Latest news with #JohnAguilar
Entrepreneur
22-05-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Lyvely Named Official Audition Platform for 'The Final Pitch: Dubai'
Applications to audition for The Final Pitch's upcoming Dubai edition are officially open for UAE and non-UAE based international entrepreneurs looking to pitch their business. You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. The Final Pitch, Asia's longest-running business reality TV show, has announced that Lyvely, a UAE-based social media and monetisation platform, will be the official auditioning platform for startup applications ahead of its first Middle East edition, The Final Pitch: Dubai. The first-of-its-kind partnership connects the region's creator economy with its startup ecosystem, giving entrepreneurs a streamlined platform to pitch for funding, gain exposure, and grow. With millions in funding raised across Asia, The Final Pitch is a high-impact televised pitch competition were founders pitch to top regional investors. Through Lyvely, the show hopes to introduce a more interactive experience – where audiences can follow, support and engage with entrepreneurs in real time. "This partnership is a natural fit," Farah Zafar, co-founder and CEO of Lyvely, said in a statement. "Lyvely is all about empowering creators and entrepreneurs to turn their passions into profit. The Final Pitch is where bold ideas meet real investment. Together, we're building a bridge between inspiration, influence and impact." Meanwhile, 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, added: "Partnering with Lyvely lets us extend the show's impact beyond the screen. It's a new layer of engagement for founders and audiences alike, and a powerful way to spotlight regional talent." The first Middle East edition (Dubai) will feature a new wave of startup founders, creator-led ventures and regional investors. With Lyvely powering applications, the show is set to redefine how businesses are pitched and funded in the digital age. Applications to audition for The Final Pitch's upcoming Dubai edition are officially open for UAE and non-UAE based international entrepreneurs looking to pitch their business. Here's how to apply: 1. Create a Lyvely account at 2. Make a post on your Lyvely profile by uploading your pitch deck, teaser deck or elevator pitch video, and tag @Cyphercapital, @Lyvely and @TheFinalPitch. 3. Fill out and submit an online entry form to The Final Pitch via the official website: The Final Pitch Dubai will see contestants pitch to a panel of top-tier investor-judges, including: Phoenix Group PLC co-founder Bijan Alizadeh, Harbor Real Estate CEO and Managing Partner Dr. Mohanad Alwadiya, Founding Partner of Incubayt Investments Ltd. Sami Khoreibi and Triliv Holdings founder Jigar Sagar – each bringing deep sector expertise and capital backing to the table. The series is set to air exclusively on OSN and OSN+ in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Khaleej Times
24-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Philippine business reality show to debut in Dubai
The UAE has emerged as a thriving hub for startups, fueled by innovation, ambition, and a dynamic ecosystem. Dubai and Abu Dhabi, in particular, are magnets for entrepreneurs, offering access to funding, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and a multicultural market eager for fresh ideas. Whether in fintech, healthcare, AI, or e-commerce, UAE startups are reshaping industries and driving digital transformation in the region and beyond. Backed by visionary leadership and initiatives like Dubai's SME-focused platforms and Abu Dhabi's Hub71, these companies are not just surviving—they're flourishing, establishing the UAE as a launchpad for global success stories. The future looks bright for UAE innovators. In this regard, The Final Pitch: Dubai, a business reality show in the Philippines, is now launching in the region. 'The UAE isn't just building an entrepreneurial ecosystem — it's shaping a blueprint for the future of business. But ecosystems don't thrive behind closed doors. They grow when stories are shared, where possibilities are seen. That's where media plays a vital role – by creating platforms that connect start-ups, investors, and corporate leaders in ways that drive real momentum. Here, business is built on relationships as much as results. By spotlighting ambitious ideas and the people behind them, media helps strengthen the start-up scene and makes it something others want to be part of,' said John Aguilar, creator and host of The Final Pitch and founder of Dragon's Nest. For the show's founders, Dubai was the obvious choice. 'With its future-focused vision, world-class infrastructure, and supportive government initiatives, it provides an enabling environment where launching and scaling a business is truly seamless. Dubai's global, open energy creates the ideal environment for a show like The Final Pitch to thrive. Dubai also reflects the kind of ambition we value – it embraces bold thinking, calculated risks, and innovation. If we were to take the show to a global audience, Dubai was the most fitting place to begin,' Aguilar said. Aguilar said that the show is designed to challenge founders to rethink their business models, refine their strategies, and prepare for opportunities that often emerge beyond the show itself. 