Riyadh – Exclusive Sharikat Mubasher: On the sidelines of the Biban 24 Conference, Muteb Alroqi, Media Relations Manager at the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority Monsha’at, told Sharikat Mubasher that Biban 24 is a comprehensive platform that connects entrepreneurs with investors, which works on enhancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Kingdom.
He asserted that this round marks the 10th edition locally, and the 2nd internationally, including 9 doors designed to cover all needs of entrepreneurs of different sectors, with a main aim to enhance their capabilities, train them, and lead them to achieve growth and expansion in the market.
Alroqi continues that the event welcomes over 840 startups participating in the Startup Door to gain exposure to different investment opportunities and potential partnerships.
In the E-commerce door, there are over 40 entities participating to showcase what they can offer of services and initiatives to facilitate expansion processes for SMEs.
The Enablement Door gathers over 40 private and governmental entities providing their services to bolster young entrepreneurs in the Kingdom.
Speaking of the most significant services provided during the Forum, Alroqi pointed out that Biban 24 offers whatever an entrepreneur might need of services such as financing and multiple investment opportunities, with a podium showcasing more than 125 investment deals in emerging businesses.
On the other hand, Alroqi highlighted the financing products provided by banks to bolster SMEs, including an initiative namely "Your Fund in Two Days", launched by the Small and Medium Enterprises Bank.
In this context, Alroqi asserts that the Kingdom achieved impressive figures during the last years in the venture capital field to secure the 1st rank in the MENA region. Consequently, the Forum dedicated a separate podium to display over 100 startups that qualified for the finals of the Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC) competition.
As for the Start Door, the official further said that this door provides guidance and mentorship for people with innovative ideas to help navigate their visions onto the right track, by training them on how to build projects and conduct a proper feasibility study. In this regard, this door focuses on particular topics to discuss, such as e-commerce, franchising, fintech Health, sports, and entertainment sectors.
Worth mentioning that Biban 2024, Saudi Arabia’s flagship event for startups and entrepreneurs, kicked off last Tuesday under the theme ‘Global Destination for Opportunities,’ with the participation of more than 1,350 local and international exhibitors, over 250 speakers, and more than 150 enablement entities from around the world.