Afkar.me, the region's only full-spectrum digital incubator and accelerator, has received over 150 applications for
Afkar.me, the region’s only full-spectrum digital incubator and accelerator, has received over 150 applications for its second round intake in Dubai. Applications were received from 29 countries from as far afield as Brazil, China and Sudan, while Egyptian entrepreneurs submitted the highest number of ideas, followed by the UAE and Bahrain.
Afkar.me, which is currently incubating two e-commerce startups: TheDressRoom.com and TheCurve-me.com, was developed by Intigral to support the growth of MENA’s digital ecosystem by sourcing, incubating and taking-to-market, innovative digital business ideas.
Juan Jose De La Torre, VP of Digital at Intigral, said, “MENA’s digital startup sector is in a growth phase and receiving over 150 quality applicants for Afkar.me’s second intake is testament to that. We truly believe that this region has the ability to produce digital products that will not only take off in the region, but gain global recognition. Afkar.me is one step on the journey for entrepreneurs, providing everything they need to turn their ideas into a viable product or business, including access to market. Through this process, alongside other incubators and positive government initiatives, we can attract a bigger interest in the region from angel investors, with the core aim of achieving a mature startup-to-IPO ecosystem in MENA.”
Afkar.me’s team of experts will now assess the entries, inviting 10 hopefuls to a special Bootcamp weekend, during which the entrepreneurs will receive expert mentorship to develop their idea and business case, culminating in an elevator pitch to the panel of judges.
Up to three winners will be chosen for incubation in Intigral’s Dubai offices, each receiving:
•A $20,000 seed fund, helping winners focus on growing their business and creating value
•A dedicated business lead who will drive the incubation, setting milestones to ensure a viable product is created
•Office space – within Intigral’s offices, with access to all the skill sets that exist within the region’s leading digital product, content and services company.
•Expert mentorship – from both within the incubator and via a strong network of external mentors, allowing Afkar.me to supplement the existing skill set of the entrepreneurs, giving them everything they need to succeed.
Including but not limited to:
-Product development
-Design
-Marketing & PR
-Business development
-Legal support
-Access to MENA market – Unparalleled access to the KSA market via STC
-Exchange program’s with leading international incubators
For more information, please contact:
Grant Richmond-Coggan
Corporate Communications Manager
Intigral
Email: Grant.richmond@intigral.net
Kimberly Lobo
Ketchum Raad Middle East
Email: kimberly.lobo@ketchum-raad.com
Tel: +971404258979
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