The programme is supported by The Labour Fund (Tamkeen) to prepare startups for the ongoing StartUp Bahrain Pitch Series. Spring Venture Services and global venture capital firm Salica Investments facilitate the programme, which provides founders with capital, expert in-house capability, and access to MENA’s leading investors to increase the likelihood of startup success.

Since its inception, “Raise” has successfully conducted seven bootcamps in preparation for 15 StartUp Bahrain Pitch events, helping 104 startups refine their investor readiness and secure essential funding. The programme provides entrepreneurs with hands-on workshops, fireside chats, and one-on-one office hours, ensuring they gain a strong foundation in fundraising, pitching, and business strategy.

A key highlight of the programme is the StartUp Bahrain Pitch Series, where participating startups will have the opportunity to showcase their businesses before an esteemed panel of judges and an influential audience. These events are organised in collaboration with key industry stakeholders, including the Ministry of Industry & Commerce, the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), Bahrain Economic Development Board, and Bahrain Development Bank (BDB), and StartUp Bahrain. The events conclude with the announcement of the winning startup, which receives a cash prize deployed against key milestones, along with potential further funding and support from programme partners.

The participating startups in Cohort 8, categorized by industry, are:

Technology & AI
DOO is an AI-powered platform that enhances customer engagement, offering businesses an efficient way to personalize their customer interactions and streamline their services. Tamam provides an AI-driven order management system designed to help small businesses optimize their operations and manage orders effectively. Croozz Technologies introduces a telematics-based solution that rewards safe driving, encouraging responsible driving habits through real-time tracking and incentives.

Marketplace & E-commerce
BizBay is a digital marketplace that connects businesses for buying, selling, and investing, facilitating seamless transactions and growth opportunities. Cardue offers a platform for digital car care services, simplifying vehicle maintenance and repairs with on-demand service options. Ihdaa redefines gifting by integrating charitable donations, allowing users to send thoughtful gifts while supporting worthy causes.

Finance & Business Services
Safer provides innovative travel financing solutions, making it easier for individuals to plan and fund their trips. Rentat offers a digital solution for property management, automating tasks and streamlining processes for property owners and tenants alike.

Consumer & Lifestyle
Clany specializes in managing esports events, creating a platform that helps organizers execute successful and engaging competitions. Jalees offers an on-demand childcare platform, connecting parents with trusted caregivers for flexible childcare services. Seera provides a meal subscription service that supports local vendors, offering customers convenient meal options while helping food entrepreneurs thrive.

The Raise bootcamp continues to play a crucial role in fostering a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem by providing startups access to key industry leaders, investors, and potential partners.

The post Bahrain’s Spring Venture Services launches Cohort 8 appeared first on My Startup World - Everything About the World of Startups!.

This strategic collaboration will integrate the expertise of StartUp Bahrain in ecosystem management with ordable/’s advanced business management technology solutions, which include point-of-sale (POS) systems, digital QR menus, booking systems, and e-commerce platforms. The partnership aims to support the next generation of Bahraini entrepreneurs by enabling them to optimize resource management, organize their time effectively, and oversee the financial aspects of their businesses with greater efficiency.

While StartUp Bahrain focuses on fostering entrepreneurship and innovation by offering startups access to resources, networks, and opportunities for growth, ordable/ delivers tangible tools to address operational pain points faced by SMEs. Its platform streamlines business processes through features like Point-of-Sale (POS), online ordering, QR ordering, Event Booking and digital advertising solutions. This partnership demonstrates a joint commitment to equipping Bahraini businesses with actionable tools and scalable digital solutions.

StartUp Bahrain and ordable/ are committed to advancing Bahrain’s digital transformation journey by empowering local founders with actionable solutions that address real-world business challenges.

The post StartUp Bahrain and ordable/ to boost Bahrain’s startup ecosystem appeared first on My Startup World - Everything About the World of Startups!.

While StartUp Bahrain aims to promote entrepreneurship and innovation by providing startups with a supportive ecosystem, access to resources, and opportunities for growth, General Assembly Bahrain, also plays a crucial role in enhancing the tech skills of Bahrainis. By offering courses like software engineering, UX design, and data analytics, their curriculum is aligned with market trends. Notably, General Assembly Bahrain has achieved a significant positive outcome rate for its graduates, including employment, freelancing and entrepreneurial opportunities, underscoring its commitment to bridging the digital skills gap in the Kingdom.