'It begins with entrepreneurs pitching to a panel of investor judges – an intense first step where they have a few minutes to make a lasting impression. Judges then select the start-ups they see most potential in, not only as investors, but as mentors to help scale their businesses. This dynamic adds a layer of commitment and accountability that benefits both sides,' he added. These chosen entrepreneurs then undergo a mentorship phase, guided by domain experts and industry leaders who help sharpen their pitch, business model, and give critical but positive feedback. This stage is important as it bridges the gap between their vision and what is achievable within the context of a reality pitching competition. OSN has been named the exclusive broadcaster for The Final Pitch: Dubai. 'This collaboration reflects a shared vision – to spotlight entrepreneurship on a larger stage. By bringing real investment conversations, mentorship, and behind-the-scenes of how successful businesses are built to mainstream television, the format makes the start-up journey more relatable and aspirational for a wider audience,' Aguilar said. The region is in the midst of an entrepreneurial boom, Dragon's Nest is exploring expansion into other UAE hubs like Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, as well as Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Qatar over the next two to three years. 'Each market has its own strengths, but what unites them is a growing appetite for innovation, investment, and cross-border collaboration. Our vision is to create a regional platform where start-ups and investors can connect beyond their home markets – enabling growth, scale, and shared opportunities across the Middle East,' Aguilar said.
Zawya
19-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
OSN named as exclusive broadcaster of The Final Pitch
Reim El Houni joins as Co-Executive Producer, with Ti22 Films as Official Production Partner Dubai, UAE: The creators of The Final Pitch, Asia's longest-running business reality show, have announced the series will make its Middle East debut on OSN, which has been named as the show's exclusive broadcaster. The hit format, which has helped launch and scale startups across Asia, will now provide a platform for UAE-based entrepreneurs to pitch their businesses to top investors, securing mentorship and potential funding. The UAE edition is being brought to the region by Dragon's Nest, a business and media investment firm led by The Final Pitch creator and presenter John Aguilar. Since its launch in the Philippines in 2017, the show has become a major force in Asia's startup ecosystem, raising millions of dollars in funding for entrepreneurs and connecting them with leading investors and business leaders. The Final Pitch Dubai will follow the same format, with entrepreneurs presenting their ideas to a panel of investor-judges who will evaluate, select, and invite their entrepreneur picks to tour their headquarters and businesses. The show goes the extra mile by providing the entrepreneurs with domain experts and mentors who will guide them as they prepare for their final pitch. The show is expected to go into production in June 2025 and will air on OSN's TV network and streaming service OSN+, ensuring broad regional reach. As the leading entertainment network in MENA, OSN delivers premium content across multiple platforms, offering a diverse mix of exclusive international and regional programming. The show's arrival on OSN marks a major step in bringing high-quality, business-focused reality television to the region, tapping into the UAE's thriving startup scene and growing culture of entrepreneurship. Rolla Karam, SVP, Content Acquisition & Arabic Channels at OSN, said: 'At OSN, we are committed to showcasing content that inspires and empowers audiences across the region. The Final Pitch Dubai aligns perfectly with our vision of supporting innovation, entrepreneurship, and the business leaders of tomorrow. We are excited to bring this dynamic and impactful show to our viewers, providing a platform for entrepreneurs to make their mark in the UAE's thriving startup ecosystem.' The show's creators have also revealed that the award-winning UAE-based production house Ti22 Films has been appointed as the official production partner, with Reim El Houni, Founder and CEO of Ti22 Films, joining as Co-Executive Producer. Ti22 Films, known for its high-profile productions for global networks such as BBC, National Geographic, and Discovery Channel, will ensure The Final Pitch Dubai is produced to the highest standards. 'Being a big consumer and fan of business shows, I am thrilled to be co-executive producer on The Final Pitch Dubai,' said Reim El Houni. 'Having executive produced TV shows in Dubai for close to two decades and seen how the entrepreneurial ecosystem has developed, I think now is the right time to create impactful content that can shine a light on young businesses that will shape tomorrow.' John Aguilar, creator and host of The Final Pitch and founder of Dragon's Nest, said: 'Dubai is the perfect home for our first edition in the Middle East. The city's thriving startup scene, forward-thinking investors, and reputation for innovation make it an ideal setting for The Final Pitch.' The show is currently shortlisting its investor-judges with Aguilar and team scheduled to meet with and finalize the high-profile panel by March. 