In addition to being the only Google For Startups Tech Hub in the MENA region, AstroLabs also fosters several other strong connections to Silicon Valley.
GOOGLE I/O
Google I/O is an annual conference for developers that is held in San Francisco. The first Google I/O was held in May 2008 and has since become the go-to location for major technology and patform announcements by Google.
In 2015, AstroLabs extended invitations to 2 techies in the local ecosystem to attend Google I/O.
BLACK BOX CONNECT
Blackbox Connect is a two week residential program designed to give international startups an immersion into Silicon Valley culture. This program works to give attendees a foundation of knowledge and access to mentors needed to expand their vision and scale internationally.
AstroLabs has sent 5 startups to the program in Silicon Valley, all expenses paid.
BRIDGING SILICON VALLEY TO MENA
AstroLabs works to connect the best and brightest from Silicon Valley to the Middle East and the Arab World. In addition to the Google For Entrepreneur network, AstroLabs also has connections with several top silicon valley organizations, like 500 Startups who conducted a pitching workshop at AstroLabs in Q2 2015.t