This strategic partnership will provide access to cutting-edge tech education programs, including coding, UX design, and data analytics, delivered through General Assembly Bahrain’s hands-on, industry-relevant training model. The combined expertise of both organizations will empower the next generation of Bahraini founders with access to the tech talent crucial for business success.

“Our partnership with StartUp Bahrain represents a significant investment in the future of Bahrain’s entrepreneurial landscape,” said Leila Rajab, Senior Marketing Manager at General Assembly Bahrain. By providing founders with access to our cutting-edge tech programs and a pipeline of our highly skilled graduates, we’re empowering the next generation of founders to thrive in today’s competitive market.”

“We’re excited to catalyze growth in Bahrain’s startup ecosystem alongside General Assembly Bahrain” remarked Maryam Malik, Project Manager at StartUp Bahrain. “Our partnership marks an exciting milestone to provide and empower Bahraini startups with the digital skills and educational resources needed to thrive in today’s tech-driven economy.”

StartUp Bahrain and General Assembly Bahrain are committed to driving positive change and supporting Bahraini founders in unlocking their full potential. For more information about any upcoming initiatives, visit StartUp Bahrain and General Assembly Bahrain’s websites.

The post StartUp Bahrain partners with General Assembly Bahrain appeared first on My Startup World - Everything About the World of Startups!.

The event follows an intensive eight-week bootcamp focused on enhancing the participants’ entrepreneurial skills and transforming their innovative concepts into actionable projects. Throughout the bootcamp, participants began establishing startups which allows them to benefit from support programs provided by to launch in the market.

The Mashroo3i program is aimed at empowering Bahrainis to enter the field of entrepreneurship through equipping them with the knowledge, guidance and resources required to successfully launch their businesses in line with a broader objective of enhancing the contribution of Bahrainis in economic development in addition to fostering a new generation of innovators capable of leading the future of entrepreneurship in Bahrain.

63 teams participated in the bootcamp, undergoing an extensive two-phase qualification process which includes project ideation and feasibility assessment as the first stage while through the second stage specialized consultations were provided to refine participant skills and expand their professional networks. Following the process, 12 finalists were selected to take part in the final pitch event.

The Mashroo3i program plays a critical role in enabling Bahrain’s creative entrepreneurs, equipping them with the tools and knowledge necessary to transform innovative ideas into successful businesses. Through Mashroo3i Tamkeen works to create a positive impact by generating quality employment opportunities for local talent, while delivering innovative solutions that contribute to the growth and diversification of the national economy, through highlighting entrepreneurs who are capable of turning their pioneering ideas into successful thriving businesses that create high-value job opportunities.

The demo day featured innovative concepts across various sectors, including technology, healthcare, tourism and entertainment, and transportation and logistics. The proposed solutions aimed to address existing challenges, enhancing their chances of success and sustainability.

Empowering the growth of the Startup ecosystem in Bahrain is one of Tamkeen’s main objectives as it continues to provide the necessary support for Bahraini startups, with 2,780 startups receiving support last year through various programs to launch operations in the private sector. Additionally, Tamkeen collaborates with leading financial institutions to offer tailored financing solutions. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) represented almost 52% of all funding requests, reaffirming Tamkeen’s dedication to fostering the growth and sustainability of this vital sector.

Launched in 2012, the Mashroo3i program has played a critical role in helping Bahraini entrepreneurs launch innovative ideas and new projects in the local market. Since its launch, the program has shown many success stories, underscoring the importance of supporting entrepreneurship from the earliest ideation phase. The program provides aspiring entrepreneurs with the opportunity to refine their business ideas, access specialized support and secure the financial support required to turn their innovative concepts into sustainable businesses.

The post 12 Bahraini entrepreneurs pitch in Mashroo3i Program appeared first on My Startup World - Everything About the World of Startups!.

