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.

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Through this investment, Salica Spring Studios will support BILRS in scaling its operations, enhancing its technological capabilities, and expanding its global reach. The collaboration underscores both companies’ commitment to innovation in the digital payments sector and addressing the evolving needs of consumers and businesses in emerging markets.

Rupert Shaw, CEO of BILRS

“This investment from Salica Spring Studios is a testament to the impact and potential of BILRS in the global payments landscape,” said Rupert Shaw, CEO of BILRS. “With the Studios’s expertise and financial backing, we are poised to accelerate our growth, develop new solutions, and strengthen our commitment to making bill payments seamless, secure, and accessible to millions worldwide.”

Salica Spring Studios, known for its focus on high-growth ventures, sees BILRS as a natural fit for its portfolio.

“BILRS has demonstrated a unique and scalable approach to bill payment services that align with our vision for the future of financial technology,” said Josh Rodger, Principal of Salica Spring Studios’ fund. “We believe that by leveraging our resources and expertise, we can help BILRS reach new heights and revolutionize the way cross-border bill payments are managed.”

BILRS’ innovative approach simplifies bill payments for users by integrating with major financial service providers, offering real-time transactions, and ensuring compliance with global financial regulations. With Salica Spring Studios ‘ investment, BILRS is well-positioned to scale its operations and expand its footprint in key markets, further bridging the gap between traditional and digital financial ecosystems.

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Founded by Walid Dib and Hassanain Anver, Better aims to tackle the multi-billion dollar critical issues in men’s physical health through a range of proprietary supplements and compounded prescriptions, while creating a supportive community where men can openly discuss and address their health concerns in a safe space.

The capital, according to Dib, will be used to expand Better’s offerings, including the introduction of customized prescription medication and supplements for men. The startup, which runs on a subscription model, develops its prescription products in the UAE. The prescription medication Better plans to launch are designed to help treat sensitive issues relating to intimacy and hair loss, providing effective, customized alternatives to traditional treatments.

“Wellness shouldn’t be a luxury – it’s the right of every man in the Middle East. Our team at Better will prove this to be true.” Dib said.

“Since our launch just a month ago, there has been a significant surge in demand for our products which has resulted in many clients signing up with Better,” he added.

Hasan Haider, Managing Partner at +VC said: “Male health has been a largely overlooked topic, as men often avoid discussing physical and mental health issues. With its unique personalized approach, Better is a powerful solution that will help address these issues, which is not otherwise available in the region. Investing in Better aligns with +VC’s strategy of supporting ambitious and aspiring founders. We are thrilled to back Walid and his team as they execute with unparalleled focus and scale to position Better as a leader in this space.”

“Walid’s vision for Better is inspiring,” said Josh Rodger, Principal of Salica Spring Studios’ fund. “We are excited to support their journey in creating accessible and effective wellness solutions that have the potential to transform lives.”

For more information about Better and its offerings, visit https://itsbetter.app

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The program offers a comprehensive and customised structure focused on key pillars including innovation, funding strategy, mentorship, and strategic collaboration. This initiative aims to increase the number of local innovative startups in high-potential sectors, support quality job creation, and boost innovation among startups, thus boosting Bahrain’s positioning as a regional startup hub.

From a pool of over 85 applications, 14 startups were initially selected for a ramp-up phase, where they received invaluable guidance and support to refine their technology, product offerings, and overall business strategy. Following the ramp-up stage, six standout startups were selected to form the first cohort of the program.

The selection includes four startups led by female founders, showcasing the diversity and inclusivity within Bahrain’s startup ecosystem. The founders represent a range of tech-related industries, including education, e-sports, and travel, reflecting the impressive breadth of innovation and expertise present in the cohort. The six selected startups and their founders are:

• ArabiQuest, by Aqeela Allahyari
  ArabiQuest is an Arabic language learning app designed for children aged 2-8. With a focus on improving their speaking skills, this app promises an engaging and effective approach to language education.
• Indiesouq, by Eman Sabah
  Indiesouq is a crowdfunding platform tailored for content creators and filmmakers. Offering unique investment opportunities, their platform provides features such as fund release percentage, milestone-based disbursement, and film insurance for project completion assurance
• Numuw, by Ingy Alireza
  Numuw facilitates seamless collaboration between families/schools and specialists. Their platform features compliant solutions, a global network of certified experts, screenings, matching, secure video conferencing, and comprehensive practice management tools, ensuring accessible and effective therapy management.
• ProCode, by Rami Jamal and Shahad Alzaki
  ProCode is an eSports platform that acts as a centralised hub catering to gamers. They offer educational resources, personalised coaching, and community engagement, empowering gamers to enhance their skills and thrive in the competitive gaming industry.
• Sellou, by Salman Alkhalifa
  Sellou is a video selling Ad-Tech platform that connects users directly with potential buyers. By posting short videos of items for sale, users can seamlessly link their posts to their preferred mode of communication, such as WhatsApp.
• Travilege, by Salman Almarzooq
  Travilege offers a B2B2C ERP SaaS platform that digitises and automates operations for travel agencies, tour operators, and event organisers. By streamlining processes, they empower businesses to provide exceptional travel experiences.

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