FRANCHISE

Franchise DMZ’s model in your region.

Launch a world-class startup hub with DMZ’s franchise model—built on a proven playbook.

Questions? Let’s Talk.

A brand entrepreneurs trust.

When you franchise with DMZ, you gain a trusted model, expert support and a global reputation for excellence.

A proven playbook

Built on 15 years of experience in building thriving entrepreneurial hubs.

Global recognition

Align with a leading name in startup incubation and acceleration.

Tailored for your region

Custom programs and strategies to meet your local goals.

End-to-end support

Strategic guidance from setup to full launch.

Who’s building with DMZ – and winning.

Launching a startup hub takes more than ambition. With DMZ, you’ll get access to proven programs and a global network that founders believe in—giving your region instant credibility and real momentum.

Questions? Let’s Talk.
Universities

Bring a world-leading entrepreneurship brand to campus—and give students, researchers and founders a launchpad for real-world success.

Toronto Metropolitan University campus building representing DMZ’s partnership with TMU to bring world-class entrepreneurship programs to students and researchers.
Local governments

Launch a DMZ-backed innovation hub that drives job creation, attracts startups and strengthens your economy.

Historic city hall building symbolizing DMZ’s collaboration with local governments to launch innovation hubs that drive economic growth and startup creation.
Business support organizations

Leverage DMZ’s proven model to deliver founder-focused programs that accelerate growth, attract investment and energize your local startup ecosystem.

Group of women founders and program leaders working together, representing DMZ’s support for business organizations accelerating local startup growth.

DMZ provided us with a blueprint for startup success. By leveraging their tried and true playbook, we equip startups in the Vietnamese ecosystem with tools to succeed.

Quynh Vo

Program Director of Zone Startups Vietnam

Case Studies & Impact Reports

Read about our franchise locations.

See how organizations around the globe are leveraging our playbook for real results.

Why franchise with DMZ?

Build a leading entrepreneurship program without starting from scratch or navigating the journey alone.
 With DMZ, you’ll launch faster, reduce risk and create lasting impact in your region.

Questions? Let’s Talk.

Our team.

Meet the faces that will help bring the DMZ playbook to your region – think of us as your co-pilots.

Abdullah Snobar

Executive Director, DMZ & CEO, DMZ Ventures

As the Executive Director of DMZ and CEO of DMZ Ventures, Abdullah leads the global startup ecosystem.

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Through its world-leading Incubator, Talent Academy and investment fund, DMZ’s global startup ecosystem equips founders with the tools to build, validate and scale impactful startups while producing skilled professionals ready to contribute to the innovation economy through expert-led tech and business courses.

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Committed to leveling the playing field for all entrepreneurs, Abdullah has championed several key initiatives within DMZ for underserved founders, including its Black Innovation and Women Innovation Programs. These programs provide tailored resources, funding and support to overcome barriers and create a more inclusive startup ecosystem.

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Under Abdullah’s leadership, the global startup ecosystem has significantly expanded its impact by establishing global hubs across North America, Latin America, Africa, and Asia; broadening its support to serve upskilling professionals in tech and business foundations; and launching DMZ Ventures’ investment fund for pre-seed and seed-stage tech startups.

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Abdullah serves on the Board of Directors for the Rideau Hall Foundation, the Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery and the Indigenous Prosperity Foundation. Recognized as one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40, Abdullah is a member of the Forbes Tech Council and has previously served as a Board Director for the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

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He has previously held roles with the Canadian Armed Forces, Fairmont Hotels, and Marriott Hotels & Resorts. Abdullah holds an ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors and MBA and BComm degrees from Toronto Metropolitan University.

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Favourite travel destination?

Havana.

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How do you relax?

Listen to Andrea Bocelli or Drake.

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What is your favourite movie of all time?

The Godfather.

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What is one item you never leave your house without?

A positive mindset.

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Best part about working at the DMZ?

The people and being in the best city in the world.

Alix Ali-Dib

Senior Manager, SkillHouse & Global Programs

As Senior Manager, SkillHouse & Global Programs, Alix is working to establish DMZ as Toronto’s leading hub for career-ready skill development. With a strong background in education and strategic planning, Alix is dedicated to creating a vibrant learning space that prepares individuals for success in today’s job market.

Prior to DMZ, Alix spent 7 years at a leading tech bootcamp in various roles in partnerships and project management. This involved building strong relationships and overseeing innovative projects that helped shape the future of tech education.

Outside of work, Alix is actively involved with a Lebanese dog rescue group where she met the love of her life Albi, a blind miniature poodle. Alix is also an avid traveler, with her favourite destinations being Greece and Morocco.

Most used app?

Uber

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What would your dream holiday be?

Giraffe Manor in Kenya

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What’s the first thing you’d buy if you won a million dollars?

A week at Giraffe Manor :)

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What's your true passion?