While StartUp Bahrain aims to promote entrepreneurship by providing startups with a supportive ecosystem, access to resources, and opportunities for growth, Brinc brings its extensive expertise in accelerating startups across various sectors. Through their comprehensive acceleration programs and investment initiatives, Brinc has successfully supported numerous startups in their journey from early-stage concepts to market-ready businesses.

This strategic partnership will provide startups in the Kingdom and the broader MENA region with access to Brinc’s world-class acceleration programs and global network of mentors and industry experts. The collaboration aims to strengthen the local startup ecosystem by providing founders with the tools, funding, and connections needed to scale their businesses globally.

“Partnering with StartUp Bahrain represents a new, significant step in our commitment to fostering innovation in Bahrain,” stated Hussain Haji, Regional Head of Corporate Innovation. “By combining our global acceleration expertise with StartUp Bahrain’s local ecosystem knowledge, we aim to create a powerful platform for startups to scale and succeed regionally, and then, internationally.”

“This partnership with Brinc marks an exciting new chapter for the local startup ecosystem,” remarked Maryam Malik, Project Manager at StartUp Bahrain. “With Brinc, we hope to provide local startups with more opportunities and access to global markets, reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a leading innovation hub in the region.”

StartUp Bahrain and Brinc are committed to driving innovation and supporting Bahraini startups in achieving global success. For more information about upcoming initiatives and acceleration programs, visit StartUp Bahrain and Brinc’s websites.

The post StartUp Bahrain signs a strategic partnership with Brinc appeared first on My Startup World - Everything About the World of Startups!.

A jury evaluated entries based on the following criteria: progression of applicants’ entrepreneurial journey; robustness of their business metrics; digital presence; and demonstrated ability to problem-solve confidently. The members of the jury included: Ali Bailoun, Regional General Manager at Visa, Suzy Al Zeerah, COO of Bahrain FinTech Bay, Fatema AlAlawi, Acting CEO of Bahrain Islamic Bank, Marwa Al-Eskafi, Director of Partnerships at Tamkeen, and an Award-Winning Businesswoman, HE Huda Janahi.

By participating in the program, all women entrepreneurs gained access to practical insights from female leaders in Bahrain, as well as valuable tools and educational resources. These include Visa’s Practical Business Skills Program, designed to help them grow and develop their businesses.

Fatema AlAlawi, Acting CEO of BisB, commented, “It was an honor to participate in this incredible initiative for the second consecutive year, as part of our ongoing efforts to support female entrepreneurs in the Kingdom. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the remarkable winners for their impactful business ideas and entrepreneurial spirit. At BisB, we are dedicated to investing in women-owned businesses, providing them with a platform to thrive within their communities. We remain steadfast in our commitment to empowering women across various fields, contributing to the realization of Bahrain’s Vision 2030 goals.”

Mohamed Al-Subaiee, Director of Innovate for Bahrain, commented, “As Innovate for Bahrain, we are immensely proud to facilitate & host the She’s Next program and awards at our new hub in Riyadat Mall. This program highlights the incredible talent and innovation of women entrepreneurs in Bahrain, who are breaking barriers and redefining what it means to innovate and lead in today’s dynamic entrepreneurial challenges. Mabrook to Haya Al Jassim and Areej Matooq on their well-deserved wins, and we’re excited to engage all the program applicants and alumni through a series of initiatives planned in 2025 in partnership with Visa.”

According to Visa’s SMB Women Digitization Index in Bahrain, women-owned businesses rely on personal finances (43%) and angel investors (44%) to set up their companies. This underscores the importance of programs like She’s Next in providing essential financial support and resources for women-owned business to grow and succeed.

Ali Bailoun, Visa’s Regional General Manager for KSA, Bahrain, and Oman, commented, “At Visa, we believe in the potential of women to drive innovation and economic growth.  She’s Next program in Bahrain reflects our commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs by providing the resources, mentorship, and funding they need to thrive. We would like to extend our congratulations to this year’s winners and finalists for their remarkable contributions to Bahrain’s entrepreneurial landscape and look forward to supporting them through this program as they can continue to grow their businesses.”

Since its launch, the She’s Next program has provided over $3 million in grants and coaching to women entrepreneurs across the globe, empowering them to scale their businesses and contribute to economic growth.

