Latest news with #StartupoftheYear
Daily Tribune
09-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Procural and Parcel Win Bahrain's Startup of the Year Award
TDT | Manama Bahrain is putting a strong spotlight on its entrepreneurs and startups, recognising them as key drivers of the country's future economy. His Excellency Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy and Chairman of Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company, praised the role of the private sector in creating meaningful opportunities for citizens and supporting the nation's comprehensive development. He also highlighted how entrepreneurs contribute to Bahrain's global competitiveness by launching innovative and creative ventures. The Minister made his remarks during the awards ceremony for the second edition of the "Startup of the Year" competition, where two standout Bahraini companies — Procural and Parcel — were named winners. The event was attended by senior officials, including Industry and Commerce Minister Abdullah bin Adel Fakhro, Central Bank Governor Khalid Hamad, and Mumtalakat CEO Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Khalifa. Shaikh Salman emphasized Bahrain's ongoing commitment to nurturing a startup-friendly environment through various initiatives and support programs. This includes the efforts of Tamkeen, the Labour Fund, which plays a key role in supporting employment, professional growth, and entrepreneurship across the Kingdom. He credited Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Chairman of Tamkeen, for steering efforts that empower startups through innovative programs aligned with Bahrain's long-term development goals under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the directives of Crown Prince and Prime Minister His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Empowering Innovation and Job Creation The competition, co-organized by Mumtalakat and Tamkeen, aims to encourage innovation and help startups scale both locally and internationally. Winning companies will receive direct investment from Mumtalakat, under agreed-upon terms, to support their growth journey. Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, CEO of Mumtalakat, said the sovereign wealth fund is committed to investing in promising local ventures that contribute to Bahrain's economic development and help position the Kingdom as a hub for innovation. Tamkeen CEO Maha Abdulhameed Mofeez reaffirmed the fund's dedication to providing startups with the resources and opportunities needed to grow sustainably and create quality jobs for Bahrainis. Who Are the Winners? Procural: A cloud-based procurement platform that connects buyers with a broad network of vendors, streamlining commercial tender processes through digital innovation. Parcel: A delivery service platform that offers smart logistics solutions to homes and small businesses across Bahrain. The Startup of the Year initiative is part of a larger entrepreneurial journey that began with the Startup Bahrain roadshows. Last year, six rounds were held, and 12 finalists were chosen to compete in this year's finale. Participants received mentorship and training to fine-tune their pitches and improve their visibility with investors. As Bahrain looks ahead to 2025, Tamkeen's strategy focuses on empowering local talent, supporting digital transformation, and reinforcing the role of the private sector in building a resilient and diverse economy. The success of these startups reflects the country's confidence in homegrown innovation and its vision for a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, CEO of Mumtalakat
Biz Bahrain
09-07-2025
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
Mumtalakat announces winners of Startup of the Year competition
Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy and Chairman of the Board of Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company, attended the Startup of the Year competition awards ceremony in its second edition, held in the presence of Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce; Khalid Ibrahim Humaidan, Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain; and Shaikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive Officer of Mumtalakat, alongside several senior officials. During the event, Shaikh Salman emphasised the vital role of the private sector in advancing economic development and creating high-quality opportunities for Bahraini citizens. He highlighted the contribution of entrepreneurs in enhancing Bahrain's global competitiveness in the field of entrepreneurship through innovative and creative ventures. He reiterated Bahrain's ongoing efforts to foster a supportive environment for entrepreneurship, backed by programmes and initiatives that help emerging enterprises grow and compete across sectors. He noted that these efforts contribute to the comprehensive development process under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. Shaikh Salman also underscored the strategic role of the Labour Fund (Tamkeen) in promoting employment, training, career progression, and entrepreneurship through targeted initiatives, in line with the directives of His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Minister