Summer is here, but it’s no time for holidays just yet, as some of the Middle East’s most promising startup incubators and accelerators have opened applications for entrepreneurs across different stages. From 500 Startups’ brand new Misk 500 to Egypt’s AUC V-Labs, these are 6 opportunities not to miss.
By SWB Team
1.Misk 500 MENA Accelerator Program (MENA Region)
After a successful first program which culminated in May 2019, 500 Startups is continuing its partnership with Misk Innovation to announce the launch of Batch 2 of the Misk 500 MENA Accelerator Program. Teams of growth hackers, investors, and mentors will be coming to the MENA region for 14 weeks to impart knowledge on 15-20 hand-selected startups.
The Misk 500 MENA Accelerator will be open to MENA-based early-stage technology startups, offering a$50,000 in investment for 7% equity, with no tuition fees. You can apply here before July 25th.
2. Misk Growth Accelerator (Saudi Arabia)
The Misk Growth Accelerator is a three-month, post-acceleration program for MENA startups with product market fit that are seeking for a scalable growth model.
With a three on-site bootcamps and a demo-day in Riyadh, the hybrid (virtual/on-site) program permits startups to stay close to their customers all the time, while benefiting from constant coaching from in-house growth and external growth experts.
Companies get a $100,000 total investment from two renowned investors: Seedstars andVision Ventures, and a chance to get follow-on of up to $1 million. You can apply here.
3. AUC V-Lab Startup Accelerator (Egypt)
AUC Venture Lab, run by the American University in Cairo (AUC), targets startups that are high-growth and innovation-driven.The Startup Accelerator serves startups from ALL industries and sectors. With the support of corporate sponsors, they have several tracks: an E-commerce Track supported by Arab African International Bank, a Creative Track sponsored by Drosos Foundation, a Healthcare Innovation Track, a Shell Egypt Energy & Sustainability Track and our General Track supported by Oxfam in the Middle East and North Africa and برنامج الشراكة الدنماركية العربية Danish- Arab Partnership Programme.
The AUC Venture Lab acceleration program runs in two cycles per year where each cycle includes around ten startups. The Lab provides these startups with an intensive acceleration experience for three months, followed by a longer incubation cycle of a year. You can apply here before July 15th.
4. AUC V-Lab Fintech Accelerator (Egypt)
The American university also runs a FinTech accelerator, powered by CIB Egypt and offered in partnership with the IFC – International Finance Corporation, is specific to startups that offer solutions facilitating financial technology.
These are selected through a rigorous process based on the novelty of the idea, scalability and commercial potential as well as the team’s track record, cohesion, tenacity and commitment to success. Selected startups play an active role in the AUC community, sharing their entrepreneurial experience with students and staff. They also contribute to Egypt’s growth and competitiveness.
You can apply here before July 15th.
5. Mint Incubator Fall ‘19 Cycle (Egypt)
The MINT Incubator by EGbank has an interesting offering, as it supports startups “with no strings attached;” that means they don’t take equity nor provide debt to the startups enrolled in the program.
In order to be selected, startups need to be at the minimal viable product (MVP) and growth stage -in any industry – have a highly scalable business model, a team to execute it, and with the main founder between 16-35 years of age. You can apply here before August 3rd.
6. Agrytech Hackathon (Lebanon)
The Agrytech Hackathon returns in a third exciting edition! Learn, validate, hack and pitch your agri-food business idea in 4 days. Use technology to tackle challenges in farming, post-harvest, manufacturing and processing, and marketplace, guided by international industry experts with access to a hardware prototyping fabrication lab.
To participate, you can apply either as a team or an individual. You are encouraged to apply if you are a developer, coder, maker, data scientist, creative, innovator, entrepreneur and young professional. You can apply with your own idea, or you can hack one of the preset challenges. The event is open for Lebanese, Syrians and Palestinians residing in Lebanon. Apply here.
