Start-up Workshop Broadens Operations in North Africa Through Establishment of a New Innovation Hub in Casablanca
In a strategic move that underscores the growing trend of startup hubs emerging in developing markets, Uzbekistan's largest venture studio, Startup Garage, has expanded its operations into North Africa, launching a venture studio in Casablanca, Morocco, in April 2025. This marks the first expansion of a Central Asian startup ecosystem player into the North African market.
Growth Potential in North Africa
North Africa, particularly Morocco, presents a burgeoning startup ecosystem within the MENA region, characterized by growing investment interest and a drive toward innovation in sectors such as fintech, AI, and green technology. As a pioneering Central Asian venture studio in the region, Startup Garage can leverage its experience and networks to capture early-stage startups and foster innovation, potentially filling gaps in entrepreneurship support and venture funding.
The connection between Central Asia and North Africa may open new avenues for shared learning, technology transfer, and co-investment opportunities among startups in both regions.
Expansion and Strategic Approaches
Startup Garage's collaboration with IT Park Ventures—a $10 million fund concentrating on early-stage investments—enables direct investment into startups incubated at Startup Garage, facilitating faster growth and scaling to global markets. By deploying hands-on venture studios that blend mentorship, strategic guidance, and funding access, Startup Garage aims to incubate startups from ideation to market entry and expansion, replicating its successful model from Uzbekistan to North Africa.
The venture studio concentrates on high-potential sectors such as fintech, AI, SaaS, and green technologies, which align with both Uzbek and North African priorities and present strong growth trajectories. Beyond investment, Startup Garage seeks to bridge gaps between startups and investors, facilitating market access and ecosystem growth through global partnerships with accelerators like Plug and Play Tech Centre and Draper University.
Key Metrics and Track Record
Since its inception, Startup Garage has incubated over 150 startups in Uzbekistan, with more than 10 alumni securing over $2 million in external investments. The venture studio has built micro-SaaS ventures valued between $0.5 million to $2 million, generating substantial recurring revenues within months, demonstrating the viability and scalability of their model.
Summary
Startup Garage’s expansion into North Africa represents a strategic initiative leveraging its proven venture studio framework to tap into an emerging market with strong innovation potential. Through strategic partnerships, targeted sector focus, and investment capabilities facilitated by IT Park Ventures, it is well-positioned to accelerate startup growth and cross-regional collaboration between Central Asia and North Africa.
Muhammad Khalil, the founder of Startup Garage, stated that the expansion is to help Uzbek startups bridge the gap and take their ideas to the global stage. Sukhrob Gaybulloev, managing partner at AloqaVentures—the primary investor in Startup Garage—described the move as a strategic step toward scaling Uzbekistan's innovation potential.
Startup Garage will serve as a launchpad for some of Uzbekistan's most promising startups, and the Casablanca venture studio also aims to attract North African ventures interested in expanding into Central Asia. The Casablanca venture studio aims to provide Uzbek startups with access to regional markets, positioning Uzbekistan as a leading innovation hub and further cementing Startup Garage's role as a catalyst for entrepreneurial growth in Central Asia.
In line with the strategic expansion, Startup Garage plans to integrate education-and-self-development programs into its venture studio in Casablanca, fostering not only technology-driven startups but also empowering local talent through learning opportunities and skill development.
In an effort to foster a sports-friendly startup ecosystem, Startup Garage aims to collaborate with local sports organizations in North Africa, nurturing startups that leverage technology to solve challenges in sports management, player performance analysis, and fan engagement.
