Cairo, Egypt — Commercial International Bank (CIB), Egypt’s leading private sector bank, has announced a strategic partnership with Lantern Ventures, a venture studio, to support the growth and sustainability of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Egypt. This partnership aims to unlock the full potential of SMEs by offering a combination of financial services and strategic business support.
As part of the initiative, CIB and Lantern Ventures will deliver comprehensive solutions that go beyond funding—providing SMEs with practical tools to grow, improve efficiency, and manage risk in an increasingly competitive market.
“CIB recognizes how SMEs positively contribute to Egypt’s economic growth,” said Mr. Yasser Abdella, Deputy Chief Retail & Commercial Banking Executive at CIB. “This partnership aims to provide SMEs with financial and strategic support, accelerating long-term sustainable growth.”
Lantern Ventures brings a wide range of support services to the table, including legal advisory, human resources, IT solutions, and business development. The venture studio has earned a reputation for guiding entrepreneurs from platforms like Shark Tank Egypt, helping them enhance their operational and strategic capabilities.
From Lantern’s perspective, the collaboration seeks to bridge the gap between the banking sector and startups. The firm aims to make credit more accessible, fair, and purpose-driven, ensuring that financial resources are used efficiently to promote sustainable development.
“Through this initiative, our aim is to rebuild trust between the banking sector and small businesses by acting as a strategic oversight partner,” said Mohamed Farouk, Chairman of Lantern Ventures. “We are committed to ensuring optimal utilization of funding to support the growth and sustainability of the companies within our portfolio.”
The partnership underlines a shared commitment to Egypt’s economic development, with both organizations striving to empower entrepreneurs and create a more resilient SME ecosystem.
Bottom line: The CIB-Lantern Ventures collaboration marks a new chapter for Egyptian SMEs. It’s not just about injecting capital—it’s about enabling smart growth, fostering innovation, and driving long-term success for Egypt’s vibrant entrepreneurial landscape.
