Latest news with #SharjahEntrepreneurshipCenter
Gulf Today
30-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Sheraa's Deal Dock attracts over $670 million capital pool
The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) hosted the first edition of Sheraa Deal Dock on Thursday at its headquarters, bringing together around 200 startups and bridging them with a network of active investors. The event also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Sheraa and Continuous Venture Capital, aimed at expanding access to funding for Sheraa-supported startups, particularly those in the pre-seed and seed stages. This edition of Sheraa Deal Dock welcomed the participation of six investors: Global Ventures, Continuous Ventures, Oraseya Capital, Wamda Capital, Beco Capital, and Shorooq Partners. Collectively, these firms represent a capital pool exceeding $671 million, underscoring the strength and growing reputation of Sharjah's entrepreneurial ecosystem, as well as Sheraa's ability to convene mission-aligned capital partners. Each investor brought distinct sector expertise and investment philosophies, contributing to the event's goal of facilitating high-value, founder-investor connections that go beyond the pitch. The event aligns with Sheraa's wider mission to accelerate access to capital and support the growth of impactful ventures. Each of the participating startups took part in one-on-one meetings with aligned investors. These meetings were matched to ensure mutual interest and sector alignment, maximizing the chances of meaningful outcomes. The event featured a fireside chat titled Inside the Investor's Mind, offering founders rare insight into investor expectations and decision-making dynamics. The chat featured Sonia Weymuller, Co-Founder and General Partner at VentureSouq and a Sheraa Advisory Board Member, in conversation with moderator Nader Amiri, General Partner at Homegrown Ventures and a Sheraa alum. As a leading voice in the investment space, Weymuller shared valuable perspectives drawn from her experience supporting startups across the region and beyond. During the event, Sheraa signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Continuous Venture Capital, marking a strategic collaboration aimed at expanding funding opportunities for Sheraa portfolio startups, specifically targeting those in the pre-seed and seed stages. The MoU was signed by Sara Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, and Colin Meagle, Founding Partner of Continuous Venture Capital. This partnership reinforces Sheraa's commitment to accelerating startup growth by facilitating access to early-stage capital, strengthening investment readiness, and connecting founders with regional and international investors. Through this collaboration, startups will benefit from strategic support, market exposure, and tailored engagement with Continuous VC's investment network. Sara Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, said: 'Sheraa Deal Dock reflects our continued commitment to building platforms that unlock meaningful opportunities for both entrepreneurs and investors. The event was designed to foster strategic, action-oriented connections, enabling startups to present their ventures in a focused environment and gain valuable feedback to accelerate their growth. Through such initiatives, we advance our efforts to position Sharjah as a dynamic hub for entrepreneurship and innovation, supporting purpose-driven ventures that contribute to a more resilient and diversified economy.' She added: 'We recognise that early-stage founders need more than just capital; they need partners who understand the challenges of building a business and are committed to their long-term success. Our partnership with Continuous Venture Capital is a strategic extension of this philosophy. By enhancing access to funding, improving investment readiness, and expanding connections to relevant investor networks, we are creating an enabling environment where bold ideas can thrive. This collaboration reinforces Sheraa's mission to empower entrepreneurs and turn ambitious visions into tangible, lasting impact.' Highlighting the strategic value of the collaboration, Colin Meagle, Founding Partner, Continuous Venture Capital said: 'We believe that transformative ventures often begin with a single opportunity; one that's backed by belief, guidance, and access to the right resources. Partnering with Sheraa allows us to tap into a pipeline of purpose-driven founders who are solving real-world problems with innovation and integrity. Together, we are not just investing in startups; we are building a foundation for sustainable growth, empowering the next generation of changemakers, and strengthening the region's role as a global hub for entrepreneurial excellence.' Sheraa Deal Dock exemplifies Sheraa's role in positioning Sharjah as a global hub for entrepreneurship and innovation. Since 2016, Sheraa has supported over 450 startups and helped raise nearly $300 million in funding. Events like Deal Dock represent the next chapter in this journey, where curated access, quality engagement, and measurable outcomes define success.
