RiseUp calls on MENA startups to enter Pitch by the Pyramids

RiseUp, a Cairo-based platform that connects startups to resources, has launched Pitch by the Pyramids, its first multi-stage, regional startup pitch competition for early-stage Middle East and North African (MENA) startups.

The platform explained in a statement last Wednesday (28 August) that the competition is aimed at early-stage startups from eight MENA startup hubs, namely Cairo, Beirut, Dubai, Tunis, Amman, Ramallah, Riyadh and Baghdad.

Applications for the competition will close on 21 September.

The Pitch by the Pyramids finals will be held on 8 December at the Great Pyramids of Giza

Entries are open to early-stage revenue generating startups that are under three years old which:

• Have raised funding between $25 000 and $250 000
• Are self-funded
• Have a team of not less than two members

RiseUp said regional partners from each of the startup hubs in the eight cities will organise local qualifier events for selected startups to compete in.

Thereafter, 25 of the most innovative startups will proceed to the final event at the Great Pyramids of Giza on 8 December.

RiseUp said at least two finalist startups will be selected from each qualifier to travel to Cairo for RiseUp Summit 2019 and for the Pitch by the Pyramids finals.

The competition will see startups gain access to tailored webinars on business modelling, market intelligence and growth planning.

In addition, finalists will also be assigned an expert mentor with experience in their respective industry to support their development throughout the competition leading up to the final event in Cairo.

At the final event, finalists will pitch to an audience that will include local and regional venture capitalists (VCs), investors, as well as media that RiseUp said will guarantee regional exposure for the startups.

RiseUp CEO Abdulhameed Sharara, commenting in the same statement, said Pitch by the Pyramids is the “first pitch competition of its kind” in MENA, if not the world.

“There are a lot of incredibly inspiring early-stage startups in the region that we know deserve this opportunity

“To not only participate in a value-driven programme like this, but also get to pitch at one of the most magnificent and iconic venues in the world, the Pyramids, will surely catalyse the development of everyone participating,” added Sharara.

Featured image: sciencefreak via Pixabay