The strength of Iran’s startup ecosystem put to the test amid protests

Al-Monitor Pro Members

Dr. Bijan Khajehpour

Managing Partner, Eurasian Nexus Partners, Vienna, Austria

Dec. 14, 2022

The domestic wave of social protests, the government’s crackdown and related internet restrictions have negatively impacted the country’s startup scene and will lead to the closure of many innovative entities. Though Iranian startups have remained insulated from negative international trends, only larger and more consolidated entities will manage to survive the current pressures and become sustainable businesses in the longer run. The survival of some startups will depend on the feasibility to enter regional or international markets.