Intigral has announced the launch of AFKAR.me, the regions first full spectrum digital sector start-up and entrepreneur incubator. Intigral claims that AFKAR.me is part of its commitment to grow the regions digital ecosystem, and will source, incubate and develop innovative business ideas from start-ups and entrepreneurs. The MENA region is experiencing monumental digital growth and is […]
Intigral has announced the launch of AFKAR.me, the regions first full spectrum digital sector start-up and entrepreneur incubator. Intigral claims that AFKAR.me is part of its commitment to grow the regions digital ecosystem, and will source, incubate and develop innovative business ideas from start-ups and entrepreneurs.
The MENA region is experiencing monumental digital growth and is forecast to grow by three times to evolve to an estimated USD 18 billion opportunity by 2018. With the growth has come a boom in entrepreneurship. However, while there are start-up incubators and accelerators in the region, none of them offer the full spectrum of services that entrepreneurs require. Intigral is attempting to address that with this programme.
Open to applications both from the region and globally, the initiative offers anyone with a great idea the opportunity to receive support from Intigrals expertise and access to the Middle East market.
Support will be provided on various levels such as a seed fund of $ 20,000 per team, dedicated Intigral management support as well as external mentor support to guide the team through every step of the process, free office space at Intigrals Dubai and Riyadh offices, advice and support from experts in the field and access to the MENA market with special focus on KSA.
Interested applicants can apply online at Afkar.me.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Ismaeel Makdisi, Intigrals Acting CEO, said At Intigral, we are committed to contribute to, and support the growing digital sector in the MENA. While there are a number of existing initiatives that help entrepreneurs and start-ups at various stages of their development, AFKAR.me is the first full-spectrum programme developed in the region. Through AFKAR.me we are giving anyone with a great digital idea not only support at every stage of its development, but importantly direct access to the MENA market via our existing clients and investors.”
The programme will be an annual initiative with four applications a year, targeting two intakes each from UAE and KSA, respectively. Importantly, if a project does not get selected they can develop on the feedback given during the boot camp weekend and re-apply to the next intake. Applications are now open until November 10, 2013.
AFKAR.me partners will play a key role in the selection and mentorship process. They include MBC Ventures, Wamda, Arabnet, Dubai SME, STC Ventures, Altran, The Online Project, Astrolabs, and Middle East Venture Partners. Ketchum Raad is the communications partner.
