US-based VC firm 500 Global, in collaboration with The Egyptian Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) has launched a Scale Up Programme in Egypt intended to empower founders through personalised mentorship and growth techniques.
The Scale Up Program is a seven-week programme dedicated to Pre-Series A and Series A startups in Egypt. The programme sets the stage for their future success.
“Despite a challenging global and local macroeconomic backdrop, we found Egyptian founders proving that Egypt remains a thriving technology market in the Middle East and Africa. This was evident in the highly competitive process for the Scale Up programme where we met stellar calibre continuing to build resilient and healthy companies with enormous potential. We aim to provide a nourishing environment for the selected leaders to grow and scale their reach sustainably.
The programme kicked off on 1 October 2023, at the Creativa Giza Hub, also known as The Factory, operated by ITIDA. The batch then embarked on their journey to El Fayoum for an immersive three-day retreat, delving into founder well-being and leadership through engaging in empowering activities, and spending time kickstarting a community as a batch.
This lays the foundation for their eagerness to participate in all the upcoming workshops facilitated by our global mentors. Workshop topics include growth experiments, sales and marketing, operational excellence, hiring and more.
The programme will culminate with the Scale Up Showcase on November 16, 2023. This event provides our cohort of startups with the opportunity to showcase their innovative ventures.
Founders will have the chance to network with 500 Global’s network of industry leaders, partners and ecosystem players. In addition to startup presentations and product demonstrations, the Scale Up Showcase will feature globally renowned keynote speakers, including Sean Ellis, Author of Hacking Growth.
There will also be panel discussions, focusing on regional and international landscapes. Courtney Powell, Chief Operations Officer and Managing Partner at 500 Global will also be hosting a by-invite-only brunch.
The programme will continue with support for three months after the Showcase, offering one-on-one office hours with mentors and advisors, one free year of office space at the Creativa Giza Hub (aka The Factory), company growth mapping, and more.
Meet the Batch 1 Startups
● Birdnest develops and operates tech-enabled rental properties.
● Blnk is an AI-enabled digital consumer finance platform that is driving financial inclusion in Egypt.
● Convertedin is a marketing operating system for e-commerce, which utilises data and shoppers’ insights to create personalised multi-channel marketing.
● Dresscode is a DTC fast fashion business that enables Gen Z to find affordable and high-quality fashion.
● FriendyCar is the first and leading P2P car-sharing operator in the Mena region.
● ILLA is a logistics holding group that offers door-to-door solutions for FMCG companies.
● Khazenly is an omni-channel technology platform for on-demand logistics and fulfilment.
● MQR offers widely accessible, high-quality gathering spaces with hospitality-led service and amenities.
● Nowlun is an online freight forwarding platform allowing cross-border shippers to scan the market for the best shipping options, receive instant quotes, and track their shipments.
● NowPay is a fintech startup building a financial wellness platform for employees.
● O7 Therapy is revolutionising wellness and mental health by constructing MENA’s largest all-in-one mental health platform.
● Orcas offers personalised live learning experiences for K-12 Students.
● Rology is an AI-assisted teleradiology platform.
● Suplyd is building a digital infrastructure for restaurants’ supply chains.
● Sylndr is Egypt’s leading used-cars-focused marketplace both serving consumers and dealers to buy, sell, and finance used-cars.
