Founders and business owners in Iraq often face a critical paradox: capital is available, but accessing it requires more than just a good idea—it requires strategic alignment with the investor’s mindset. This January, KAPITA Business Hub is convening a specialized session in Baghdad designed to bridge this gap. Targeted at entrepreneurs and SME owners who want to understand the mechanics of fundraising before they begin the process, this event promises to decode the complex criteria investors use to evaluate risk, growth potential, and market readiness.
Event Details
- What: Investment & Financing for Startups and SMEs
- When: January 17, 2026 | 4:00 PM
- Where: KAPITA Business Hub, Al Mansour (Behind the German Embassy), Baghdad, Iraq
- Focus Areas: Investor Psychology, Venture Capital vs. Development Finance, Investment Readiness, SME Growth
About The Event
Organized in collaboration with Orange Corners Baghdad, this event addresses a fundamental challenge in the local ecosystem: the misalignment between startup projects and investor expectations. KAPITA emphasizes that the hurdle is often not the absence of investors, but the lack of “investable” structures within the businesses seeking funds. This deep-dive session aims to equip attendees with the knowledge to critique their own ventures through an investor’s lens, ensuring they understand the specific financial instruments available—and which ones are appropriate for their specific stage of growth—before they pitch.
What to Expect
Attendees can expect a robust educational session that moves beyond surface-level advice. The agenda is structured to provide actionable insights into the financial landscape:
- Decoding Investor Logic: A breakdown of how investors actually think and the specific metrics they use to make “Go/No-Go” decisions.
- Financial Distinctions: A clear explanation of the fundamental differences between Venture Capital (VC), Development Finance, and Institutional Investment.
- Readiness Audits: Understanding what makes a project “investable” regarding operational readiness, risk management, and scalability.
- Strategic Guidance: Identifying common mistakes startups make when applying for funding opportunities that do not match their business stage.
About The Organizers
KAPITA is a leading private sector development company in Iraq, committed to empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through investment, research, incubation, and market development programs. As a core engine of the Iraqi entrepreneurial ecosystem, KAPITA operates the first incubator and accelerator in Baghdad, providing promising startups with seed funding, infrastructure, and the strategic support necessary to scale their operations and impact the local economy.
How to Attend
Registration is currently open for entrepreneurs, startup founders, and SME owners. Interested participants must complete the official application form to request a seat. Please note that accurate information is required, and the organizers will contact registrants to confirm their attendance prior to the event.
Register Here: Google Form Registration
Learn More: KAPITA LinkedIn
