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Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
The Final Pitch Dubai unveils powerhouse investor-judges
Dubai has been a magnet for start-ups as the emirate attracts talent from all over the world. The Final Pitch, Asia's longest-running business reality TV show, is making its Middle East debut in Dubai. The series introduces a proven format that empowers ambitious founders through targeted mentorship by domain experts, an all-access personal tour of the investor-judges' businesses, and funding and collaboration opportunities. Four of Dubai's industry leaders have been named as investor-judges on the upcoming business reality TV show. Bringing decades of entrepreneurial and investment expertise to the table, the panel of investor-judges represents some of the region's most accomplished trailblazers across sectors, including digital transformation, real estate, fintech, clean tech, sustainability, and early to growth stage venture capital. The lineup features Cypher Capital Founding Partner and Phoenix Group PLC Co-Founder Bijan Alizadeh; 'The Wolf of Real Estate' CEO and Managing Partner of Harbor Real Estate Dr. Mohanad Alwadiya; 'Entrepreneur turned investor turned entrepreneur' Founding Partner of Incubayt Investments Ltd. Sami Khoreibi; visionary investor, strategic government advisor, and Founder of Triliv Holdings Jigar Sagar. Applications are now open for UAE based and non-UAE based international entrepreneurs looking to pitch their business to the panel of investor-judges. Selected startup founders will gain a unique opportunity to showcase their ventures, receive hands-on mentorship and potentially secure investment. Deadline for submissions is on June 8, 2025. Khaleej Times spoke to the jury members and what they wish to see in the pitch. Dr. Mohanad Alwadiya — 'The Wolf of Real Estate' CEO and Managing Partner of Harbor Real Estate What key qualities do you look for in founders beyond the business plan or pitch? As an investor, I look beyond the deck. I'm drawn to founders who demonstrate clarity of vision, a deep understanding of their market, and the humility to listen while having the courage to lead. Resilience is critical—especially in a region like ours. It's not just about having a good idea; it's about the ability to navigate uncertainty, adapt quickly, and keep executing. I'm also interested in how well a founder understands their own gaps and how they plan to fill them. Leadership is not about having all the answers—it's about building the right team and staying accountable. 2. Do you feel early-stage founders in the UAE are prepared for the kind of investor expectations around business discipline and scalability that come with serious funding? Many founders in the UAE are passionate, ambitious, and highly creative. But serious funding brings serious expectations—discipline, financial governance, and the ability to scale operations systematically. Often, this is where early-stage ventures struggle. They underestimate how rigorous the transition from startup to structured business really is. To attract real capital, you need more than innovation—you need process, planning, and a clear path to profitability. That's where mentorship, education, and exposure become critical. 3. What role do you see The Final Pitch playing in supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs in this region? The Final Pitch provides a vital platform for visibility—and visibility drives opportunity. In a market like the UAE, credibility and presence are everything. The show helps founders refine their story, articulate their vision clearly, and stand in front of serious investors with conviction. It's not just about funding—it's about building public trust, attracting talent, and creating momentum. For many startups, this kind of exposure can be a turning point. The format also encourages discipline—because when you pitch publicly, you're forced to think strategically, not just emotionally. 4. Any additional insights? In this region, we're not just building startups—we're shaping the future of a diversified economy. The entrepreneurs who will thrive are the ones who treat this as a long-term game. They will combine innovation with execution, visibility with integrity, and speed with structure. Platforms like The Final Pitch are helping shape a generation of founders who understand that funding is not the end goal—it's just the beginning of the real work. Bijan Alizadeh — Cypher Capital Founding Partner and Phoenix Group PLC Co-Founder 1. Where's the real traction in Web3 & Blockchain? Sophisticated investors are no longer simply purchasing digital assets and tokens in anticipation of speculative returns. Instead, they are strategically allocating capital toward the foundational infrastructure of the Web3 ecosystem. For a long time, traditional finance thought Web3 was either too volatile, too unregulated, or just a scam. But now, things have shifted - Asset managers are launching tokenized funds, Family offices are investing in blockchain infrastructure, Fintech-giants are integrating stablecoin rails for cross-border payments. I've always believed the future is web3 and now the biggest institutional players are seeing this too. 2. One Piece of Advice for Deep-Tech Founders Deep-tech founders can't just focus on the technology because ultimately we are not betting on code—we're betting on the founders vision, ability to execute and deliver. 