The program also recognized outstanding finalists who showcased exceptional entrepreneurial vision and innovation. These included Muna Rabieh, Founder of A Wonder Within; Aqeela Abbas, Founder of Arabiquest; and Co-Founders Reem Al Jamea and Samar Eshaq of Campinya.

The post Maiwa wins the She’s Next program in Bahrain appeared first on My Startup World - Everything About the World of Startups!.

The event, held at the bank’s headquarters in Manama, provided a platform for insightful dialogue and knowledge exchange, underscoring the bank’s commitment to fostering innovation and supporting women in entrepreneurship.

During the session, participants shared key milestones from their entrepreneurial journeys, emphasizing using digital solutions and modern technology to develop innovative products and services that address evolving market needs. They also showcased aspects of their projects, explored strategies for growth and expansion, and discussed approaches to boost their presence in local and regional markets.

The discussion addressed challenges women entrepreneurs face, including liquidity constraints, marketing hurdles, intense competition, and access to financing. Additionally, the participants explored opportunities presented by emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, and their potential to drive growth across diverse sectors.

The speakers warmly congratulated Bahraini women on the occasion of Bahraini Women’s Day, celebrated annually on December 1st, extending their best wishes for continued progress, leadership, and success. They also highlighted the vital contributions of Bahraini women to the nation’s development, underscoring their remarkable achievements across various fields.

Ten women-led startups have been selected for the fifth cohort of the “Women in Tech” program, representing a wide range of industries. These startups operate in sectors such as e-sports, B2B marketplaces, food technology, educational technology, human resources and employee wellness, event management platforms, restaurant management systems, health technology, and corporate rewards and loyalty programs.

The Standard Chartered Women in Tech Bahrain Incubation Program is conducted in partnership with Bahrain FinTech Bay and strategic collaborators, including the Central Bank of Bahrain, the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), the Supreme Council for Women, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization’s Investment and Technology Promotion Office in Bahrain (UNIDO ITPO Bahrain). Since its inception, the program has supported over 40 local startups through mentorship and training, with 16 of these startups receiving financial awards totalling more than $230,000.

The post Standard Chartered celebrates women entrepreneurship on Bahraini Women’s Day” appeared first on My Startup World - Everything About the World of Startups!.

The Summit organized by Tenmou will take place at the Wyndham Grand Manama Hotel as part of the Global Entrepreneurship Week activities. It aims to bolster the entrepreneurial ecosystem and support the growth of startups.

In a statement on this occasion, H.E. Minister Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro highlighted the Ministry’s ongoing support for initiatives that enhance Bahrain’s business environment across various sectors and emphasized that these efforts align with the government’s strategies to develop the entrepreneurship sector, a key pillar of the national economy. The Minister also commended Tenmou’s efforts to foster innovation and support entrepreneurs through advanced investment services that keep pace with global technological developments.

His Excellency also underscored the Ministry’s commitment to encouraging private sector investments in incubators and accelerators and pointed to the recent launch of the SMEs Development Fund, valued at over BD 100 million. This fund was established in partnership with both the public and private sectors to accelerate SME growth.Suhail Algosaibi, Chairman of Tenmou, praised the Ministry’s efforts in supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, and noted the vital role of the private sector in building sustainable industries and emphasized that the summit will serve as a key platform to connect tech startups with a network of forward-thinking investors who believe in their potential.

“We are witnessing a new era of collaboration between investors and entrepreneurs, which is enhancing the innovation landscape and supporting sustainable economic growth,” Algosaibi commented. “Seeing startups thrive and achieve continuous success aligns with Tenmou’s vision of fostering the growth of the entrepreneurship sector and technology startups. This contributes to building a sustainable economic ecosystem where startups play a pivotal role in driving angel investment across promising markets.”

Algosaibi expressed Tenmou’s aspirations to remain a cornerstone in this critical sector, striving to secure a prosperous economic future founded on entrepreneurship and innovation, and emphasized the company’s mission to empower SMEs, enabling them to grow and create a lasting positive impact on both the local and regional economies.

The event is expected to draw around 300 participants from Bahrain and beyond, including investors, startups, venture capital firms, family business owners, entrepreneurs, and industry experts. More than 20 tech startups will present their investment projects to a distinguished panel of investors and entrepreneurship specialists.

Investors from the MENA region, tech startups looking to pitch their businesses, as well as entrepreneurs, students, and professionals interested in participating, can still register for the summit through the Tenmou website: www.tenmou.me.

The post Bahrain’s Minister of Industry and Commerce to participate in MENA Angel Investment Summit 2024 appeared first on My Startup World - Everything About the World of Startups!.

The event showcased five innovative Bahraini startups that included: MedBuddy, a comprehensive healthcare management platform connecting patients with healthcare providers throughout the GCC and MENA regions; Academity, a platform transforming sports academy management through streamlined, technology-driven operations that enhance communication and effectiveness in Bahrain and beyond; Photon, a Bahrain-based company that is developing sustainable, cost-effective corrosion treatment systems for the global market; Tellsaleem, a Bahraini telemedicine platform connecting GCC and MENA patients to specialized healthcare worldwide; and Sleet Media, provider of digital out-of-home advertising which offers a fast, affordable, and data-driven platform that integrates with mobile apps.

After evaluating each startup, the judges announced TellSaleem, founded by Khalid Sater, as the first-place winner, while second place was awarded to Academity, led by Yara Ali. Reflecting on this remarkable achievement, Khalid Sater, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at TellSaleem expressed gratitude for the opportunity to showcase their startup on a national stage, stating: “We had an extremely wonderful experience in the bootcamp that led to the event and learned a tremendous amount from the people that have provided continuous support for Bahrain’s ecosystem to grow! Winning the competition is a steppingstone in our journey and has only ignited our passion to continue growing our startup'”

The event featured an inspiring keynote speech that focused on entrepreneurship by judging panel member William Stadlen, Chief Investment Officer at Mayfair Technology Partners, who was joined by a number of experienced local and regional judges, including: Romain Assuncao, Partner at Antler; Joe Kobrianos Chief Strategy Officer at AstroLabs; and Khalid AlSeflan, Managing Partner at Sawadi Ventures.

The post Winners announced for the StartUp Bahrain Pitch series appeared first on My Startup World - Everything About the World of Startups!.

The report serves as an essential reference for individuals, institutions, and professionals seeking to enter this vital sector or who are currently employed within it in addition to demonstrating the emerging trends in the fintech sector, highlighting the evolving nature of job roles and career opportunities. It also identifies the core skills needed to align the workforce’s capabilities with market needs through a comprehensive overview of educational pathways and training programs available for those interested in joining or advancing within the fintech field.

Amer Marhoon, Managing Director of the Skills Bahrain initiative, said, “This report represents an essential step in strengthening Bahraini talent within the fintech sector by providing an in-depth analysis of future trends and required skills. This report will also assist us at Tamkeen in developing specialized programs and initiatives that align with the sector’s market needs and skills required, hence enabling Bahrainis to become more future ready.”

Bader Sater, Chief Executive Officer of Bahrain FinTech Bay, added, “Our collaboration with Skills Bahrain initiative on this report emphasizes our commitment to driving innovation and skill development within the fintech sector. We look forward to seeing this report serve as a beneficial tool for guiding individuals and institutions towards a future focused on innovation and sustainability.”

This report showcases Bahrain’s readiness to adapt to the changes in global trends when it comes to the Fintech sector. It provides insights and data to identify challenges associated with these shifts in the sector, offering comprehensive perspectives on future skills and job roles. It also aims to enhance the ability of individuals and institutions to adapt to and leverage these changes to strengthen their competitiveness both locally and globally.

Skills Bahrain is an initiative that operates under the umbrella of the Labour Fund “Tamkeen” and aims to fill the skills gap of local talent resulting from the constant changes and development in the global labor market. Skills Bahrain works closely with employers, education & training providers, and the government, to bridge the skills gap by providing stakeholders with the necessary intelligence, sector-specific data, and necessary tools.  Skills Bahrain contributes to the transition from education to employment, and provides a clear path towards career development, therefore developing skilled and globally competitive Bahraini talent.

The post Tamkeen and Bahrain Fintech Bay launches Fintech Sector Skills Report appeared first on My Startup World - Everything About the World of Startups!.