Seedstars World, the global seed-stage startup competition for emerging markets and fast-growing startup scenes is coming to Kuwait for the first time. With the support of the local ambassador Sirdab Lab, Seedstars World will be holding a dynamic pitch event at AlShaheed Park Phase II on November 1, 2017.
In line with its mission to place the spotlight on entrepreneurs from emerging markets, Seedstars World is traveling to more than 80+ countries this year to identify the best seed-stage entrepreneurs and provide them with an opportunity to win up to USD 1 million and network with investors and mentors from around the world. Its previous participants have raised over USD 61M collectively, providing employment to more than 800 employees worldwide. It recently held its GCC Competition in Bahrain last month in September at CH9, where UAE-based startup Junkbot won first place, and Bahraini-based startup WNNA won second place and were crowned as GCC’s Most Promising Startup. Both startups will be flying to Switzerland to pitch and compete against international startups in the Global Summit.
The companies selected to pitch at the Seedstars Kuwait event need to be less than 2 years old, have raised less than USD 500,000 in funding and have built a minimum viable product, ideally with existing traction. The Seedstars World team is searching for one additional criterion – the startup’s regional and global scalability. With a strong network of international partners such as BBVA, Merck, Enel, Trecc and Standard Bank, Seedstars World is looking for smart startups that solve regional issues and develop profitable products for the global market, to support their regional businesses and growth.
“Seedstars World is a platform connecting investors to the next generation of startup entrepreneurs, pulling the spotlight from Silicon Valley and Western Europe. As this will be our first time to organize our event in Kuwait, our excitement level and expectations are high. We have heard so much about the bustling startup ecosystem in Kuwait and we are now here to witness the reality” explains Katarina Szulenyiova, COO of Seedstars World, “We are impressed by what we have seen in the continent so far and cannot wait to add startups from Kuwait on our map.”
Up to 10 of the best seed stage startups in Kuwait will be invited to pitch for the opportunity to compete at the Seedstars Summit, that annually takes place in Switzerland.
In order to provide local entrepreneurs with this opportunity and aiming to deliver the best possible event, Seedstars World has been given support by local partner, tThe U.S. Embassy in Kuwait.