Deadline: As soon as possible
Location(s)
Saudi Arabia
Overview
500 Global is looking for the next generation of talented entrepreneurs in MENA through this brand new program designed for tech startups with early traction. Selected startups will receive an equity investment of USD $100,000, access to 500’s global network of founders, community events, partners, and more.
Details
Core Elements
- Week 1 - 2: Foundations of Growth: Foundational programming to cover growth marketing hacks, developing ideal customer profiles, creating an effective one-liner, and more.
- Weeks 3-9: Growth Weeks: 7 weeks of growth experiments, customer interviews, and weekly 1:1 meetings with mentors from 500’s extensive network across industries.
- Weeks 10-12: Pitch Prep & Demo Day: Startups will be prepared to develop an effective presentation to partners and investors in the region at our world-renowned Demo Day for the MENA region.
The program is divided into 3 phases. All founders must be on the ground in-person in Riyadh for Week 1 – 2 Foundations of Growth and Weeks 10-12 Pitch Prep & Demo Day. For Weeks 3-9 Growth Weeks, founders may participate remotely.
About 500
500 Startups is a venture capital firm on a mission to discover and back the world’s most talented entrepreneurs, help them create successful companies at scale, and build thriving global ecosystems. It is one of the most active venture capital firms in the world. Since its inception in Silicon Valley, 500 Startups has invested in over 2,300 companies via its 5 global funds and 15 thematic funds dedicated to either specific geographic markets or verticals. Its 100+ team members are located in 20 countries around the world in order to support the 500 Startups global portfolio of investments which spans more than 75 countries. Notable investments in the 500 portfolio include Credit Karma, Twilio, Canva, Grab, Bukalapak, The RealReal, Talkdesk, Knotel, Udemy, and Ipsy. Beyond providing seed capital, 500 supports startups via their Seed Accelerator Programs which emphasize digital marketing, customer acquisition, lean startup practices, and fundraising for pre-Seed companies. 500 Startups further contributes to the development of innovation ecosystems by supporting startups and investors through educational programs, events, conferences, and partnerships with corporations and governments around the world.
About Sanabil Investments
Sanabil Investments is a closed joint stock company with a share capital of twenty billion (20,000,000,000) Saudi Riyal, wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund, and is headquartered in the city of Riyadh. Sanabil Investments seeks to realize sustainable superior returns based on long-term investment strategies built on diversification of investments, optimizing risk management and careful selection of investment opportunities. The company’s investments are concentrated in direct equity investments, primarily in the Kingdom, and in funds, as well as in diversified investment portfolios. These investments support the growth of the Kingdom’s economy while building international investment capability, and transferring expertise to local Saudi talent.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
We're looking for startups that meet the following criteria:
- Tech startups with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
- Located in the Middle Eastern and North African region (MENA)
- Startups with early traction looking to scale
Dates
Deadline: As soon as possible
Cost/funding for participants
The program offers founders:
- Mentorship and programming - Dedicated mentorship and tailored programming for 12 weeks
- Equity investment - Equity investment of USD $100,000 for selected startups
- Global network access - Access to 500’s global network of founders, community events, partners and more
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.