Fundacion Five One Labs

Since launching in Iraq in the summer of 2017, we have provided trainings, connections and support to help innovative entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses. In 2023 we have expanded to Colombia to support Venezuelan and Colombian entrepreneurs. Our vision is to develop an inclusive network of entrepreneurs that have the support, skills, and connections to positively change their communities and countries. The name “Five One” comes from the 1951 Refugee Convention that gives refugees the right to work.

Five One Labs prides itself on its human-centered approach to supporting entrepreneurs, and we have developed a proprietary curriculum (now in four languages) of more than 100 hours of training in business, leadership and design thinking to provide tailored support for business founders. Our methodology includes four main components: training, mentorship, community, and financing. Our goal is that each entrepreneur leaves a program with increased knowledge and skills in the areas they need to be successful; a stronger, more inclusive network of local entrepreneurs and business people; and - on a competitive basis - the financial support to launch and/or grow their businesses.

Our Programs Include:

Incubator: Our Incubator is an intensive, full-time, three-month program training innovative early-stage entrepreneurs to turn their business ideas into a reality.

Startup Bootcamps: Our Startup Bootcamps are four-day workshops aimed at preparing budding entrepreneurs to enter the entrepreneurial ecosystem. This program is designed to help people with a business idea that needs development or anyone interested in the skills it takes to be able to develop their business ideas.

Accelerator: Five One Labs’ Accelerator is a world-class program that supports later-stage entrepreneurs to expand and professionalize their startups through tailored and practical support in specific areas of their operations.

Female Founders Fellowship: This program is tailored to the needs of women to provide them with the support they need to grow their businesses. Through this program, we foster a collaborative learning environment through skills sharing and team work. Fellows make major steps to grow their business by taking action to reach their personal goals, learn new skills related to business, leadership, management, and build their professional network and confidently communicate their professional brand.