World Economic Forum Looking for 100 Most Promising Arab Start-ups

The World Economic Forum, in collaboration with the Bahrain Economic Development Board, has opened applications for the 100 Arab Start-ups shaping the Fourth Industrial Revolution in 2019.             Start-ups can apply now to join the vibrant community and participate in the World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Africa, which will take place on 6-7 April at the Dead Sea, Jordan. Selected start-ups will benefit from a tailored program with industry and government leaders to discuss the future of their industries. The deadline for application is 13 March 2019 

“A wave of young companies and entrepreneurs are changing the economic landscape of the Arab world. By championing innovative and pragmatic solutions, start-ups are improving people’s everyday lives and drive new forms of regional cooperation. At the Forum, we believe start-ups embracing the potential of the Fourth Industrial Revolution play a key role in shaping the future of their industries and their societies at large,” said Mirek Dusek, Deputy Head of the Centre for Regional and Geopolitical Affairs and Head of the Middle East and North Africa at the World Economic Forum.

A selection committee made up of some of the regional leading experts on the start-ups ecosystem will work with the World Economic Forum and the Bahrain Economic Development Board to select 100 promising Arab start-ups to join the Forum’s meeting at the Dead Sea.

Selection committee:

•            Khaled Talhouni, Managing Partner, Wamda Capital

•            Hala Fadel, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Leap Ventures,

•            Ahmed ElAlfi, Founder and Chairman of Sawari Ventures

•            Abdulrahman Tarabzouni, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Saudi Technology Ventures (STV)

•            Amir Farha, Co-Founder and Managing Director. BECO Capital

•            Areije Al Shakar, Director and Fund Manager, Al Waha Venture Capital Fund, and Senior Vice President of Bahrain Development Bank

•            Mirek Dusek, Deputy Head of the Centre for Regional and Geopolitical Affairs and Head of the Middle East and North Africa, World Economic Forum

To be eligible, companies should:

•            Have received at least one round of funding from outside investors

•            If early-stage, be generating revenue with demonstrated early success or have a working prototype that is ready to launch

•            If late-stage, be considered a leader or high-potential company in their field

•            Demonstrate a commitment to making a substantial long-term impact on Arab business and society

•            Not be a subsidiary or a joint venture

Start-ups should complete the application form by 13 March 2019 at http://wef.ch/arabstartups19apply  

Successful applicants will be contacted by 21 March with further instructions.