Laura Jardine Paterson’s journey in Lebanon’s tech sector began in earnest when she decided to run her company, CONCAT Tech, full-time in 2021. However, she was compelled to leave Lebanon on October 2, 2023, due to escalating airstrikes linked to the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. Heeding warnings from the UK government urging nationals to evacuate, Laura expressed her guilt about leaving her team amidst such turmoil but remained committed to supporting tech talent in Lebanon. The insights she shared through her experiences reveal a vibrant tech community that continues to strive for success despite adversity and instability.
Paterson’s initial visits to Lebanon in 2017 and 2019 sparked her deep appreciation for the country and its people. Her formative experiences ranged from enjoying the generous hospitality of locals to volunteering in refugee camps. While teaching programming to marginalized youth, she recognized the immense talent present in the Middle East’s tech landscape. This insight ultimately led to the founding of CONCAT Tech alongside two refugees, allowing them to connect with potential clients in Europe and the UK. The company flourished by providing opportunities for developers across Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, and Jordan, particularly focusing on talented female and refugee developers.
Despite a flourishing tech scene, the instability in Lebanon, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 Beirut explosion, posed significant challenges for the company. While CONCAT Tech has built a robust team and serviced numerous clients globally, the toll on mental health and operational efficacy during turbulent times was palpable. The surprise escalation of airstrikes following the October 7 attack on Israel marked a turning point, leaving many in the country traumatized and uncertain of their safety. Laura recounted the chaos that ensued following the sirens, underscoring the anxiety pervading daily life amid such instability, where checking in on her team became a priority.
As Laura made the heart-wrenching decision to leave, she faced one of the toughest moments in her career. Balancing being an effective CEO while dealing with the human side of the crisis proved particularly challenging. Through team calls and connections, she witnessed firsthand the emotional toll on her employees as families faced unimaginable loss, yet many expressed a desire to keep working as a form of resilience against the violence. Laura remained committed to prioritizing their well-being while holding onto the conviction that the tech community could carry on despite such tribulations.
Now back in the UK, Laura’s determination to support her team in Lebanon remains unwavering. She continues to monitor the situation closely, engage with fellow business leaders, and seek new opportunities for her team. Her company is maintaining a clear operational framework to ensure job security for its employees amid uncertainty surrounding banking and electricity in Lebanon. Laura’s leadership throughout this crisis reflects her ability to adapt and plan for contingencies that have become commonplace in Lebanon’s volatile landscape.
Through these experiences, Laura has underscored the determination of the Lebanese people, particularly within the tech sector, to keep moving forward. Despite the catastrophic events that have unfolded, the spirit of resilience is strong, with many workers expressing a desire to remain productive and engaged. For those displaced by conflict, the search for new opportunities is paramount, while remaining team members cling to their jobs as a source of normalcy. Laura envisions a future where Lebanon’s tech scene will continue to thrive, even amidst setbacks, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration and support.
This narrative of Laura Jardine Paterson offers a glimpse into the challenging yet vibrant world of Lebanon’s tech community. Her commitment to empowering talent and fostering resilience, even in the face of crisis, serves as a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s capacity to rise above adversity. While the path ahead remains uncertain, the determination to keep the tech industry alive stands as a testament to the potential for recovery and continued growth amid ongoing challenges.
