Seedstars World is looking for best seed stage startups from GCC

Seedstars World, the competition to discover the best startups in the emerging markets is coming to Bahrain to find the best seed stage startups from GCC in its pitching event on September 9.

The event is being organized with the support of local host CH9 and patronage of H.E Zayed Bin Rashed Alzayani – the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism. Bahrain is one of the 80 countries that Seedstars is travelling to this year. It identifies the best steeg-stage startups in all these countries and invites them to its annual summit in Switzerland where the startups pitch to win up to $1 million and network with investors and mentors from all around the world.

The selection criteria for startups to pitch at Seedstars GCC event is pretty simple and straightforward.

• Based in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman or UAE, with no nationality requirements for founders
• Less than 2 years old
• Must not have raised more than $500,000 in funding
• Have built a minimum viable product and ideally have some traction
• Ability to scale regionally and globally

“With a strong network of international partners such as BBVA, Merck, Enel, Trecc and Standard Bank, Seedstars World is looking for smart startups that solve regional issues and develop profitable products for the global market, to support their regional businesses and growth.”

“Seedstars World is a platform connecting investors to the next generation of startup entrepreneurs, pulling the spotlight from Silicon Valley and Western Europe. As this will be our third time to organize our event in Bahrain, our excitement level and expectations are high. We have heard so much about the bustling startup ecosystem in GCC and we are now here to witness the reality” explains Katarina Szulenyiova, COO at Seedstars World, “We are impressed by what we have seen in the continent so far and cannot wait to add startups from GCC on our map.”

The pitch competition will shortlist 12 seed stage startups from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman and UAE will be invited to pitch for the opportunity to compete at the Seedstars Summit in Switzerland.

In order to provide local entrepreneurs with this opportunity and aiming to deliver the best possible event, Seedstars World is closely working with CH9, who is representing the initiative throughout the year.  “the number of talented entrepreneurs in this region is phenomenal, and CH9 would like to help these entrepreneurs gain visibility in and out of this market.” notes Mohamed Altawash, founder and managing director of CH9, the Bahrain-based startup community that represents the initiative throughout the year.

The Seedstars GCC 2017 event is also supported by the Bahrain Economic Development Board and Startup Bahrain. The last date to apply for startups is Aug 26, yeah we are kind of late to share the details but you still have two days to submit your applications here.