The environment and ecological restoration!

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Pick two celebrities to be your parents.

Posh and Becks

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Moe Nishimura

Programs Assistant

As a Programs Assistant at DMZ, Moe assists with global operations and program efficiency, focusing on promoting entrepreneurship, especially in projects involving Japan. Growing up in Tokyo, Japan, Moe was always a curious child, eager to travel the world, explore new landscapes, and immerse herself in different cultures. After working in the real estate and construction industry, Moe’s passion for broadening her horizons led her to Toronto, drawn by its diverse and vibrant vibe.

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Before joining DMZ, Moe worked at a telecommunications company, handling sales and marketing, where she focused on customer engagement and driving business growth. She also have experience as a medical coordinator and interpreter, helping Japanese-speaking patients communicate with healthcare providers and ensuring smooth, clear exchanges.

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Outside of work, Moe describes herself as a bit of a nerd when it comes to music. She enjoys playing musical instruments, and attending Coachella is definitely on her bucket list! She’s all about exploring new things, whether in her career or hobbies.

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Most visited website?

Ticketmaster

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Most used app?  

TikTok

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Favourite animal?

Any animals that are white, small, and fluffy

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Best concert you’ve been to?

Sam Smith’s GLORIA tour in 2023

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What is your biggest fear?

Rush hour on TTC

Mostafa Abdelmeguid

Special Projects Manager, Global Programs

As the Special Programs Manager, Mostafa manages and oversees special programs related to the priorities of the DMZ, from the development to the implementation stage.

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Mostafa likes to label himself as a jack of all trades / loopholes finder. Mostafa’s career spans several industries. He started off as a humanitarian worker for UN WFP and ICRC and moved to the cement industry. He then worked in heritage real estate before settling in the entrepreneurship and innovation sector.

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In his last role as Partners Success Manager for Plug and Play Egypt, Mostafa orchestrated a 5 countries wide Sustainability and GreenTech hackathon for PepsiCo Middle East covering Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and The United Arab Emirates. He was also supporting accelerated startups in Business Development.

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Mostafa received the Chevening award to do his masters in Creative Cultural Entrepreneurship at Goldsmith’s College, University of London in 2017-2018 and he is passionate about improving organizations and facilitating a sense of community.

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Favourite movie/TV show?

Gladiator, Dark Knight trilogy

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How do you relax?

Washing the dishes, playing with my daughter, and snacking

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Describe your desk space

Chaos

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What’s one thing people know you best for?

I love to connect people

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Favourite restaurant?

Dishoom in London, UK

Sherif El Tawil

Senior Director, Programs & Global Operations

Sherif is the Sr. Director, Programs & Global Operations at DMZ, a leading tech incubator that provides high-potential founders with the resources and connections needed to build world-class companies. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, DMZ has a significant global presence with on-the-ground operations in 10+ countries around the world.

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As Senior Director, Sherif is responsible for developing and implementing DMZ’s overall programs and partnerships strategy, both locally and globally.

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Passionate about pushing the envelope, Sherif believes that the best way to drive exponential growth in Canada and across the world is to tap into the startup and innovation ecosystem and bring emerging technological solutions to the forefront.

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During his 14 years with the organization, Sherif has played an integral role in laying the foundation for the incubator’s operating and business development functions. Sherif’s leadership has been instrumental in building scalable processes to expand DMZ’s programming services to new global markets, empowering partners to drive growth within their local startup ecosystems.

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Today, DMZ is a recognized player across the global tech landscape with operations in North America, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia, and a network of 1000+ startups worldwide to date.

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Sherif’s insights on the startup and innovation ecosystem can be found in outlets including the Toronto Star, the Logic and Betakit.

Yumiko Namiki

Global Programs Specialist

Yumiko assists the Programs and Partnerships team with administrative tasks and supports strategic initiatives with Landing Pad Tokyo.

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Yumiko is a postgraduate student of Sustainable Business Management at Seneca College. Before coming to Toronto, she worked in sales and digital marketing at Rakuten and American Express. While working in Japan, she faced gender inequality, which made her eager to seek change and was one of her primary motivations to come and study in Toronto, Canada.

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During her free time, Yumiko likes to travel domestically and internationally, having visited 15 countries and 43 out of 47 prefectures in Japan. She also loves doing yoga, especially outdoors, such as on the beach and in the forest, to feel the beauty of nature. This also inspires Yumiko to study sustainable business practices to work towards aiding environmental issues and helping future generations enjoy the beautiful nature around us.

How do you relax?
Doing yoga.

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Favourite sport?
Tennis, Swimming, Running.

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What are you most excited about for this summer?
Coming to Toronto!

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Last great movie you saw?
Soul.

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What is your biggest fear?
Cockroaches. I am very happy that there are not many cockroaches in Toronto!

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