusing on remote-friendly sectors.”  

He added that, by providing young people with appropriate tools, TAP can help them “leverage and unlock the innate, intrinsic, and unstoppable motivation to better themselves.” 

Image: TAP co-founders Christian Vezjak and Jafar Shunnar. Courtesy TAP.