3. The real value The Final Pitch levels the playing field, and gives all budding entrepreneurs a chance to get in front of proper VCs with real capital that can give you great advice, mentor you and give you real capital to take your business to the next level. It also gives entrepreneurs and their ideas visibility on a global stage and be a part of this amazing network of investors and mentors throughout. My advice to founders - It's not just about being seen—it's about being impossible to ignore and I am really looking forward to meeting all the great entrepreneurs and founders coming through the doors and meeting them at the Final Pitch. 4. Final Word? In Web3, the frontier is wide open—but only the bold should build here. If you're solving real problems, thinking globally, and playing the long game, this is your time. The next generation of billion-dollar protocols and companies won't come from the old guard—they'll come from the new generation that understands the future which is tech, web3, AI. Be relentless. Be undeniable. Be true to your vision and succeed even when everyone says you cant !! John Aguilar — Creator and host of The Final Pitch and Founder of Dragon's Nest, LLC FZ 1. What are some common blind spots or challenges early-stage founders face- no matter where they're from? Across the hundreds of pitches I've seen throughout Asia, one of the biggest blind spots among early-stage founders is not thinking big enough. Many build for their local market without considering how to make their venture attractive to global investors or scalable across borders. In today's interconnected world, the most compelling startups are those that solve universal problems with a localized approach. Another common challenge is storytelling—founders often struggle to communicate their 'why' in a way that resonates emotionally and commercially with potential backers. 2. What made Dubai the next natural destination for The Final Pitch, and how do you see the show adding value to the region's startup ecosystem? Dubai is fast becoming the region's entrepreneurial hub, with world-class infrastructure, progressive regulation, and a deepening pool of capital and talent. But more than funding, what founders need now is strategic partnership. That's where The Final Pitch comes in. Our investor-judges are not just check-writers—they're mentors and co-builders. Sami Khoreibi is drawn to idea-stage startups he can take from 0 to 1. Bijan Alizadeh, perhaps the show's most prolific investor, is ready to deploy up to $10 million for the right opportunity. A proptech founder would do well to pitch to 'The Wolf of Real Estate' Mohanad Alwadiya, while those eyeing public-private synergies can gain invaluable insight from Jigar Sagar.
Broadcast Pro
14-05-2025
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
Top Dubai investors join as judges for business reality show ‘The Final Pitch'
'The Final Pitch: Dubai' set to air exclusively on OSN and OSN+ in Q4 2025. Dubai is set to become the new stage for entrepreneurial dreams as four of its leading business figures have been named investor-judges on the upcoming Middle East debut of The Final Pitch, Asia's longest-running business reality television series. Bringing with them a wealth of expertise across industries such as digital transformation, real estate, clean tech, fintech and venture capital, the investor-judges will play a central role in evaluating and mentoring aspiring founders. The high-profile panel includes Cypher Capital Founding Partner and Phoenix Group PLC Co-Founder Bijan Alizadeh; real estate expert Dr Mohanad Alwadiya, also known as 'The Wolf of Real Estate'; Incubayt Investments Founding Partner Sami Khoreibi, known for his dual experience as an entrepreneur and investor; and Jigar Sagar, Founder and Managing Partner of Triliv Holdings, a visionary investor and strategic government advisor. The Final Pitch will follow its proven format, offering selected entrepreneurs a rare opportunity to pitch their businesses directly to influential investors. Beyond capital, the show will provide participants with deep mentorship from industry experts, exclusive access to the investor-judges' companies and networks, and a platform to accelerate their growth. Applications are now open to both UAE-based and international startup founders, with the chance to be featured on the show and potentially secure investment. Participants will benefit from strategic coaching and constructive feedback as they refine their pitches ahead of a high-stakes finale. The investor-judges will not only assess the business viability of the pitches but will also mentor their chosen founders by welcoming them into their operations, providing behind-the-scenes exposure and one-on-one guidance. Produced by Dragon's Nest, in collaboration with UAE production partner Ti22 Films, the series is scheduled to begin filming across iconic Dubai locations in June 2025. Ti22 Films CEO Reim El Houni joins the project as Co-Executive Producer. The show will premiere exclusively on OSN and OSN+ in Q4 2025. Entrepreneurs interested in applying can submit their pitches via the show's official website, with applications closing on May 27, 2025. John Aguilar, creator and host of The Final Pitch and Founder of Dragon's Nest, LLC FZ, the business and media investment firm bringing the show to the region, said: 'Dubai is one of the most exciting places in the world to build and grow a business right now. Our mission has always been to spotlight visionary founders and connect them with real opportunities for investment and mentorship. With this first UAE edition in Dubai, we aim to contribute meaningfully to the country's vision of fostering entrepreneurship, innovation and a knowledge-based economy – by helping build the next generation of business leaders.'
