TAP Secures $1M to Expand Job Opportunities in Palestine, Jordan, and Lebanon

Amsterdam-based edtech and career acceleration platform TAP (Talent Acceleration Platform) has raised $1 million (approximately €969,000) in a funding round led by Invest International, based in The Hague, with additional support from a group of impact-focused angel investors. The funding will be used to enhance TAP's efforts in Palestine, Jordan, and Lebanon, regions where the platform is already operational.

The company plans to launch an innovative AI-powered job creation platform aimed at transforming how young people approach job searches. According to co-founder and CTO Jafar Shunnar, who lives and works in Nablus, Palestine, "Jobs are the ultimate equaliser, especially remote jobs—they break down barriers and level the playing field, no matter the circumstances or local limitations."

Addressing Systemic Challenges Through Technology

Founded in 2018 by Jafar Shunnar and Christian Vezjak, TAP initially focused on creating job opportunities in Gaza. Over time, the platform has evolved into a scalable tech solution, integrating mentorship networks, personalised coaching, and tools that enable individuals to build meaningful careers without leaving their home countries.

TAP's work in Palestine addresses systemic challenges, providing job opportunities in a region heavily affected by economic and political instability. In 2023, TAP facilitated 30–40 remote roles, and this number more than doubled to over 100 in 2024. The company has since expanded its services to Lebanon and Jordan, tackling similar employment challenges in these markets.

A key part of TAP's strategy is its AI-driven platform, which has been under development since early 2024. This platform aims to empower young people by improving their job search experiences, fostering global connections, and enabling access to meaningful remote work opportunities. Pilot projects have already been launched in collaboration with three major education-focused NGOs, and the platform is also directly available to individuals seeking employment solutions.

Ambitious Plans for 2025

TAP is setting ambitious goals for the coming year, aiming to create 1,000 new jobs by the end of 2025. The company has also built a global network of over 1,000 mentors in the past year, offering young professionals guidance and support as they navigate their careers.

Tabea, TAP's Head of Product, who is based in Berlin, expressed optimism about the platform's potential. "The underlying technology and core concepts driving our platform are consistently proving their effectiveness. We could be on the cusp of creating transformative change. Our AI-driven tools have the potential to revolutionise how underserved youth access opportunities—not just in Palestine, Jordan, or Lebanon, but worldwide," she stated.

Co-founder Christian Vezjak emphasised TAP's mission to address systemic inequities that limit opportunities for young people. "We are building a movement to challenge the systemic injustices that lock young people out of opportunities. With every supporter, we grow stronger—and we won’t stop until a future where opportunity is accessible to all becomes a reality," he added.