Partnership with Wamda

Dubai, UAE, Oct. 31, 2018 – MENACatalyst and Pitch Challenge finalists had the great opportunity of spending the day forging collaborations with representatives at Wamda. Wamda is especially known for their efforts towards accelerating entrepreneurship ecosystems throughout the MENA region.

The event began with an introductory statement by senior representatives from Wamda, welcoming MENACatalyst and Pitch Challenge finalists for their efforts to promote Palestinian innovation and entrepreneurship. MENACatalyst followed up by highlighting the importance of bridging the gap between Palestinian based startups with a committed regional and international community of investors and business experts. Furthermore, MENACatalyst stressed how these connections are essential to enhance the viability and visibility of Palestinian led startups needed to create a resilient Palestinian based virtual economy.

Activities hosted by Wamda included pitching sessions for MENACatalyst and accompanying startups. Pitching was followed up by an in-depth Q&A segment which allowed participants to delve into the inspiration behind their startups and their personal journey to transform their dream into a reality. Afterwards, selected entrepreneurs were offered the opportunity to take part in a one-on-one interview session with Wamda’s Head of Content, Triska Hamid; paving the way for future content featuring MENACatalyst and sponsored startups to be published via Wamda’s platform. Highly successful entrepreneur and business expert Fadi Ghandour, Chairman of Wamda and founder of Aramex, joined the day’s events. Ghandour offered MENACatalyst and accompanying startups the privilege of receiving feedback and advice that tapped into years of experience running Aramex, what has now become a highly lucrative global brand. Furthermore, Ghandour provided insight into what investors are looking for and how to tailor pitches and business models in order to secure strategic investments and make invaluable connections.

In addition to the day’s events, MENACatalyst is thrilled to announce the signing of an MOU with Wamda. The MOU will serve as the foundation for long-lasting collaborations forged between MENACatalyst and Wamda. This 2018 program agreement (MOU) features not only media coverage for select startups, but mentorship sessions with a Wamda partner as well as mutually agreed upon promotions featuring MENACatalyst and their accompanying projects on the Wamda platform and social media outlets.

MENACatalyst’s Pitch Challenges and accompanying Demo Events are jointly funded by Taawon (Welfare Association) and KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency).