Amsterdam Goes Middle East! - January 2017 January 14-17 2017 in Doha (Qatar) and Dubai (UAE)
This bootcamp is part of the economic trade mission to the Gulf Region (GCC), organized by the City of Amsterdam Dutch startups interested in exploring or entering the Middle East: Join this three-day Startup Bootcamp to Doha and Dubai, organized by StartupAmsterdam! Dutch startups in the smart city, tourism and artificial intelligence sector looking to do business in or explore the startup ecosystem in the Middle East are invited to apply for the Amsterdam – GCC Startup Bootcamp 2017, a three-day intensive program to introduce Dutch startups to the startup ecosystem and smart city, tourism and artificial intelligence industry in the MENA region. This bootcamp is organized by StartupAmsterdam, in collaboration with Qatar Business Incubation Center (QBIC), Dtec and Dubai Startup Hub. The bootcamp is part of the economic trade mission (January 15-17 2017) from Amsterdam to the GCC countries (Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi) organized by the City of Amsterdam, led by Deputy Mayor Kajsa Ollongren. Learning and Goals in the GCC This bootcamp is the perfect opportunity to explore (business) opportunities and meet&match with industry experts and companies in the smart city, tourism and artificial intelligence sector in the GCC region. Participating startups will gain valuable information from industry experts, lead users and peers on a soft landing in the Middle East, and learn how to expand and scale their companies in this market.
StartupAmsterdam will provide an introductory program, including: - Introduction into the startup ecosystem and the business climate in the Middle East - Networking opportunities with launching customers, investors and (startup) organizations - Visit a selection of startup- and innovation hubs, such as Qbic, Dtec, Dubai Startup Hub and Dubai Internet City - Mentor meetup: Learn from successful Dutch entrepreneurs in the Middle East - Pitch session in front of potential launching customers and investors
Bootcamp Details Date: January 14-17 2017, Doha (Qatar) and Dubai (UAE) Costs: StartupAmsterdam will cover the bootcamp program costs. All other costs, such as flights, overnight stay, transportation and meals are covered by the participants.
Included in the GCC Startup bootcamp: - Kick-off session (and pitch training) in Amsterdam (date tbc) - A three-day intensive program to introduce Dutch startups to the startup ecosystem and smart city, tourism and artificial intelligence sector in the Middle East. - Networking opportunities and pitch session to get introduced to launching customers and investors in Qatar and the UAE. Who can apply? - Innovative startups and technology companies from the Netherlands that are actively looking into expansion or business opportunities in the Middle East. - Preferably in the smart city, tourism or artificial intelligence sector - With the minimal criteria of a product/market fit and positive metrics in growth and conversion
Selection Process and Timeline Selected startups will be notified around December 6 2016. Startups will be selected by a jury consisting of representatives of StartupAmsterdam. Open applications: November 18 2016 Closing applications: December 2 2016 Inform selected startups: December 6 2016 Kickoff in Amsterdam: 3rd week of December 2016 Start of Startup Bootcamp: January 15 2017
More information For more information regarding the Amsterdam- GCC Startup Bootcamp, please contact Yeni Joseph – International Relations, StartupAmsterdam:
[email protected]
For more information regarding Amsterdam- GCC economic trade mission, please contact: Nesrine Bouhab – Manager Foreign Investments and Financial Sector Advisor to the City of Amsterdam:
[email protected]
To apply for this bootcamp, please fill in the Application Form Application deadline December 2 2016
(Tentative) Programme Amsterdam – GCC Startup Bootcamp – January 2017 Please note, this programme is still tentative!
Monday, January 14- Amsterdam (NL) – Doha (QA)
Flight Official Delegation: Schiphol - Hamad International Airport: 16.45 01.10
9.00-10.00
Introduction into the GCC startup ecosystem
10.00-12.00
One-on-one expert/service provider meetings
12.30-14.00
Networking Lunch Meet and match with a selection of Qatar-based startups in the smart city, tourism and artificial intelligence sector/industry
Sunday, January 15 - Doha, Qatar
15.00-17.00 18.00-21.00
Monday, January 16 - Dubai, UAE 11.30-13.30
14.30-17.30
18.30-21.30 Tuesday, January 17 - Dubai, UAE 9.00-10.30
12.00-14.00 14.00-17.00 17.00-19.00 Wednesday, January 18 - Dubai (UAE) – Amsterdam (NL)
Get advice on legal, financial/investment, recruitment/HR practices
Launchpad Meetups Pitch in front of a selection of Qatar-based corporates and investors
Networking with representatives of Qatar startup ecosystem and/or Dutch mentors
Flight from Doha, Qatar to Dubai, UAE Doha Hamad International Airport - Dubai DXB 08.00 - 10.10 (+1hr UAE time) Introduction into the startup ecosystem of the UAE and Workshop doing business in the Middle East Overview of the startup ecosystem of the UAE. Workshop on how to sell your product/service to (corporate) clients and how to raise money from investors in the Middle East Dubai Internet City - Visit Dubai Internet City - Hear from Dutch startup Bynder why they have chosen to locate their at the Dubai Internet City and their experience with doing business in the Middle East. (Dutch) Mentor Meetup - Meet with successful Dutch/foreign entrepreneurs and hear how they experience doing business in the Middle East Region. In collaboration with Netherlands Business Council (NBC) Dubai Company visit Visit a successful Dubai-based corporate , such as Aramex, Souk.com VC Office Hours and Matchmaking Meet with a selection of VCs and angel investors from the UAE Time to schedule own meetings
Pitch Session and Matchmaking Pitch in front of corporates, investors and organizations within the startup ecosystem of the UAE followed by matchmaking sessions Flight from Dubai, UAE to Amsterdam, the Netherlands
