Engaging the power of mentorship

ProjectStartUp is about maximizing the power of mentorship with capital investment into the lives and ideas of Young Saudis.

February 9 - 13 , 2025 KAFD (King Abdullah Financial District), Riyadh
5 day program
50 projects
20M up to 20 million in total investment
+20 international investors

Empowering Saudi Innovators

Focused on SME investment, Project StartUp will provide a platform for up to 50 Saudi entrepreneurs across multiple market sectors to pitch their products, services, and ideas to a carefully selected group of international investors.

A primary focus of Project StartUp is to create a curated selection of Saudi entrepreneurs who reflect the diverse communities and market opportunities available in Saudi which are ready for direct foreign investment.

Project StartUp is committed to engaging with investors who are eager to allocate time and financial resources to make entrepreneurs to the next level of success. Our investors are committed to supporting their chosen projects with their experience deployed through intentional mentorship.

Why should entrepreneurs be involved?



Why should investors be involved?

What To Expect as an entrepreneur ?

Project financing, mentorship from industry experts, and expanding your professional network.

Project financing, mentorship from industry experts, and expanding your professional network.

Opportunity for emerging projects to receive evaluation and feedback from experts, helping to improve ideas and plans.

Opportunity for emerging projects to receive evaluation and feedback from experts, helping to improve ideas and plans.

Entrepreneur Journey into Project StartUp

Step 1

Join the Adventure

Become a part of Project StartUp for free by submitting your registration form on our website. Your submission will be reviewed by our board and you will be contacted if your submission is accepted.

Presenting the project idea
Step 2

Selection process for accepted submissions

  • Stage one – Submit a 9-slide pitch deck and supporting business plan. Each pitch deck will be evaluated along with the accompanying documentation according to criteria, the best 100 applications will be invited to stage two.
  • Stage two – Based on revisions and further documentation, an experienced team of business leaders will select the best 75 applications to move onto stage three
  • Stage three – Each project lead will be invited to pitch their idea to a panel to choose the final 50 applications who will be invited to the inaugural Project StartUp
Selection process
Step 3

Main Event

The final step in your experience will be to pitch your idea live to our investors at the inaugural Project StartUp between February 10th and 13th at KAFD.

Main event (pioneering event)

Selection Criteria

Saudi entrepreneurs who are currently establishing or have established a startup

Must be Saudi citizen

All sectors are welcomed as long as the idea has a potential

All sectors welcomed especially those within the Vision 2030 mandate

Proof of concept and a business plan is needed

Full business plan

Legal business papers for tax and formation

MVP or proof of revenue encouraged

Availability to attend the sessions and present the business

Availability for in person pitches

Availability to attend the sessions and present the business

5-9 slide pitch deck summarizing business case

Demo day agenda

Day one Day one
  • Opening Ceremony
  • Selected Speakers
  • Dinner
9Feb 2025 February 9 - 13 , 2025 KAFD, Riyadh
Day two to four Day two to four
  • Presentations
  • mixer / strategic dinners
10-12Feb 2025 February 9 - 13 , 2025 KAFD, Riyadh
Day five Day five
  • Final negotiations
  • signing ceremony
13Feb 2025 February 9 - 13 , 2025 KAFD, Riyadh

Pre-register your Startup

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FAQs

Project StartUp is an investor’s summit, webisode serial, and world-class mentorship Programme. We are gathering 50 competitive start-ups from diverse market sectors to present their ideas to about 25 hand-selected, experienced international investors; representing many different market sectors. Essentially, we are introducing some of Saudi’s best entrepreneurs to some of the best financiers so that young Saudi entrepreneurs can be mentored and new ideas can make their way to market.

Competition will be tough. There are only 50 slots available. The first, easy step is to go to our website and fill out a registration from. One of our team will follow up with you so send in your application packet. Your application packet will be comprised of:
  • A short biography for your team,
  • A 5-9 slide pitch deck answering specific questions
  • A thorough business plan to validate your pitch
Once the team has a chance to review your packet, and, if you are selected to advance, you will be invited to present your pitch to a selection committee. The best 50 applications will receive invites to the inaugural Project StartUp.

In the coming weeks we will begin to release some investor profiles on the website. However, the investors who are being invited represent a diverse group of experienced investors and successful businessmen and women from The United States and Canada.

Project StartUp is specifically for Saudi men and women who have fresh ideas, services and products that they want to bring to market or scale up. There is no limit as to the market sector or size. The strongest candidates will have an MVP, proven demand, or some revenue. Ideal fits are start-ups ready to breakthrough but need funding, coaching, or mentoring to bring up to scale or to take that next big step!