Organized by
Organized by
Saudi Arabia's startup ecosystem is rapidly growing, fuelled by the kingdom’s
Vision 2030 initiative. From supporting entrepreneurship to driving innovation
and attracting high-skilled talent, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is creating a ripe
environment for startups to thrive cultivating the New Era of Innovation and
Entrepreneurship
Saudi StartUp Expo 2024, to be hosted on the 20th & 21st November 2024 in
Riyadh is the only large-scale B2B conference and exhibition bringing together
the country's most Innovative and emerging Start-ups to meet and connect with
the region's leading cutting-edge solution providers, Venture Capital firms, Angel
Investors, Accelerators, Incubators the start-up ecosystem in Saudi Arabia.
At a time when funding is running dry in many parts of the world, Saudi Arabia
has secured the most funding in the MENA region. In 2023, its venture capital
market rose by 33% YoY to $1.38 billion, making it the most funded country in
MENA.
The kingdom is actively cultivating a conducive environment for tech startups,
leveraging its resources to foster an ecosystem that encourages innovation,
collaboration, and sustainable growth. This move is attracting global attention,
positioning Saudi Arabia as a destination for entrepreneurs and investors
seeking to tap into emerging markets and technologies
Immerse yourself in two days of entrepreneurial knowledge and networking.
SSE tackles the tough questions and delivers critical insight for the movers and shakers in the Startup ecosystem. Our agenda is carefully crafted to deconstruct the critical issues, grouped into key themes across stages with distinct personalities:
You developed an idea and now it’s worth taking every risk to making it happen. We’ll discuss business models, pricing strategies, Survival strategies, cash flows and much more. We’ll examine which functions to establish and how to structure your company to ensure you have the right tools to expand successfully.
Whether growing your company, targeting new markets or reevaluating your strategy, perception matters. We’ll be hearing from popular growth hackers and marketing gurus, social media savants, analytics aficionados and channel champions. Expect concrete strategies for nailing and scaling your marketing efforts, uncovering new niches, and landing and expanding your startup.
Getting to grips with the mechanics of a company is an ongoing process. SSE will explore key processes, technology and science behind a successful startup. We’ll examine the components of successful products, dig deep into AI and machine learning, top tech innovations in different industries and how you can incorporate these processes in your business
How do you create a successful funding model that works for your company. SSE will explore what it really takes to get funded from an investor, decoding popular path for your startup, making your outreach process better and plot a successful exit strategy if things go south. Expect concrete strategies to secure funding you have been dreaming about.
Largest Startup Competition around the World with a Grand Prize of $1 Million
500+ Speakers, 50,000+ Global Attendees, 2500+ Investors & 50+ Regionals
Network with Top-Tier Investors
Develop Corporate Partnerships & Hear from Top Industry Experts
Javier is a Spanish tech entrepreneur since 2007 (javiersanchezmarco.com), who became a business angel by intuition in 2014 and by conviction, investing in more than 35 startups (Glovo (Delivery Hero), Genially...). He has been selected by prestigious publications such as Sifted (Sifted) and El Referente (El Referente) as one of the most active business angels in Spain in 2021. He founded Unibo (holaunibo.com) in 2021, a neobank for the property management sector. Before becoming a tech entrepreneur in 2007, Javier worked 12 years in the food industry (FMCG), traveling to over 50 countries and doing business in 90+. Since March 2024, he has moved with his family to Riyadh to be part of the country's transformation and Vision 2030.
Dr. Mustafa O. Mousa is an accomplished entrepreneur and a Founder and the CEO of Sadeem International, a pioneering flood mitigation solution provider in the smart city sector. Recognizing the urgent need to address climate change challenges, Mustafa has successfully led Sadeem in delivering state-of-the-art flood mitigation solutions, both within the Kingdom and on a global level.
With an impressive educational background, Mustafa holds a Ph.D. in Machine Learning Algorithms for Flood Estimation from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), specializing in the Electrical Engineering Division. Additionally, he is a distinguished graduate in the Automation System Engineering from King Fahad University of Petroleum and Minerals, where he excelled as the top-ranking student in his class.Mustafa's entrepreneurial journey began during his joint diploma program between UC Berkeley and KAUST, where he showcased exceptional leadership skills by leading his team to secure first place. His expertise encompasses various domains, including IoT wireless sensing networks, instrumentation, flood detection, and machine learning. He honed these skills through his extensive academic pursuits at KFUPM, KAUST, and the Department of Transportation Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin.
