Business Lobby, an event platform backed by venture builder Edafa Venture, has announced the fifth edition of its flagship networking event, set to take place on May 9, 2026, at the Heliopolis Library in Cairo. The event, strategically sponsored by Startup Sync, aims to connect over 60 startups with investors and industry experts to foster tangible partnerships and investment opportunities.
Quick Facts
- Event: 5th edition, May 9, 2026, in Cairo.
- Participants: Over 60 startups competing for top spots.
- Expansion: Regional plans include an event in Al Khobar, KSA.
From Networking to Investment
The upcoming event marks a new phase for Business Lobby, which focuses on creating interactive environments rather than hosting traditional networking sessions. The goal is to move beyond superficial connections and build a framework where startups and investors can develop long-term collaborations.
“Building business communities is no longer about organizing conventional events,” said Yahya Othman, CEO of Business Lobby. “It’s about creating sustainable, interactive environments that enable entrepreneurs and investors to turn meetings into real partnerships with lasting impact.”
This edition will see more than 60 startups participate in a competitive process, which will be narrowed down to three winners. The program is designed to increase the quality of investment outcomes by creating a highly selective environment.
Edafa Venture’s Ecosystem Play
Edafa Venture, which acquired Business Lobby in November 2024, has been central to sharpening the platform’s strategy. The acquisition is part of Edafa’s broader vision to build an integrated support system for startups, linking them with both local and international investors.
Essam Ali, CEO of Edafa Venture, explained their approach: “Real investment is not limited to injecting capital; it extends to building integrated systems capable of creating sustainable value in the long term.”
As part of this strategy, Edafa Venture also announced the launch of the “Robo Venture” competition. This new initiative will connect two of its portfolio companies to deliver joint services, aiming to improve operational efficiency and create value through internal collaboration.
Scaling Up: KSA Expansion and Bigger Prizes
Business Lobby plans to organize four events this year. Following the May event, another will be held in Egypt, with the year culminating in an international event in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia, signaling the platform’s regional ambitions.
The upcoming edition also introduces an enhanced incentive structure, offering financial prizes and MBA certificates to participants. This move is intended to improve the professional capabilities of founders and better prepare them for growth.
The previous edition in August 2025 featured 40 startups, with 15 advancing to the final round and three ultimately chosen as winners. That event successfully connected the winning companies with international investors, demonstrating the platform’s growing reach.
About Business Lobby
Business Lobby is an Egyptian startup and event platform that facilitates connections between entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts. Acquired by Edafa Venture in 2024, it organizes curated events designed to transform professional networking into actionable investment opportunities and strategic partnerships for startups in the MENA region.
Source: Al-Alam Al-Youm
