The U.A.E. is considered to be one of the prominent countries in fuelling innovation, digital transformation, nurturing the entrepreneurial mind-set and thereby achieving limitless progress. In line with this vision and after 2 successful series in 2018 and 2020, we are thrilled to return for the 3rd edition of Hello Business Pitch with an exciting twist.
As the constant enablers of SMBs, this time, we come forward, presenting aspiring startups and the nation’s disruptive ideators, a chance to participate in Hello Business Pitch 3!
In addition to offering existing startups that are up to 3 years old an opportunity to grow and scale their business to new heights by pitching their journeys and forecasted growth, we also present a brand-new prospect to ambitious individuals that have a framework, idea, and business model but haven’t commenced operations yet. This category encourages and invites individuals to innovate and create solutions, services and products that support the national growth agenda and respond to the ongoing societal and economic transitions.
After an extensive review, the jury announced the Top 25 Startups and Top 25 Ideators who continued their journey with us.
6 cash prize opportunities, 3 for each category, awarded to the top participants
AED 40,000
Worth of Cash & Business Solutions for the Champion
AED 30,000
Worth of Cash & Business Solutions for 1st Runner-up
AED 20,000
Worth of Cash & Business Solutions for 2st Runner-up
AED 120,000
Worth of Cash Prize for the Champion
AED 80,000
Worth of Cash Prize for 1st Runner-up
AED 60,000
Worth of Cash Prize for 2st Runner-up
Simple. Identify which category you would come unde Ideators or Startups and get registered. Submit your details with relevant supporting records/documents, and upon being shortlisted and verified, you will be guided on the steps to follow. Three businesses under each category stand a chance to qualify as one of the six top businesses in the region, plus take back a generous cash reward too!
This segment of the Hello Business Pitch is a brand-new category which invites teams and individuals who have a business idea and ready concept, product or service prototype, growth plan and a financial framework, ready to be set into motion. There would be a total of 3 winners announced from this category who stand a chance to win cash prizes to begin their business journey.
Eligibility Criteria for the Ideators
Participants of this category are required to fulfil the following criteria in order to be eligible to apply:
• You should have a proof of concept and prototype
• Your product or service should be tested by a valid set of target audience
• A growth plan with a business framework and forecast
• You should be based in the UAE
• Your product or service is Tech or Digital-related
This segment of the Hello Business Pitch is an existing category which invites SMBs and startups of 1 to 3 years old to pitch their existing business, its products or services, progress so far along with a growth plan and financial scalability model. There would be a total of 3 winners announced from this category who stand a chance to win cash prizes to grow their business to its true potential.
Eligibility Criteria for the Startups
Participants of this category are required to fulfil the following criteria in order to be eligible to apply:
• Your team should have a minimum of 2 members with your business being 1 to 3 years’ old
• Your business should be registered and based in the UAE
• Your product or service should be in its working/operating stage with proof of revenue and cash flow of your business.
• A forecasted growth plan of your business framework along with its estimated value
• Your product or service is Tech or Digital-related
• You have not won any of the previous Hello Business Pitch competitions
We have summoned a Jury panel for Hello Business Pitch 3, that encompasses of some of the most prominent business leaders and experts across a vast range of industries in this region with a proven track record of business success and background in leadership, mentoring, financial investments, entrepreneurship and much more.
The criteria of evaluation for this expert panel will include the following:
Vice President
Investor Relations and External Communications
Waha Capital
Senior Vice President
Small & Medium Business
Etisalat by e&
Head of Market Development
Financial Technology & Innovation
Financial Services Regulatory Authority
Program Manager
Microsoft Reactor Middle East & Africa
Vice President
Finance – Operations
e& Group Finance
Growth & Strategy
HUB71
Head of Initiatives Development - SME Development, SMEs Sector
Dept. of Economic Development – Abu Dhabi
Founding Partner
VentureSouq
CEO & Founder
Naqqe Technologies and Onstage International
An intensive assessment of hundreds of applications was carried out., whereby the top candidates were shortlisted. View the shortlisted Ideators and Startups below. If you made it to the next round, you will be contacted by our team with the steps to follow.
Each of the shortlisted participants from the respective categories will receive an articulate training session after the First Pitch Round to help them enhance and perfect their final pitch to the jury. This session will comprise of industry-leading tips on business planning and scaling, value proposition, marketing and financial strategies, customer journey mapping, and much more. This training session is mindfully designed to ensure the readiness of all participating businesses to put their best foot forward and face the leading experts in the region!
A trailblazing leader with immense experience in Service Industry, Operations, Logistics, Supply Chain, E-commerce, Digital Transformations, and plenty more. Driven by his passion of cultivating exemplary talent, Hussein is committed to fostering individuals with real-world advice.