SpeakUp, the Dubai-based AI-powered matching platform, captured the spotlight during the season finale of OSN’s The Final Pitch Dubai, delivering one of the most memorable moments on the regional adaptation of Shark Tank. In the final episode, the event-tech startup became the only contestant of the season to sign an investment deal live on air, after an investor-judge presented the founders with a SAFE agreement directly on stage.
The move sparked immediate enthusiasm among the investor panel, with multiple judges remarking that SpeakUp has clear unicorn potential, citing its impressive scalability, rapid market adoption, and the substantial size of the industry it is set to transform.
A New Operational Layer for Events and Media
SpeakUp directly addresses a long-standing operational bottleneck within the event and media sectors: the lack of a centralized platform for sourcing, communicating with, and booking speakers and talent. Organizers have traditionally been forced to rely on a fragmented mix of WhatsApp groups, manual outreach, and disparate digital tools.
The platform replaces this inefficient process with a seamless, AI-driven workflow. Organizers can publish speaker requests, receive applications with a single click from talent, manage all communications through an integrated chat, and finalize bookings via a built-in calendar system, all within a unified interface.
Beyond Matching to a Growth Marketplace
Expanding its value proposition, SpeakUp has integrated the Growth Marketplace, an ecosystem designed to support the entire production lifecycle. This feature provides users with discounted access to a network of verified partners, including podcast studios, conference venues, photographers, videographers, editors, and PR services.
This strategic addition positions SpeakUp as more than just a talent-matching engine; it is evolving into a complete operational infrastructure for events, media, and digital production teams across the MENA region and beyond.
Rapid Growth and Post-Show Momentum
Since filming the show in May 2025, SpeakUp has experienced a period of rapid expansion, establishing itself as one of the region’s fastest-growing event-tech platforms. The momentum from its television appearance was followed by further strategic support, with the startup securing additional funding from a Dubai-based venture fund through direct negotiations.
Today, leading investors in the UAE and UK estimate SpeakUp’s valuation to be between $50–$60 million. This valuation is backed by a strong adoption curve and a growing global footprint, with key metrics that include:
- 60,000+ downloads
- 41,000 registered users
- 1,300+ successful speaker bookings
- Operations across 30+ countries
About SpeakUp
Launched in April 2025, SpeakUp is a new-class AI matching platform redefining digital talent infrastructure in MENA. It provides a unified platform for event and media organizers to publish speaker requests, manage applications, and book talent seamlessly. Available on iOS and Android, the app facilitates direct communication and booking for a growing community of speakers and industry professionals.
Source: AETOSWire
