Sharjah’s reputation as a thriving hub for startups was on full display at the recent Founders Meet event, organized by 1trepreneur. The vibrant gathering brought together a diverse group of entrepreneurs from various nationalities and industries for an evening of high-impact networking and knowledge sharing, underscored by strong support from key local partners.
The event was held in collaboration with the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) and Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) Free Zone.
Event Highlights
The evening was packed with actionable insights for founders at all stages of their journey:
- Deconstructing VC Math: A session by Elliott (Els) Denham of Oraseya Capital, who provided founders with a deep dive into the art of “reverse engineering VC maths” to better understand investor expectations.
- Navigating the Ecosystem: Mahra Albalghouni from Sheraa delivered a comprehensive overview of the Sharjah startup ecosystem and the wide range of support programs available to entrepreneurs.
- The Free Zone Advantage: Rashid Mohammed Ibrahim showcased the vision for SPC Free Zone, positioning it as one of the most appealing and seamless options for early-stage tech startups in the UAE.
Connecting a Diverse Founder Community
The event successfully brought together founders from a wide array of backgrounds, creating a dynamic environment for exchanging ideas and building meaningful professional relationships. The collaborative spirit in the room highlighted the welcoming and interconnected nature of Sharjah’s startup community.
A Partnership-Driven Ecosystem
The success of the Founders Meet was a testament to the strong collaboration that defines the Sharjah ecosystem. The partnership between the community-led platform 1trepreneur, the government-backed incubator Sheraa, and the business-focused SPC Free Zone demonstrates a unified effort to provide founders with the resources and network they need to thrive. The event also acknowledged the consistent efforts of leaders like Bodour Al Qasimi, Najla Al-Midfa, and Sara Al Nuaimi in making Sharjah an ideal launchpad for startups.
About the Organizers and Partners
- 1trepreneur: A community and platform dedicated to supporting founders and fostering connections within the UAE’s startup ecosystem through events and initiatives.
- Sheraa (Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center): A government-supported entity that provides a comprehensive launchpad for aspiring and established entrepreneurs in Sharjah.
- SPC Free Zone (Sharjah Publishing City): A fast-growing free zone that is actively positioning itself as a strategic and accessible hub for tech startups and entrepreneurs.
Source: 1trepreneur
