Alumni Startups
We’ve had the honour of working with incredibly ambitious and talented newcomers since our inception in 2017. The startups below are just a few examples of the businesses we’ve helped launch through our programs. They’re active in various industries (food and beverage, tech, agriculture, consumer goods, media, education, construction, and art) – reflecting the range of skills and interests of our participants. Forward·Inc has trained over 1000 newcomers, and 132 businesses have been launched.
MOHAMMED AL FAKEE
Founder: Green Wheel
Creating more reliable, efficient and eco-friendly irrigation solutions for East African and Middle Eastern agriculture companies.
Irrigation farming protects a crops from extreme weather conditions and helps increase food production by providing a consistent water source. Through partnerships with the leading Solar pump producers in Europe, Green Wheel will take customers through every step of the solar pump procurement process, providing customers with the necessary information and expertise to ensure a smooth transition from and reliance on diesel pumps to a more sustainable solar irrigation solution.
RAHAF AL LYMONI
TAMIM KBARH
Founders: Daffee
A tasty beverage made from up-cycling date seeds that promotes a healthy lifestyle.
Daffee is a coffee-like (100% caffeine-free) organic energy booster full of antioxidants and protein – serving as a natural tonic for the body. Made from roasted and ground date seeds, this product has proven to be a great alternative for coffee / tea. In addition to the beverage the founders have recently launched a multi-flavoured nutritious mini bar called “Mira Bites”.
BURHAN KOCABIYIK
Founder: ARspar Technologies
3D models and integrated payment systems for e-commerce retailers.
Founded on the belief that everyone has the right to the best shopping experience, ARspar continues to take smart risks while challenging the status quo. Through “augmented reality” solutions, retailers are able to showcase their products in a straightforward and user friendly way.
ROUA AL HALABI
Founder: Roua Atelier
Sustainable natural dye development and technique driven workshops.
The products used in producing natural dyes (particularly plants) contain zero waste; unlike those used in the synthetic dyes.. Plants bypass the entire production process it takes to create synthetic outcome, thus making natural dyes infinitely better for the environment.
MOHAMMED ALASSAR
Founder: AskPro
Fast and reliable renovation services in Amsterdam.
AskPro Renovatie en Onderhoud’s mission is to employ at least 30 craftsmen newcomers and provide quality renovation services to the greater Amsterdam area within the next five years. Doing so, they’ll help newcomers adapt and integrate into Dutch society while contributing to the local economy.
BADER DABBAGH
Founder: Hummus & Habibis
This is a family business for homemade food delivery.
However, Hummus & Habibis is more than just food but is also about connection, community, authenticity, compassion, and ethical business. Refugees can serve as a bridge between different parts of the world and connect different cultures and perspectives.
OLA SHAMS & ALAA AJLANI
Founder: Bites by Ola
Because of the war, the Syrians carried their kitchen with them in the countries of displacement.
Some flavours became very far away, and some ingredients became difficult to obtain after they were readily available. The Syrians changed the form of their relationship with their kitchen after the war, the Syrian cuisine has become a kind of nostalgia. Its smell and taste are related to our pre-war life and remind us of our innocent childhood. The Syrians took their kitchen taste, and the idea of serving Syrian food was not just food to be eaten. Rather, it has become the story of people who wants to prove that we still have memories, past and history. Even if our expression of all feelings of longing and nostalgia is a meal, the most important of its ingredients are love and care.
Enjoy our meals!