'We want to make sure that the investor-judges we invite will represent and celebrate the diversity of the Dubai business community and have venture capital, corporates, government, and even family offices as part of our panel,' he said. 'I'm personally looking forward to going on the tours of the businesses of the judges because this is a show that will truly showcase Dubai's top businesses to the world – and what we can learn from them.' About The Final Pitch The Final Pitch is an Asian business reality TV show produced by the leading Asian production house Dragon's Nest, 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 talent with strategic mentorship and funding opportunities - over 350 start-ups have participated, generating millions of US dollars in funding. Following its success, The Final Pitch is expanding beyond borders with The Final Pitch: Dubai, its inaugural edition in the Middle East, furthering its mission to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. Future UAE editions are being planned for Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, and for Riyadh, Oman, and Bahrain. For more information or interview requests, please contact: thefinalpitch@ To express interest to be an investor-judge, partner or sponsor, please contact: admin@ or monica@
Campaign ME
18-03-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
OSN is exclusive broadcaster of The Final Pitch for regional debut
The creators of The Final Pitch, what claims to be Asia's longest-running business reality show, have announced the series will make its Middle East debut on OSN, which has been named as the show's exclusive broadcaster. The series, which has helped launch and scale startups across Asia, will now provide a platform for UAE-based entrepreneurs to pitch their businesses to top investors, securing mentorship and potential funding. The UAE edition is being brought to the region by Dragon's Nest, a business and media investment firm led by The Final Pitch creator and presenter John Aguilar. The Final Pitch Dubai will follow the same format as its Asian edition, with entrepreneurs presenting their ideas to a panel of investor-judges who will evaluate, select, and invite their entrepreneur picks to tour their headquarters and businesses. The show goes the extra mile by providing the entrepreneurs with domain experts and mentors who will guide them as they prepare for their final pitch. The show is expected to go into production in June 2025 and will air on OSN's TV network and streaming service OSN+, ensuring broad regional reach. 'At OSN, we are committed to showcasing content that inspires and empowers audiences across the region. The Final Pitch Dubai aligns perfectly with our vision of supporting innovation, entrepreneurship, and the business leaders of tomorrow,' said Rolla Karam, SVP, Content Acquisition & Arabic Channels at OSN. 'We are excited to bring this dynamic and impactful show to our viewers, providing a platform for entrepreneurs to make their mark in the UAE's thriving startup ecosystem.' The show's arrival on OSN aims to mark a major step in bringing high-quality, business-focused reality television to the region, tapping into the UAE's thriving startup scene and growing culture of entrepreneurship. The show's creators have also revealed that UAE-based production house Ti22 Films has been appointed as the official production partner, with Reim El Houni, Founder and CEO of Ti22 Films, joining as Co-Executive Producer. Ti22 Films, known for its high-profile productions for global networks such as BBC, National Geographic, and Discovery Channel, will aim to ensure The Final Pitch Dubai is produced to the highest standards. 'Being a big consumer and fan of business shows, I am thrilled to be co-executive producer on The Final Pitch Dubai,' said El Houni. 'Having executive produced TV shows in Dubai for close to two decades and seen how the entrepreneurial ecosystem has developed, I think now is the right time to create impactful content that can shine a light on young businesses that will shape tomorrow.' John Aguilar, creator and host of The Final Pitch and founder of Dragon's Nest, said: 'Dubai is the perfect home for our first edition in the Middle East. The city's thriving startup scene, forward-thinking investors, and reputation for innovation make it an ideal setting for The Final Pitch.' The show is currently shortlisting its investor-judges with Aguilar and team scheduled to meet with and finalize the high-profile panel by March. 'We want to make sure that the investor-judges we invite will represent and celebrate the diversity of the Dubai business community and have venture capital, corporates, government, and even family offices as part of our panel,' he said. 'I'm personally looking forward to going on the tours of the businesses of the judges because this is a show that will truly showcase Dubai's top businesses to the world – and what we can learn from them.'
