Lebtivity, a vibrant platform at the heart of Lebanon’s cultural and social scene, has been transforming the way people discover and engage with events and activities since its inception in 2012. Its co-founder, Randa Farah, whose passion for bringing people together and her dedication to promoting Lebanon’s diverse cultural landscape have propelled Lebtivity to remarkable heights. Join us as we delve into the fascinating journey of Lebtivity leading the cultural scene in Lebanon.
Q: We are delighted to have witnessed the inception and growth of Lebtivity. Could you share the story of how it all began? Who were the co-founders? What was the initial vision, and has it remained consistent over time?
A: Lebtivity.com emerged in 2012 when I embarked on a quest to find hiking events in Lebanon and couldn’t locate a single platform or website that offered comprehensive event information. Faced with this challenge, I teamed up with some friends to tackle it head-on and create a platform to centralize all events in Lebanon. This was the birth of Lebtivity. Initially, our platform revolved around free event listings, but as time went on, we diversified our business model by incorporating ad sales. In recent years, we expanded our platform and we also introduced a new platform for international event calendars.
Q: Tell us more about your 11th-year celebration. What was involved, and how did you commemorate this milestone?
A: Lebtivity’s 11th anniversary was a jubilant celebration of 11 years of success and a tribute to the realms of food, arts, culture, wellness, entertainment, and sports, as well as the individuals who have passionately championed them over the years. The event mirrored the sections on our website, encompassing Arts & Culture, Music, Nightlife, Food & Drinks, Exhibitions, Family & Kids, and more. It exceeded all expectations with over 1,000 attendees, including event organizers, celebrities, media personalities, influencers, diplomats, embassies, musicians, artists, actors, and representatives from the hospitality and tourism sector.
Our celebration conveyed a message of hope for Lebanon, despite the challenges, emphasizing that our love for life remains unwavering. We also made three significant announcements:
1. Marking 11 years of events and introducing a new category: Trips, Tours & Retreats.
2. Launching the Activities Directory, featuring permanent activities and places to visit.
3. Unveiling the international website with additional countries: www.gotoeventsapp.com.
During the event, we also launched a call for potential investors to join us on our journey of growth.
Q: Lebtivity received recognition in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, winning the Femme Francophone Entrepreneur Award in 2014. What kind of support were you seeking within the ecosystem, and how did this recognition impact Lebtivity’s trajectory?
A: The Femme Francophone Entrepreneur Award was a pivotal moment for us, especially in the early stages of our journey. It provided us with crucial visibility, financial support, and a network of like-minded entrepreneurs. This recognition served as a catalyst, motivating us to persevere and become part of the Berytech family. It was an invaluable experience that encouraged many others to join the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Q: Could you share the growth journey of Lebtivity? What were the major challenges you encountered, and how did the various crises affect your work?
A: The growth of Lebtivity has been marked by relentless dedication, countless hours of hard work, and numerous challenges. We faced significant financial hurdles, particularly in a country experiencing economic turmoil. Additionally, the fluctuating security situation in Lebanon often had an immediate impact on events, leading to cancellations. When the October 2019 revolution and the COVID-19 pandemic hit, these crises severely disrupted our operations. Nevertheless, during these challenging times, we focused on enhancing our website and introducing new features to be well-prepared when conditions improved.
Q: Where do you envision Lebtivity in the future? What are your expansion plans, and how do you intend to achieve them?
A: Lebtivity is on an expansion trajectory, both geographically and in terms of services. To realize our vision, we need to grow our team by hiring more professionals and attracting new investors and donors who share our mission. For more information and to get in touch with us, please visit www.lebtivity.com or contact us at info@lebtivity.com.
Q: What advice would you offer to entrepreneurs in general and women entrepreneurs in particular?
A: My advice to all entrepreneurs, and especially to women entrepreneurs, is to follow your passion. When you pursue what truly drives you, then the financial reward will follow, but don’t do something just for the money, let it come from the heart.