Gulf Today
20-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Sheraa champions startup led industrial innovation
The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) is participating in the Make it in the Emirates Forum 2025, taking place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from May 19 to 22. As one of the UAE's leading national platforms for industrial advancement, the forum brings together government stakeholders, industry leaders, and innovators to shape the future of the country's manufacturing sector, accelerate localisation, and unlock new opportunities for investment and entrepreneurship. Through its participation, Sheraa will spotlight a range of startups advancing innovative industrial solutions, highlighting startups that are driving market-ready products and contributing to the UAE's industrial future. Sara Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa said: 'Sheraa's participation in Make it in the Emirates 2025 demonstrates our commitment to placing startups at the heart of the UAE's manufacturing and industrial transformation. Through the Sheraa Center of Excellence for Advanced Manufacturing, we are cultivating a national pipeline of founder-led ventures poised to make meaningful contributions to this goal. 'By offering entrepreneurs tailored support, from product development to access to industrial networks, we ensure that innovation in Sharjah and beyond evolves into viable manufacturing solutions. This is how bold ideas are transformed into tangible impact for the UAE's economy: startups founded in Sharjah, producing for the world.' Pioneering solutions: As part of its showcase, Sheraa will present a portfolio of startups that exemplify how founder-led innovation can deliver tangible outcomes for the UAE's industrial future. The featured startups include Paltic Works, a social enterprise advocating a zero-plastic waste culture in Lebanon and the wider region; NRSAA (FZC), a startup leveraging cutting-edge technology for early detection and continuous monitoring of vital signs, addressing muscle atrophy in bedridden patients and alarm fatigue in healthcare professionals; and SpacePoint, which offers educational satellite kits that enable students to build and deploy satellites, inspiring STEM careers and supporting climate change monitoring. Also joining the lineup is FUSE EV Conversions LLC, which is accelerating the UAE's transition to sustainable mobility by converting commercial fleets and classic vehicles to electric. Completing the portfolio are Masar Technology, which provides comprehensive services from prototyping and small manufacturing to full-service 3D modelling, printing, and assembly; and Leukeather, a vegetal leather alternative that showcases the potential for sustainable and ethical fashion. Together, these ventures present pioneering solutions that contribute to the UAE's industrial growth, sustainability goals, and knowledge-driven economy. Sheraa will also spotlight NoorNation, the winner of the AgriTech track in the Access Sharjah Challenge 2024. As part of its collaboration with the Sharjah Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL), NoorNation is deploying its LifeBox system — a solar-powered water desalination and pumping solution for clean irrigation and drinking water. Equipped with advanced remote monitoring, LifeBox enables real-time water management, offering a sustainable and cost-effective solution that addresses water scarcity and reduces CO₂ emissions by eliminating diesel-powered irrigation. Workshops to help creatives build their business: The Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with Sheraa, is organising a series of targeted workshops designed to empower creative entrepreneurs with essential business and branding skills. Led by industry experts, the sessions include 'Building Your Business,' which focuses on business development fundamentals; 'Creating Your Brand & Profile,' offering guidance on crafting a compelling personal and business brand; and 'Marketing & Promotion for Artisans', which equips participants with strategies to effectively promote their work to wider audiences. Together, these workshops provide practical insights to help creative entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses, strengthen their brand presence, and navigate their journey from craft to market success.
Gulf Today
06-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Sharjah a magnet for entrepreneurs worldwide, says Sheikha Bodour
Under the leadership of Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), the Sheraa Board of Advisers convened to chart the organisation's future direction and next phase of growth. The meeting was held in the presence of Najla Al Midfa, Vice Chairperson of Sheraa, and Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa. Bringing together a dynamic mix of government officials, industry leaders, senior academics, and pioneering entrepreneurs — the gathering served as a platform to reflect on key milestones, sharpen strategic priorities, and reaffirm Sheraa's commitment to positioning Sharjah as a global hub for talent, startups, and innovation. Beyond core updates and performance review, the meeting prioritised strengthening Sharjah's startup ecosystem as a leading hub for entrepreneurship in the region by growing its offerings and embarking on new initiatives with partners. Sheikha Bodour with Najla Al Midfa Discussions were held around how to build upon the record-setting impact of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival 2025 (SEF), as well as leveraging cross-sector collaboration to attract and engage top talent and ventures. Special emphasis was placed on ensuring the continued alignment of Sheraa's programmes with the UAE's vision