Web Release
14-05-2025
- Business
- Web Release
The Final Pitch Dubai Unveils Powerhouse Investor-Judges
By Editor_wr On May 14, 2025 Four of Dubai's industry leaders have been named as investor-judges on the upcoming business reality TV show The Final Pitch Dubai. Bringing decades of entrepreneurial and investment expertise to the table, the panel of investor-judges represents some of the region's most accomplished trailblazers across sectors, including digital transformation, real estate, fintech, clean tech, sustainability, and early to growth stage venture capital. The lineup features Cypher Capital Founding Partner and Phoenix Group PLC Co-Founder Bijan Alizadeh; 'The Wolf of Real Estate' CEO and Managing Partner of Harbor Real Estate Dr. Mohanad Alwadiya; 'Entrepreneur turned investor turned entrepreneur' Founding Partner of Incubayt Investments Ltd. Sami Khoreibi; visionary investor, strategic government advisor, and Founder of Triliv Holdings Jigar Sagar. The Final Pitch, Asia's longest-running business reality TV show, is making its Middle East debut in Dubai. The series introduces a proven format that empowers ambitious founders through targeted mentorship by domain experts, an all-access personal tour of the investor-judges' businesses, and funding and collaboration opportunities. Tasked with evaluating high-potential pitches, the investor-judge panel will challenge founders to refine their ideas, while offering access to markets, strategic resources, and smart capital Now open for Applications: UAE Startups Invited to Pitch Applications are now open for UAE based and non-UAE based international entrepreneurs looking to pitch their business to the panel of investor-judges. Selected startup founders will gain a unique opportunity to showcase their ventures, receive hands-on mentorship and potentially secure investment. Applications can be submitted at the show's website, Deadline for submissions is on May 27, 2025. The Final Pitch 's format introduces high-caliber mentors that come in to give practical and strategic guidance to the entrepreneur contestants, while each investor-judge gets to engage directly with their shortlisted entrepreneurs by inviting them to their businesses, giving them special access to their world and inner circle. The founders receive invaluable feedback and insights from the investors themselves as they prepare to pitch in a high-stakes finale. The show, produced by award-winning production company Dragon's Nest, and supported in the UAE by its local production partner Ti22 Films – led by its CEO Reim El Houni who joins as Co-Executive Producer – will be filmed entirely in Dubai and is set to go into production in June 2025 across key locations in the city. It will exclusively air on OSN and OSN+ in Q4. 'Dubai is one of the most exciting places in the world to build and grow a business right now,' said John Aguilar, creator and host of The Final Pitch and Founder of Dragon's Nest, LLC FZ, the business and media investment firm bringing the show to the region. 'Our mission has always been to spotlight visionary founders and connect them with real opportunities for investment and mentorship. With this first UAE edition in Dubai, we aim to contribute meaningfully to the country's vision of fostering entrepreneurship, innovation and a knowledge-based economy – by helping build the next generation of business leaders.' The Final Pitch Dubai Unveils Powerhouse Investor-Judges Comments are closed.
Fintech News ME
14-05-2025
- Business
- Fintech News ME
The Final Pitch Dubai Unveils Investor Judges for Middle East Debut
Four of Dubai's industry leaders have been named as investor judges on the upcoming business reality television show The Final Pitch Dubai. The panel brings together decades of experience in entrepreneurship and investment, with each judge representing a different sector, including digital transformation, real estate, financial technology, clean technology, sustainability, and venture capital for early to growth stage businesses. The panel includes Bijan Alizadeh, founding partner of Cypher Capital and co-founder of Phoenix Group PLC; Dr Mohanad Alwadiya, chief executive and managing partner of Harbor Real Estate, known in the industry as 'The Wolf of Real Estate'; Sami Khoreibi, founding partner of Incubayt Investments Ltd and described as an 'entrepreneur turned investor turned entrepreneur'; and Jigar Sagar, founder and managing partner of Triliv Holdings, who is also known for his work as a strategic government adviser. The Final Pitch, Asia's longest-running business reality series, is set to make its Middle East debut in Dubai. The show follows a format that supports founders through mentorship from sector experts, on-site visits to the investor judges' businesses, and opportunities for funding and collaboration. The investor judges will evaluate pitches from participating entrepreneurs, challenge them to refine their business ideas, and provide access to strategic networks and capital. Applications are currently open to entrepreneurs based both in the UAE and internationally. Selected participants will have the opportunity to present their businesses, receive mentorship, and potentially secure investment. As part of the process, mentors will offer practical guidance while the investor judges will work closely with shortlisted entrepreneurs, offering them insights into their own operations and decision-making processes. The programme concludes with a final pitch event, where founders will present their refined ventures. Applications can be submitted through the show's website, with a submission deadline of 27 May 2025. Produced by the award-winning company Dragon's Nest and supported in the UAE by local partner Ti22 Films, the series will be filmed entirely in Dubai across various locations in the city. Ti22 Films is led by chief executive Reim El Houni, who will also serve as co-executive producer. The show is scheduled to go into production in June 2025 and will be broadcast exclusively on OSN and OSN Plus in the fourth quarter of the year. John Aguilar, creator and host of The Final Pitch and founder of Dragon's Nest, LLC FZ, the firm bringing the show to the region, commented: 'Dubai is one of the most exciting places in the world to build and grow a business right now. Our mission has always been to spotlight visionary founders and connect them with real opportunities for investment and mentorship. With this first UAE edition in Dubai, we aim to contribute meaningfully to the country's vision of fostering entrepreneurship, innovation and a knowledge-based economy, by helping build the next generation of business leaders.'
