Int’l start- ups to compete in $ 600,000 pitch competition at LEAP

STARTUPS from around the world have been invited for a pitch and win a share of $ 600,000 prize fund at the Rocket Fuel Start- up competition.

The competition will be held as part of LEAP, the world’s technology event, which holds in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in February 2022.

According to the organisers, entries are now open for the competition, which will challenge start- ups in a pitch contest to find some of the most exciting and impactful new businesses from around the world. Ninety start- ups will be invited to pitch their business ideas live on stage during LEAP on February 1 and 2.

The finalists will have five minutes to present their best pitches to a panel of international and local investors during LEAP, and convince them that they have what it takes to be among the top 10 businesses, which will go into the Grand Finale on February 3rd.

These 10 best entrepreneurs will then get another chance to showcase the merits of their businesses, scored on creativity, innovation, potential, functionality and impact on people and society. The winner will be presented with the LEAP Award for the strongest, most outstanding start- up across the whole competition, and will be awarded the grand prize of $ 200,000.

The finalists will also compete for three other awards, including, the Shooting Star award for best early- stage startup, which will win $ 100,000; the Aviatrix award for best female- led start- up; and the Technology for Humanity award for the start- up that best embodies the spirit of

LEAP “Technology for Humanity”. The winners of these awards will each receive a prize of $ 150,000. Entries for the Rocket Fuel Start- up Pitch Competition close on January

18.

“Innovation and entrepreneurship are at the core of the technology sector, so it is fitting that the Rocket Fuel Startup Pitch Competition will recognize some of the best start- ups worldwide as part of LEAP. Saudi Arabia is developing its own booming start- up ecosystem, supported by the Saudi government and private investors, and we look forward to welcoming outstanding international startups to join us in Riyadh for LEAP,” said Vice Minister at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Haitham Alohali.