Investors from 148 countries to meet startups at WBAF World Congress in Bahrain

TDT | Manama                                                      

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Reported by Mahir Haneef

Get ready for a global entrepreneurial blitz as Bahrain prepares to host the prestigious World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF) World Congress in November 2024. This isn’t just an event, it’s a launchpad for the next generation of businesses and a celebration of financial inclusion on a grand scale.

Imagine the opulent Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay buzzing with innovation. That’s the backdrop for this global gathering, where investors, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders from 148 countries will connect, collaborate, and ignite change. The theme?

“Mobilising Entrepreneurship and Innovation Ecosystems for Financial Inclusion.” It’s not just a catchy slogan, it’s a mission statement. Bahrain, a rising star in the global economy, is the perfect host. Their commitment to digital inclusion, gender equality, and streamlined access to finance is woven into the very fabric of the event. Get ready for four powerhouse summits - startups, women leaders, tech gurus, and even a spotlight on ethical governance - all under one roof. But it’s not just talk.

The Global Fundraising Stage is where Bahraini and international startups pitch their dreams to a room full of potential investors, forging cross-border partnerships and igniting the fires of innovation. Need some insider tips? The WBAF Business School has your back with workshops, masterclasses, and short courses from the best in the business. And before the main event, the WBAF Grand Assembly convenes like a global parliament of entrepreneurs, uniting leaders from every corner of the earth.

It’s a chance to share ideas, tackle challenges, and build a brighter future for all. “Bahrain, with its unique position in the Gulf region, stands as an ideal location for fostering connections between global leaders,” says Baybars Altuntas, Executive Chairman of WBAF. And they’re not stopping there.

The WBAF Middle East Forum, hosted alongside the main event, puts a regional spotlight on critical economic issues, proving that collaboration is key to unlocking the full potential of the Middle East.

Feryal Abdulla Nass, Chair of the Bahrain Entrepreneurship Organisation and WBAF High Commissioner to Bahrain, echoes this sentiment. “Hosting the WBAF Middle East Forum on Financial Inclusion will underscore the importance of regional collaboration in addressing common challenges.”

VIP Gala Dinner The VIP Gala Dinner is the cherry on top of this entrepreneurial sundae. Here, the World Excellence Awards shine a light on the superheroes of the early-stage investment world, celebrating founders, investors, and changemakers who are building a better tomorrow.

Mark your calendars for November 19th-20th, 2024. This isn’t just a conference, it’s a movement. Get ready to witness Bahrain take centre stage in the global economy, proving that financial inclusion and innovation are more than just buzzwords, they’re the fuel that propels dreams into reality. The WBAF World Congress in Bahrain is where it all takes off. So, buckle up, entrepreneurs, investors, and changemakers. The future is taking flight in Bahrain, and you’re invited to soar along.