Mid East Info
13-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
The Final Pitch Dubai Unveils Powerhouse Investor-Judges - Middle East Business News and Information
Diverse panel will bring deep expertise across real estate, Web3, sustainability, digital economy, and venture capital to business reality TV show Dubai, UAE, May 2025: Four of Dubai's industry leaders have been named as investor-judges on the upcoming business reality TV show The Final Pitch Dubai. Bringing decades of entrepreneurial and investment expertise to the table, the panel of investor-judges represents some of the region's most accomplished trailblazers across sectors, including digital transformation, real estate, fintech, clean tech, sustainability, and early to growth stage venture capital. The lineup features Cypher Capital Founding Partner and Phoenix Group PLC Co-Founder Bijan Alizadeh; 'The Wolf of Real Estate' CEO and Managing Partner of Harbor Real Estate Dr. Mohanad Alwadiya; 'Entrepreneur turned investor turned entrepreneur' Founding Partner of Incubayt Investments Ltd. Sami Khoreibi; visionary investor and strategic government advisor Founder & Managing Partner of Triliv Holdings Jigar Sagar. The Final Pitch, Asia's longest-running business reality TV show, is making its Middle East debut in Dubai. The series introduces a proven format that empowers ambitious founders through targeted mentorship by domain experts, an all-access personal tour of the investor-judges' businesses, and funding and collaboration opportunities. Tasked with evaluating high-potential pitches, the investor-judge panel will challenge founders to refine their ideas, while offering access to markets, strategic resources, and smart capital Now open for Applications: UAE Startups Invited to Pitch: Applications are now open for UAE based and non-UAE based international entrepreneurs looking to pitch their business to the panel of investor-judges. Selected startup founders will gain a unique opportunity to showcase their ventures, receive hands-on mentorship and potentially secure investment. The Final Pitch 's format introduces high-caliber mentors that come in to give practical and strategic guidance to the entrepreneur contestants, while each investor-judge gets to engage directly with their shortlisted entrepreneurs by inviting them to their businesses, giving them special access to their world and inner circle. The founders receive invaluable feedback and insights from the investors themselves as they prepare to pitch in a high-stakes finale. Applications can be submitted at the show's website, Deadline for submissions is on May 27, 2025. The show, produced by award-winning production company Dragon's Nest, and supported in the UAE by its local production partner Ti22 Films – led by its CEO Reim El Houni who joins as Co-Executive Producer – will be filmed entirely in Dubai and is set to go into production in June 2025 across key locations in the city. It will exclusively air on OSN and OSN+ in Q4. 'Dubai is one of the most exciting places in the world to build and grow a business right now,' said John Aguilar, creator and host of The Final Pitch and Founder of Dragon's Nest, LLC FZ, the business and media investment firm bringing the show to the region. 'Our mission has always been to spotlight visionary founders and connect them with real opportunities for investment and mentorship. With this first UAE edition in Dubai, we aim to contribute meaningfully to the country's vision of fostering entrepreneurship, innovation and a knowledge-based economy – by helping build the next generation of business leaders.' About The Final Pitch: The Final Pitch is a business reality TV show produced by leading Asian production house Dragon's Nest (now Dragon's Nest LLC FZ in Dubai), where aspiring entrepreneurs pitch their innovative ideas to top investors and industry experts. Launched in 2017, the show has empowered the next generation of entrepreneurs by connecting emerging founders with strategic mentorship and funding opportunities – over 350 start-ups have participated, generating millions of US dollars in funding and strategic partnerships. Following its success, The Final Pitch is expanding beyond borders with The Final Pitch: Dubai , its inaugural edition in the Middle East. The series furthers its mission to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. Future UAE editions are being planned for Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, and for Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Bahrain.
