Calling MENA startups: AED 100,000 in cash and business support up for grabs at the Arabian Business Awards 2021 

UAE-based publication Arabian Business is hosting the eponymous Arabian Business Awards 2021 this month, on the 26th of January.

Split across two parts, the AB SME Forum & Future Falcons Event in the morning and the Arabian Business UAE Awards in the evening, the awards show will reflect on the previous and upcoming 50 years of the UAE's success story, aiming to honour the businesses who shaped the emirates’ success story and to champion the innovators who will help write its next chapter.

Startups are invited to apply to take part in AB's first-ever Future Falcons pitch event that will take place during the morning, where a prize package worth up to AED 100,000 is to be awarded to one startup that can impress the panel of Falcons (entrepreneurs and investors) that will act as presiding judges. 

The competition is being held In partnership with global entrepreneur Gokhan Baykam, an accomplished and successful global entrepreneur and investor with more than 20 years’ experience in leadership roles in tech, commodities, renewable energy sectors and luxury. Baykam is putting forward AED 25,000 of his own money, plus a commitment to mentor the winner across the year. This is being matched by Arabian Business, taking the prize purse to AED50,000 in funding, with the ITP Media Group further adding AED50,000 of media support for the successful venture.

Gokhan Baykam, founder and chairman of Relight, Bay Capital Arkham Investments and president of the Baykam Earth Foundation. Image: Arabian Business

To enter, simply fill in the form found at this link with a brief synopsis of your idea. You also have the option to upload a 30-second video elevator pitch. A selection of these may be published on arabianbusiness.com (though publication is no guarantee of shortlisting for the final).

You can register to attend here.

The show will be held on Wednesday, 26 January, 2022, at Etihad Museum.

Daytime event - AB SME Forum & Future Falcons: 10:00 - 14:30
Evening event - Arabian Business UAE Awards: 19:00 - 22:30