Calling: EU and GCC Startups, SMEs and Corporates!
A consortium of partners is kicking off an ambitious project to enhance trade and collaboration between the EU and GCC. Amongst the many initiatives are a series of events and workshop targeting startups, SMEs and corporates in order to get businesses to meet, collaborate and possibly invest in each other.
An EU Project with an Impressive Partner Line-Up
Funded by the European Commission and run by a consortium of partners consisting of the Confederation of Danish Industry, the Federation of GCC Chambers, BUSINESSEUROPE, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and finally VentureScout and Startup MENA, the project sets out on a journey to execute a series of business events in Europe and the GCC. The different events and workshops target entrepreneurs, SMEs and corporates in different formats and engagements throughout 2014 and 2015.
Startup Challenges in the GCC
GCC startups can engage in a series of Startup Challenges running in Kuwait, UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. 2 startups are selected from each country to participate in the finals in Sharjarh in April. The applications are open now and close on Feb 1st 2015. Startup MENA has held similar challenges successfully this year in Egypt.
Workshops in Europe
European startups that are interested in setting up business in the GCC can attend an active 1-day GCC workshop with business experts in London, Berlin, Brussels and Rome. Here the startups will learn about the GCC markets and meet startups that have successfully made the move.
Corporate and SMEs will meet in Dubai and London
GCC SMEs will have the opportunity to meet European corporates in a matchmaking event in Dubai, and European SMEs will meet GCC corporates in a similar event in London. The matchmaking is intended to create collaboration and investment opportunities for both parties and to make parties meet face to face.
Entrepreneur workshops
Lastly aspiring entrepreneurs in both regions are welcome to the Training Days, where they will get insights on how to start a business, meet with mentors and receive extensive feedback. The sessions are run by expert mentors and will spark and light up the ideas of the participants, which will hopefully turn into starting new businesses.
Bridge-building and high impact
“We are extremely excited to take part in this project”, says Jakob Kistorp, Founding Partner at Venturescout. “It is a great opportunity to build bridges between the regions and engage in many ecosystems at the same time, meaning that we can make a bigger impact”.
Right now, Startup MENA is looking for local partners to share networks and engage in dialogues with the communities. If you would like to know more about Startup MENA visit: www.startup-mena.com/details/eu-gcc
An EU Project with an Impressive Partner Line-Up
Funded by the European Commission and run by a consortium of partners consisting of the Confederation of Danish Industry, the Federation of GCC Chambers, BUSINESSEUROPE, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and finally VentureScout and Startup MENA, the project sets out on a journey to execute a series of business events in Europe and the GCC. The different events and workshops target entrepreneurs, SMEs and corporates in different formats and engagements throughout 2014 and 2015.
Startup Challenges in the GCC
GCC startups can engage in a series of Startup Challenges running in Kuwait, UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. 2 startups are selected from each country to participate in the finals in Sharjarh in April. The applications are open now and close on Feb 1st 2015. Startup MENA has held similar challenges successfully this year in Egypt.
Workshops in Europe
European startups that are interested in setting up business in the GCC can attend an active 1-day GCC workshop with business experts in London, Berlin, Brussels and Rome. Here the startups will learn about the GCC markets and meet startups that have successfully made the move.
Corporate and SMEs will meet in Dubai and London
GCC SMEs will have the opportunity to meet European corporates in a matchmaking event in Dubai, and European SMEs will meet GCC corporates in a similar event in London. The matchmaking is intended to create collaboration and investment opportunities for both parties and to make parties meet face to face.
Entrepreneur workshops
Lastly aspiring entrepreneurs in both regions are welcome to the Training Days, where they will get insights on how to start a business, meet with mentors and receive extensive feedback. The sessions are run by expert mentors and will spark and light up the ideas of the participants, which will hopefully turn into starting new businesses.
Bridge-building and high impact
“We are extremely excited to take part in this project”, says Jakob Kistorp, Founding Partner at Venturescout. “It is a great opportunity to build bridges between the regions and engage in many ecosystems at the same time, meaning that we can make a bigger impact”.
Right now, Startup MENA is looking for local partners to share networks and engage in dialogues with the communities. If you would like to know more about Startup MENA visit: www.startup-mena.com/details/eu-gcc