In recognition of his commitment to professional development, Mustafa obtained certification as a Strategy and Business Development and Execution Professional from the prestigious KPI Institute in 2019. That same year, he also became an accredited Small and Medium Business Consultant through the Association of Accredited Small Businesses Consultant (AASBC), further enhancing his ability to provide valuable insights and guidance.
Mustafa's remarkable achievements have not gone unnoticed in the business community. In 2018, he received the esteemed Best Entrepreneur Award at the 27th Annual Meeting of Oqal in Riyadh, KSA. Under his visionary leadership, Sadeem International has successfully deployed flood mitigation solutions in 16 cities across six different countries. Through tremendous success earned the company the title of Best Global Startup at GITEX 2017. Notably, Mustafa played a pivotal role in securing over 2.75 million USD in funding from Aramco and KAUST in 2020, further propelling the growth and expansion of Sadeem International.Currently, Mustafa is focused on spearheading the business expansion of Sadeem, utilizing his strategic acumen to drive growth both domestically and internationally. His dedication to tackling global climate change challenges and his remarkable accomplishments in the field make him an influential figure in the smart city andflood mitigation industry.
Experienced Managing Director with a demonstrated history of working in the venture capital and private equity industry. Skilled in Business Planning, Analytical Skills, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Event Management, and Market Research. Strong business development professional with a Bachelor Of Commerce focused in Business Management from Ryerson University.
Currently leading as the CEO of Mrmandoob, one of the top delivery apps in Saudi Arabia
As the CEO, I am responsible for overseeing the overall operations, setting strategic direction, and driving growth for Mrmandoob.
My key focus areas include developing and implementing effective strategies, identifying new business opportunities, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality services to our customers.
â€With a background in talent management, customer service, banking, personnel management, and organizational development, I leverage my skills and expertise to lead and inspire a team of professionals across various departments.
Bord Member of Cybersecurity committee in Council of Saudi Chambers
Bord Member of Cybersecurity committee in Riyadh Chambers
Angel investor
Public Specker
Executive Board Member of Shaqra University
Strategic Planning Consultant at Monshaat
By Founding Builtop, an AI Construction Technology Company, we're reshaping the industry landscape by integrating cutting-edge AI into construction processes. My role as Founder and CEO, coupled with a recent tenure as GM of Engineering at DACO, underscores a commitment to innovation and operational excellence. We're pioneering solutions that enhance efficiency and sustainability, leveraging my expertise in project management and facility management.
Hossam Al Jamal is the CEO of Health & Life in Saudi Arabia, leading innovation and growth in healthcare services. With over a decade of experience in the medical supplies industry, he has held key roles at AME Company and KEMET Medical. Hossam holds a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry and multiple postgraduate diplomas in Sales, Marketing, and Management. He is recently completed an MBA at AASTMT. Fluent in English, Hossam is dedicated to transforming healthcare through strategic planning and leadership.
Mustafa Aldhaif, passionate about the gaming and Esports industry, with a background in Engineering and Master Degree in Project Management. Currently, he leads the RivalN App as CEO, where his mission is to revolutionize the gaming experience. His goal is to create a platform that allows gamers to socialize, play, collect, and redeem rewards, offering a more engaging and rewarding experience for the gaming community.
Nouran Ghannam, known as Nono, is the founder and CEO of Stllr Network, where she drives the company's vision, strategy, and investment. Stllr Network helps brands collect UGC (user generated content), pay creators, analyze, and display their personalized videos generated by local creators.
Stllr Network relieves brands from the heavy lifting with its built-in AI tools that make collaborating with creators simple and fast. The platform is used by over 2,000 brands and over 1,800 service providers. It also provides managed services by vetted Arab experts in 100 categories, including paid performance and video editing.
Nouran loves engaging with her Instagram followers. She believes we are in the golden era of the Arab world, and the region is gaining prominence on the global stage. Economically, culturally, and with a young population, she sees the Arab world as having the perfect mix for a great future.