to be a global centre for entrepreneurship and industry; all while promoting inclusivity and sustainability, key pillars for long-term, scalable results. Strategic alignment and focus Addressing the meeting, Sheikha Bodour reiterated the importance of cultivating entrepreneurialism to wider economic development, noting: 'Sheraa's momentum reflects a long-term commitment to building a knowledge-based economy that's rooted in creativity, resilience, and inclusion. By supporting entrepreneurs in sectors that really matter for Sharjah's future – sustainability, education, and advanced technology – we're laying foundations for an economy that empowers people and ideas to thrive. The work we do with startups is about shaping communities and futures.' Sheikha Bodour also emphasised the power of collective action. Sheraa's success lies in its ability to transform challenges into opportunities, ensuring that Sharjah remains a prime destination for entrepreneurs worldwide, driving impactful and sustainable progress. Expanding on this Najla Al Midfa, said 'Sheraa is proud to have created great impact through building ecosystems that support ideas and accelerate innovation; where every startup's success is a building block towards a better future for all. Sharjah's entrepreneurs are emerging as global leaders, and we will be here to support them on every step of their journey and our focus will continue to create an environment where startups can thrive, driving economic diversification and sustainable growth.' Highlighting their support of entrepreneurial prowess, Sheraa CEO, Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi said, 'As stewards of Sharjah's entrepreneurial future, our mandate is clear; to translate vision into action with precision and purpose. Operational excellence is the cornerstone of our success; ensuring that every programme we design, every partnership we forge, and every resource we deploy directly empowers startups to scale, innovate, and compete globally.' Diverse representation and leadership Reflecting the broad expertise of the Board of Advisers, the meeting was attended by Abdullah Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, Dr. Amna Al Dahak Al Shamsi, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Asma Bin Taliah, Secretary General of The Sharjah Executive Council, Dr. Muhadditha Yahya Al Hashimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Private Education Authority; Ahmed Al Naqbi, CEO of Emirates Development Bank; Mohammed Khadiri - CEO, Bank of Sharjah; Dr. Saeeda Jaffar - Senior Vice President and Group Country Manager GCC at Visa; Eng. Omar Al Mahmoud - CEO of the ICT Fund; Ahmed AlKhoshaibi – Group CEO of Arada; Fahad Al Hassawi - CEO of Du; Salim Al Owais - CEO of (subsidiary of BEEAH Group); Muna Al Gurg - Vice Chairperson of Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group; Farida Elagamy - General Manager of Tharawat and Co-Founder of Kyma; Sonia Weymuller - Founding Partner of VentureSouq; Leena Khalil - CEO of Mumzworld; Imran Sayeed - Senior Lecturer at MIT Sloan School of Management; and Abdullah Snobar - Executive Director of DMZ and CEO of DMZ Ventures. Sheikha Bodour with dignitaries at the meeting. Bridging communication through innovation 'Eshara', an Arabic sign language platform and 2024 UAE James Dyson Award winner, showcased its achievements to the board, highlighting the impact of Sheraa's support. Founded to bridge communication gaps for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community, Eshara leverages AI-driven avatars to translate spoken content into real-time Arabic sign language. Eshara's journey, from graduating Sheraa's Dojo+ program to securing a contract with the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) to develop a custom AI avatar for the event, exemplifies Sheraa's commitment to inclusive innovation and 360 support. Another notable milestone was their participation at the 'Seal The Deal' initiative, launched by the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park (SRTIP) in collaboration with Sheraa, the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah), and the American University of Sharjah (AUS).. The gathering served as a platform to reflect on key milestones and chalk out strategic priorities. Giving entrepreneurs a platform to pitch their businesses to seasoned investors, the initiative raised Dhs520,000 for the six selected startups involved, and Eshara's founders showcased how technology can drive social impact, securing over Dhs100,000 in investments. The meeting also showcased a standout EdTech startup from the Sheraa Startup Studio (S3) cohort, 'Heuristic World'. Through a presentation, co-founder Dr. Aamena Alshamsi showed how her startup is pioneering accessible AI and Computer Science education by transforming intricate university-level concepts into immersive, game-based experiences tailored for students as young as 13. By blending gamification with cutting-edge pedagogy, Heuristic World bridges the gap between advanced STEM fields and K-12 education, empowering the next generation with foundational skills to thrive in a tech-driven future. Highlighting Sheraa's focus on sectoral innovation, the two winners of Sheraa's 'Access Sharjah Challenge 2024' presented their solutions across the competition's two tracks; agriculture and livestock health. Winning entries delivered scalable, tech-driven tools; from solar-powered water systems to remote health monitoring; to slash costs, cut emissions, and empower climate-resilient farming. The Department of Agriculture and Livestock in Sharjah also delivered a presentation highlighting the emirate's efforts to advance and support these vital sectors through collaboration with entrepreneurs and innovators.
