Startups have the competitive edge: Elahian

Manama : More than 300 venture capitalists, angel investors and dynamic entrepreneurs had participated in the fifth MENA Angel Investor Summit 2016 held at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. 

Highlight of the summit, however, were the 30 start-ups from the 15 different countries who pitched their business concepts as part of an exciting fast-paced agenda.

Also in attendance were world-renowned venture capitalist and global innovation advisor of 500 Start-ups from Silicon Valley, Kamran Elahian along with the most prominent regional and local angel investors. 

Commenting on the Summit, Elahian said: “There were two types of e-commerce products presented, the internet-based products and technology-driven products. Most of the start-up businesses had a competitive edge, with regional and global appeal.”

Organised by Tenmou in strategic partnership with the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) this high-profile event aimed at building a strong supportive and sustainable start-up ecosystem in Bahrain and increasingly grow the angel investment community in the MENA region.  

The inaugural welcome note was presented by Hasan Haider, Chief Executive Officer of Tenmou and the keynote address was presented by Dr Simon Galpin from EDB.

Commenting on the Summit, Hasan Haider, CEO of Tenmou said: “Since the start of the MENA Angel Investors Summit in 2010, more than 1,000 regional and international investors have been able to connect with around 150 high-potential innovative entrepreneurs from the region resulting in approximately US$ 6 million investments.”  

Vivian Jamal, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications at the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) commented: “This summit provided an effective platform for Bahraini entrepreneurs to discuss their experiences, their skills and their innovative visions before investors, in turn helping them to take their plans and their ambitions to the next stage.”