Will 2022 be the year of the start-up? The Arabian Business Awards aims to help that happen for one lucky dreamer in its first-ever Future Falcons pitch event.
In partnership with global entrepreneur Gokhan Baykam, we’re offering a prize package worth up to AED100,000 for one start-up who can impress our panel of Falcons – entrepreneurs and investors, who know how to pick a winner.
The event takes place on January 26 at the Etihad Museum, ahead of the evening’s glittering Arabian Business Awards ceremony, where the winner will be announced on stage amid a host of industry Oscars.
Based between Monaco, Milan and Dubai, Gokhan is 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. He’s putting on the table AED25,000 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, founder and chairman of Relight, Bay Capital Arkham Investments and president of the Baykam Earth Foundation, said: “Start-ups are engines of growth, they are the driving force behind our economy — we must advocate for the entrepreneurs behind them and continue to foster innovation.
“Start-ups create new markets or completely transform old markets by introducing products that change the world. New technologies often create new opportunities that start-ups take advantage of. These ventures create a massive value over mature businesses, inspiring competition and disrupting the economy to evolve. I am honoured to support the Future Falcons.”
To enter, simply fill in the form below 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).
Finalists will be invited to pitch their idea live at our daytime event to the panel of Falcons, who will then pick their winner. More Falcons will be revealed soon.
As the UAE strides boldly into the next 50 years of its inspiring journey, the Arabian Business Awards are returning to honour businesses that shaped the Emirates’ success story and to champion the innovators who will help write its next chapter.
On January 26, at the Etihad Museum in Dubai, built on the spot where the United Arab Emirates was founded, the Arabian Business Awards 2021 will look back at the last 50 years, and capture the excitement for the decades ahead with a day of insights and an evening of celebration.
In our first industry ‘Oscars’, to be presented at a spectacular gala dinner, a host of honours are up for grabs with 10 industries being awarded, two winners from each category – with one marking five decades of success and one honouring the innovators of the future.
An editorial board from across ITP’s industry verticals and Arabian Business have handpicked finalists for these categories. To learn more about the full list click here. The glittering event will also feature a keynote speaker of international standing.
For enquiries about sponsorship opportunities, please get in touch with our commercial director Saraswati Agarwal at saraswati.agarwal@itp.com.
Early Bird table bookings are now open for the Arabian Business Awards 2021. Book your table for the most important evening in the UAE’s industry calendar. The booking closes on January 13. Visit the Arabian Business Awards 2021 microsite for more information about the event.
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