Sharjah 24
06-05-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
DGR, US delegation explore cooperation in several domains
The visit, coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, provided a platform for engagement with key government and economic bodies in Sharjah. It also offered an opportunity to highlight Sharjah's vibrant business and investment environment, while reaffirming the emirate's commitment to fostering enterprise development and expanding international cooperation across various strategic sectors. The U.S. delegation included W. Douglas Smith, External Unit Chief of the Political Section at the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi, along with Usama Najeeb, Political-Economic Specialist, and Nicole Sbitani, Economic Officer, from the U.S. Consulate in Dubai. The meetings were attended by Hamad Al Mahmoud, Chairman of the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD), Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa); Dr. Muhammad Abdullah Al-Murr Alnaqbi, Chairman of the Municipal Council of Khorfakkan; Dr. Fatema Khalifa Al Muqarrab, Director of the International Relations Department at the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), and Abdelaziz Alshamsi, Assistant Director General for Communication and Business Sector at SCCI. During the visit, the two parties discussed opportunities to deepen ties between Sharjah and American institutions and businesses and explored potential areas for future collaboration. As part of the programme, the delegation visited key entities across the emirate, including the Sharjah Executive Council, the Department of Economic Development, the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), the Khorfakkan Municipal Council, and the House of Wisdom. Commenting on the visit, Sheikh Majid bin Abdullah Al Qasimi reaffirmed Sharjah's commitment to strengthening engagement with global cultural and business communities. The Director noted that drawing on international experiences and cultivating relationships with global leaders contributes to the development of local institutions, stimulates economic and cultural growth, and further consolidates Sharjah's status as a leading international hub for culture, business, and sustainability. Opportunities for collaboration in entrepreneurship and innovation During a visit to Sheraa, the delegation was briefed on the centre's efforts to support entrepreneurs and emerging businesses. Discussions focused on potential collaboration areas in innovation and entrepreneurship, with particular emphasis on supporting start-ups and creative enterprises, as well as facilitating the exchange of expertise between Emirati and American institutions. Sheraa invited the U.S. delegation to participate in the forthcoming Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival. The delegation expressed interest in initiatives to connect American start-ups with Sheraa, reflecting a shared commitment to fostering cross-border enterprises that drive the creative economy and open new avenues for expanded future cooperation. Economic and developmental cooperation with American enterprises As part of the agenda, the delegation visited the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD). They were briefed on the strengths of the local economy and the range of promising investment opportunities available across the emirate. Both parties discussed ways to enhance economic cooperation and explored the potential for establishing strategic partnerships to drive growth and investment in sectors of mutual interest. At the Sharjah Executive Council, the delegation was briefed on the emirate's development strategies and the breadth of investment opportunities in areas such as the creative economy, technology, and environmental sustainability. Both sides underscored the importance of advancing bilateral relations at a strategic level and reinforcing coordination between the public and private sectors. Ecotourism, investment and knowledge exchange As part of the visit, the delegation met with members of the Khorfakkan Municipal Council, who presented the city's ongoing tourism and development initiatives. Discussions explored collaboration opportunities in ecotourism and cultural tourism, highlighting Khorfakkan's distinctive natural and historical assets. The delegation also met with representatives from the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry to explore prospects for trade and economic cooperation between the business communities of Sharjah and the United States. The talks included an overview of the incentives available to foreign investors, along with the facilities and support mechanisms offered to American entrepreneurs interested in accessing regional markets through Sharjah. The visit concluded with a tour of the House of Wisdom, where the delegation explored its wide-ranging facilities and programmes that integrate culture, community engagement, and education. Discussions focused on the role of such centres in fostering cultural dialogue and supporting initiatives that promote knowledge exchange between nations.
Zawya
06-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Bodour Al Qasimi sets Sheraa's 2025 trajectory during Board of Advisors meeting with public and private thought leaders