Excited to be at the forefront of innovation in the startup ecosystem! With a passion for driving change and a track record of success, I've had the privilege of contributing to the growth of MENA's first unicorn, Careem, and leading food aggregator Hungerstation. Now, I'm spearheading the development of MENA's first video-based food aggregator at Kitchenara, having recently secured a six-figure angel round. Join me on this exciting journey! #startup #innovation #foodtech
Andrea Azzolari is an investment professional with experience across several high-growth industries, including contech, enterprise SaaS, fintech, AI, hospitality, and e-commerce. With a strong background in finance, Andrea currently leads the investment team for Plug and Play in Saudi Arabia (KSA), where he is responsible for identifying and backing innovative startups across key sectors. His expertise lies in not only sourcing high-potential ventures but also fostering partnerships and facilitating cross-market growth for companies at different stages of their development
Eng. Aymen Alsorory is the founder and CEO of Saudi Edu Station Co., the first platform of its kind in the region to provide infrastructure services for OnSite training for students and job seekers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Aymen has founded several successful companies and platforms in Saudi Arabia and abroad, and is a shareholder in multiple local and foreign companies. He also works as a consultant for business development in real estate companies in the Kingdom.
Aymen is studying and doing his researches for doctoral degree and is considered a leading researcher in the field of sustainability. He has participated in numerous international conferences and exhibitions in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Yemen, sharing his expertise with a strong record of volunteer work in the engineering and construction sector since 2015, Aymen has managed endowment projects and audited their quality.
He is a certified value engineering specialist by the International organization of Value Engineers, as well as a certified international trainer who has presented workshops and lectures at universities in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
Aymen is the author of the book 'Peaks and endeavors,' which serves as a roadmap for young people, drawing from his rich and diverse experiences to educate and guide them towards a happy, organized, and balanced life.
In addition to his work with Saudi EduStation, Aymen provides environmental, social, and governance (ESG) sustainability consultations through his company ITQAN Development in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Dr. Nisar Ahmad Zafar is a distinguished leader in the ICT sector with over two decades of experience. As the Vice President of Sublime Wireless Inc., a top U.S.-based ICT solutions provider, he has been pivotal in the company’s recent expansion into Saudi Arabia. Dr. Zafar holds a Ph.D. in Business Management, an MBA, and certifications in project, risk, and portfolio management.
In his role as a Senior Investment Advisor for a prominent Saudi family office, Dr. Zafar oversees technology and investment due diligence from Seed to Series C stages in venture capital. A prolific writer, Dr. Zafar has authored numerous research papers on AI and cybersecurity, particularly focusing on their impact in Saudi Arabia. His global thought leadership has earned him appearances on the covers of several international magazines. LinkedIn has recognized him as one of the top 50 influencers from Saudi Arabia in AI, mentorship, and market strategy. He actively mentors startups through Misk, The Garage, and GAIA AI accelerator programs.
Dr. Zafar is also a renowned entrepreneur, managing the largest LinkedIn group in Saudi Arabia with 262,000 members. His passion for AI, digital twins, and cybersecurity drives his commitment to enhancing ICT systems’ performance and resilience. Recently, he shared his insights as a speaker at the United Nations Vienna office on AI for developing countries. He serves on the advisory boards of several AI startups and is an active member of esteemed organizations such as the World Metaverse Council, Fiware, Smart City Council, and the World Business Council. Through these roles, Dr. Zafar is significantly shaping the future of technology and its societal impact.
passionate about helping businesses adapt to the evolving digital world through geospatial data. It’s why I co-founded AlJazeera Falcons, to offer technological solutions to businesses in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.
Collecting and analyzing geographical data delivers key insights whether developing command and control center for smart cities, smart airports, defense, or UAV.
As an industry-leading start-up, at AlJazeera Falcons we deliver cutting-edge GeoAI, UAV and geographic information systems (GIS) to industries ranging from tourism to infrastructure and healthcare, and I personally specialize in Geospatial Artificial Intelligence (GeoAI) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) systems. We also offer space technology solutions such as remote sensing, global positioning systems and satellite navigation for aerospace, aviation, defense and other industries.
I have worked with several pioneering names, combining my IT expertise with engineering, drone operation and programming and AI. In particular, my time at the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) gave me invaluable skills.
After graduating in Informational Technology from the King Abdulaziz University, I began my career as Coordinator of the Hajj Season 2012 at King Abdulaziz International Airport. From 2016 to 2019, I represented GACA at international conferences for GIS and UAV systems.
