- TAP secured $1 million in funding led by Invest International, alongside contributions from impact angel investors, to expand its AI-powered job-hunting platform.
- Founded in 2018 by Jafar Shunnar and Christian Vezjak, TAP focuses on empowering youth in Palestine, Jordan, and Lebanon through mentorship, coaching, and career tools.
- TAP created over 100 remote jobs in 2024 and aims to generate 1,000 jobs in 2025 with the launch of its AI-driven platform.
- TAP has onboarded over 1,000 global mentors and continues to operate in Gaza and the West Bank despite significant challenges, fostering social and economic resilience.
TAP, a Palestinian-Dutch company dedicated to creating remote job opportunities for underserved youth, has successfully secured $1 million in funding to accelerate its mission.
Invest International, based in the Netherlands, led the investment round, alongside a group of impact-focused angel investors. This funding will help TAP expand its operations and further develop its next-generation AI-powered job-hunting platform, set to launch in early 2025.
Founded in 2018 by Jafar Shunnar and Christian Vezjak, TAP began with a focus on job creation in Gaza. Over time, the company expanded its reach and services, evolving into a fully scalable tech-driven solution aimed at empowering youth across the region.
Empowering Youth Through Job Creation
TAP’s core belief centers on the transformative power of employment. The company operates on the principle that when individuals have access to meaningful job opportunities, they can contribute to personal growth, community stability, and long-term economic development.
The newly secured funding will allow TAP to strengthen its presence in Palestine, Jordan, and Lebanon, where it already operates. The upcoming AI-powered platform will offer tools, mentorship networks, and personalized coaching to help job seekers find employment without needing to leave their home countries.
This approach not only addresses unemployment but also prevents brain drain, empowering communities to thrive locally.
Significant Growth and Impact in 2024
TAP has made remarkable progress despite operating in challenging environments. Palestine, where TAP began its journey, faces ongoing challenges due to systemic injustices and occupation, which have marginalized youth for decades.
In 2023, TAP created between 30 to 40 remote job opportunities for Palestinian youth. By 2024, the company had more than doubled its impact, generating over 100 remote jobs across the region. These efforts have created a meaningful difference, especially in areas where stable employment remains scarce.
By 2025, TAP aims to create 1,000 remote jobs with the help of its advanced AI-driven job-hunting platform and expanded partnerships with global organizations. This ambitious target reflects TAP’s commitment to scaling its impact while ensuring long-term sustainability.
Launching an AI-Powered Job-Hunting Platform
TAP is revolutionizing the job market with its next-generation AI platform, designed to help youth take control of their career growth. This platform connects job seekers with global mentors, offers advanced tools, and provides personalized guidance to simplify the job search process.
Already being tested through pilot collaborations with three major education-focused NGOs, the platform is also directly available to individuals seeking career advancement. Early results from these pilot projects suggest significant potential to transform how underserved youth access employment.
Co-founder and CTO Jafar Shunnar highlighted the platform’s potential, stating, “If our technology continues to prove effective, it could become a game-changer, not just in Palestine, Jordan, and Lebanon but globally. Our AI tools empower individuals to access opportunities independently, driving positive change in their communities.”
Tabea, TAP’s Head of Product, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the platform’s broader impact. “This is about more than job creation. It’s about empowering youth with the tools and support they need to build successful careers, ultimately transforming entire communities.”
By combining innovative technology with a mission-driven approach, TAP is redefining how job seekers in underserved regions access global career opportunities.
A Grassroots Tech Movement
TAP has evolved into a grassroots movement committed to social and economic resilience, especially in regions like Gaza and the West Bank, where economic hardships have long persisted.
The TAP team, including its members in Gaza, continues working despite severe challenges, including limited infrastructure and volatile conditions. Some team members operate from makeshift spaces while remaining committed to delivering value to their communities.
Over the past year, TAP onboarded more than 1,000 global mentors, each dedicated to guiding and supporting youth through their career journeys. This mentorship network plays a crucial role in creating long-term impact by offering guidance, skill development, and professional connections.
Expanding Beyond Palestine
While TAP originated in Palestine, its mission has grown far beyond its initial focus. Today, the company operates in Jordan and Lebanon, working to create opportunities in regions where youth unemployment remains a significant challenge.
CEO Christian Vezjak expressed the company’s broader vision, saying, “Our journey in Palestine taught us invaluable lessons about youth empowerment and job creation. We plan to double our efforts in Palestine while expanding into new regions. Our goal is to create a ripple effect of positive change, ensuring youth across the Middle East have the tools and networks they need to succeed.”
The company’s approach combines technology, mentorship, and local partnerships to build a sustainable model for job creation. By working closely with NGOs, educational institutions, and global investors, TAP ensures its programs are both impactful and scalable.
Impact-Driven Partnerships and Investment
The $1 million investment, led by Invest International and a group of impact-focused angel investors, marks a significant milestone in TAP’s growth journey.
This funding follows a $1 million seed round led by Wamda Capital in October 2023, which included participation from the World Bank, Loyal VC, and several other prominent angel investors.
This financial support underscores the growing confidence in TAP’s mission and its ability to create transformative change in underserved communities. These partnerships also emphasize the importance of sustainable job creation as a tool for regional stability and development.
Driving Long-Term Change
TAP’s mission extends beyond immediate job creation. The company aims to foster long-term economic growth by equipping youth with skills and networks that support continuous career development.
The AI-driven platform, mentorship programs, and ongoing partnerships all contribute to a holistic strategy designed for long-term impact. By empowering youth with the tools they need to secure meaningful employment, TAP not only addresses current unemployment challenges but also builds a foundation for lasting community resilience.
The Road Ahead
Looking forward, TAP has set ambitious targets for 2025. The company plans to create at least 1,000 remote job opportunities, driven by the success of its AI-powered platform and expanding regional partnerships.
This growth will focus on Palestine, Jordan, and Lebanon while exploring further expansion into other underserved regions. TAP’s leadership remains committed to scaling its impact while staying true to its core values of empowerment, equality, and opportunity for all.
As TAP continues its mission, it stands as a powerful example of how innovation, collaboration, and purpose-driven leadership can create transformative change. The company’s efforts not only provide employment but also inspire hope and a brighter future for communities facing significant challenges.
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Last Updated on January 8, 2025 by Safiya K