Sheikha Bodour: Sheraa is strengthening the foundation of an economy built on creativity, resilience, and long-term vision. Sharjah, Under the leadership of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), the Sheraa Board of Advisors convened to chart the organisation's future direction and next phase of growth. The meeting was held in the presence of H.E. Najla Al Midfa, Vice Chairperson of Sheraa, and H.E. Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa. Bringing together a dynamic mix of government officials, industry leaders, senior academics, and pioneering entrepreneurs — the gathering served as a platform to reflect on key milestones, sharpen strategic priorities, and reaffirm Sheraa's commitment to positioning Sharjah as a global hub for talent, startups, and innovation. Beyond core updates and performance review, the meeting prioritised strengthening Sharjah's startup ecosystem as a leading hub for entrepreneurship in the region by growing its offerings and embarking on new initiatives with partners. Discussions were held around how to build upon the record-setting impact of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival 2025 (SEF), as well as leveraging cross-sector collaboration to attract and engage top talent and ventures. Special emphasis was placed on ensuring the continued alignment of Sheraa's programs with the UAE's vision to be a global centre for entrepreneurship and industry; all while promoting inclusivity and sustainability, key pillars for long-term, scalable results. Strategic alignment and focus Addressing the meeting, Sheikha Bodour reiterated the importance of cultivating entrepreneurialism to wider economic development, noting: 'Sheraa's momentum reflects a long-term commitment to building a knowledge-based economy that's rooted in creativity, resilience, and inclusion. By supporting entrepreneurs in sectors that really matter for Sharjah's future – sustainability, education, and advanced technology – we're laying foundations for an economy that empowers people and ideas to thrive. The work we do with startups is about shaping communities and futures.' Sheikha Bodour also emphasised the power of collective action. Sheraa's success lies in its ability to transform challenges into opportunities, ensuring that Sharjah remains a prime destination for entrepreneurs worldwide, driving impactful and sustainable progress. Expanding on this H.E. Najla Al Midfa, said 'Sheraa is proud to have created great impact through building ecosystems that support ideas and accelerate innovation; where every startup's success is a building block towards a better future for all. Sharjah's entrepreneurs are emerging as global leaders, and we will be here to support them on every step of their journey and our focus will continue to create an environment where startups can thrive, driving economic diversification and sustainable growth.' Highlighting their support of entrepreneurial prowess, Sheraa CEO, H.E. Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi said, 'As stewards of Sharjah's entrepreneurial future, our mandate is clear; to translate vision into action with precision and purpose. Operational excellence is the cornerstone of our success; ensuring that every program we design, every partnership we forge, and every resource we deploy directly empowers startups to scale, innovate, and compete globally.' Diverse representation and leadership Reflecting the broad expertise of the Board of Advisors, the meeting was attended by H.E. Abdullah Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, H.E. Dr. Amna Al Dahak Al Shamsi, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, H.E. Asma Bin Taliah, Secretary General of The Sharjah Executive Council, H.E. Dr. Muhadditha Yahya Al Hashimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Private Education Authority; H.E. Ahmed Al Naqbi, CEO of Emirates Development Bank; Mohammed Khadiri - CEO, Bank of Sharjah; Dr. Saeeda Jaffar - Senior Vice President and Group Country Manager GCC at Visa; H.E. Eng. Omar Al Mahmoud - CEO of the ICT Fund; Ahmed AlKhoshaibi – Group CEO of Arada; Fahad Al Hassawi - CEO of Du; Salim Al Owais - CEO of (subsidiary of BEEAH Group); Muna Al Gurg - Vice Chairperson of Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group; Farida Elagamy - General Manager of Tharawat and Co-Founder of Kyma; Sonia Weymuller - Founding Partner of VentureSouq; Leena Khalil - CEO of Mumzworld; Imran Sayeed - Senior Lecturer at MIT Sloan School of Management; and Abdullah Snobar - Executive Director of DMZ and CEO of DMZ Ventures. Bridging communication through innovation 'Eshara', an Arabic sign language platform and 2024 UAE James Dyson Award winner, showcased its achievements to the board, highlighting the impact of Sheraa's support. Founded to bridge communication gaps for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community, Eshara leverages AI-driven avatars to translate spoken content into real-time Arabic sign language. Eshara's journey, from graduating Sheraa's Dojo+ program to securing a contract with the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) to develop a custom AI avatar for the event, exemplifies Sheraa's commitment to inclusive innovation and 360 support. Another notable milestone was their participation at the 'Seal The Deal' initiative, launched by the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park (SRTIP) in collaboration with Sheraa, the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah), and the American University of Sharjah (AUS).. Giving entrepreneurs a platform to pitch their businesses to seasoned investors, the initiative raised AED 520,000 for the six selected startups involved, and Eshara's founders showcased how technology can drive social impact, securing over AED 100,000 in investments. The meeting also showcased a standout EdTech startup from the Sheraa Startup Studio (S3) cohort, 'Heuristic World'. Through a presentation, co-founder Dr. Aamena Alshamsi showed how her startup is pioneering accessible AI and Computer Science education by transforming intricate university-level concepts into immersive, game-based experiences tailored for students as young as 13. By blending gamification with cutting-edge pedagogy, Heuristic World bridges the gap between advanced STEM fields and K-12 education, empowering the next generation with foundational skills to thrive in a tech-driven future. Highlighting Sheraa's focus on sectoral innovation, the two winners of Sheraa's 'Access Sharjah Challenge 2024' presented their solutions across the competition's two tracks; agriculture and livestock health. Winning entries delivered scalable, tech-driven tools; from solar-powered water systems to remote health monitoring; to slash costs, cut emissions, and empower climate-resilient farming. The Department of Agriculture and Livestock in Sharjah also delivered a presentation highlighting the emirate's efforts to advance and support these vital sectors through collaboration with entrepreneurs and innovators.