During this period, I was GIS Project Manager for Saudi International Airports and served on the GIS Committee for Saudi domestic and regional airports.
Completing courses and certifications, I have dedicated my career to developing innovative solutions that empower companies to pivot into the digital world. It is this expertise and dedication that was the basis for my co-founding of AlJazeera Falcons.
Completing courses and certifications, I have dedicated my career to developing innovative solutions that empower companies to pivot into the digital world. It is this expertise and dedication that was the basis for my co-founding of AlJazeera Falcons.
As a certified UAV pilot and a Guinness World Record-holder as a participant in the largest gathering of drone and AI programmers, my eyes are always turned to the sky.
A Senior Executive and proven leadership with significant achievement in contributing to the business through growth, acquisition and change management with highly extensive experience in governments and private sectors.
Abdel Rahman Ghaleb is a seasoned speaker and thought leader, active since 2015 in the fields of entrepreneurship, design thinking, and startup ecosystems. Over the years, he has delivered over 30 impactful talks across MENA, guiding early-stage entrepreneurs and business owners on how to successfully launch and grow their businesses in today’s fast-evolving market landscape.
Known for his engaging and insightful presentations, Abdel Rahman focuses on practical strategies to foster innovation, sustainable business models, and agile thinking. He has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs develop their ideas into viable ventures by offering key insights into design thinking methodologies, lean startup principles, and ecosystem-building techniques.
Abdel Rahman serves as an advisor to multiple chambers of commerce, where he provides strategic insights to support business development and economic growth. Recently, he founded SILNI, a cutting-edge AI B2B business matchmaking application. His involvement in the AI ecosystem is further demonstrated through leading a community of 300 AI enthusiasts and experts in MENA region in addition to the various training programs he conducts, empowering organizations to adopt and integrate AI practices effectively into their operations.
Mohanad Al Aswad is a visionary leader and founder of R Saudi, a pioneering platform in Saudi Arabia's training and development sector. He specializes in strategic partnerships, curriculum development, and talent management. Under his leadership in different companies, program offerings have grown by 300%, contracts worth over 70 million SAR have been secured, and substantial revenue has been generated through managing training projects and professional certifications, including CIPD programs.
An advocate for innovation and digital transformation, Mohanad’s work has empowered individuals and organizations by offering localized, high-quality learning opportunities tailored to Saudi Arabia’s unique business and cultural landscape. His expertise lies in leveraging modern technologies to streamline processes and connect learners with professional development opportunities.
Mohanad is widely recognized within the startup ecosystem for his contributions and regularly collaborates with industry experts to drive growth and performance in the training industry. He is committed to fostering sustainable growth for startups and businesses, tackling key challenges such as access to training facilities, high training costs, and the availability of qualified trainers.
Marco Gay is Executive President and partner of ZEST S.p.A., born in 2024 from the merger of Digital Magics and LVenture Group, listed on Euronext Milan.
Zest is the leading Italian group, headquartered in Milan, Turin, and Rome, with a European scope, dedicated to fostering the innovation ecosystem. It is a market leader in Italy for early-stage investments—seed in startups and Innovative SMEs, startup acceleration, Open Innovation, and Corporate Venturing.
Born in Turin in 1976, Marco is married with three children and has over 20 years of entrepreneurial experience in the digital and innovation sectors. Coming from an entrepreneurial family, he was shaped by strong values and ethics, which influenced his character and outlook on life. He served as President of Confindustria Piemonte for the last four years and was President of Anitec-Assinform from 2018 until May 2024. Since July 2024, Marco Gay is the President of the Unione Industriali Torino (The Industrial Union of Turin).
Previously, Gay focused on corporate management and business strategy, serving as CEO in companies specializing in Digital Health, advertising, and Healthtech. In 2016, he joined the board of Talent Garden. He was also the President of Confindustria Giovani and Vice President of Confindustria Digitale. He has been a board member of Il Sole 24 Ore S.p.A., LUISS Guido Carli University, and remains a board member of Online Sim. As of June 2024, he is also a board member of the Polytechnic University of Turin.
Nominate your startup and celebrate the achievements of Innovative startups and enablers who have been instrumental in revolutionizing the development story of Jordanian Startup Ecosystem and hold within them the power and potential to enable a prosperous future on a national and global level