of the Prime Minister's Court and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Tamkeen. The winners of the competition were announced as 'Procural' and 'Parcel', both recognised for their promising contributions to Bahrain's entrepreneurial landscape. The initiative is part of efforts to support high potential Bahraini ventures and empower entrepreneurs to drive economic growth and diversify income sources. Shaikh Salman emphasised that the competition is one of several initiatives aimed at supporting innovation and encouraging start ups to scale and compete regionally and internationally. It does so by facilitating access to investment and providing support that enables the creation of quality employment opportunities, while enhancing Bahrain's position as a regional hub for business and investment. Shaikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive Officer of Mumtalakat, said the company's objective is to invest in promising local ventures that contribute to national economic growth and strengthen Bahrain's position as a regional and international centre for innovation and entrepreneurship. These investments also support the creation of quality jobs for Bahraini talent. Maha Abdulhameed Mofeez, Chief Executive of Tamkeen, reiterated the fund's commitment to supporting start ups as key contributors to the national economy. She highlighted Tamkeen's role in providing opportunities and tailored support to help emerging Bahraini ventures grow, achieve sustainability, and increase their capacity to generate employment for local talent. The partnership between Mumtalakat and Tamkeen to support the Startup of the Year initiative aligns with Tamkeen's 2025 strategic priorities, which include empowering Bahraini nationals, enhancing their competitiveness in the private sector, and supporting business growth, digitisation, and sustainability. Procural is a Bahrain based cloud platform for commercial tenders that uses innovation to streamline procurement by connecting buyers with a diverse network of suppliers. Parcel is a delivery platform offering logistics solutions and services to households and small businesses across the Kingdom. Now in its second year, the Startup of the Year competition is jointly organised by Mumtalakat, the sovereign wealth fund of Bahrain, and Tamkeen. The two winning companies will receive direct investment from Mumtalakat under agreed terms to accelerate their growth. The competition is part of a broader initiative that included start ups which had previously secured top placements in the 'Startup Bahrain' rounds held last year. These rounds were investment-focused events featuring live pitches presented to panels of experts, investors, and specialists. A total of six rounds were conducted, resulting in 12 finalists. The rounds also included training programmes to help participants refine their pitches and receive mentorship, thereby increasing their chances of securing investment and presenting their ventures more effectively. BNA(R)
Daily Mirror
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Anna Wintour's Vogue replacement - all the rumoured names to take over
After Anna Wintour announced she was stepping down from her role as editor-in-chief of Vogue, here's a list of names that could be replacing her… After serving for nearly four decades as the editor-in-chief of American Vogue, Anna Wintour has announced she's stepping down from her role. It's been reported that Anna broke the sad news to her team on Thursday (June 27). However, fashion enthusiasts shouldn't be too devastated as the 75-year-old icon isn't leaving Condé Nast or Vogue completely, she's just scaling back her duties. Anna will reportedly still remain as Vogue's global editorial director as well as Condé Nast's global chief content officer. Anna took on the role back in 1988 and is often credited for transforming the legendary fashion publication. Her pioneering role in the fashion business led her to be named a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire at Buckingham Palace in 2017. The new role will be titled as head of editorial content and many names have entered the mix as potential replacements for the highly coveted gig. As rumours continue to swirl, here's a list of names that might be in the running… Eva Chen Journalist Eva Chen became the beauty editor of Teen Vogue back in 2005 and held this position until 2012. Moving through the ranks at Condé Nast, Eva took on the role of editor-in-chief of Lucky magazine in June 2013. Initially hired as a consultant, Eva was promoted to the top of the publication within just two months. At the time, she was just 33 years old, making her one of the youngest editors to lead a National American magazine. Chen is also presently Head of Fashion Partnerships for Instagram, a role she joined in July 2015. As well as this, she also is an author of several children's books which aims to uplift Asian American children. Eva is a firm fixture at some of the most high-profile fashion shows, sitting in her pride of place on the front row. She's also been spotted with Anna on several occasions, meaning she could potentially be in line to replace her. Amy Astley Amy Astley's relationship with Anna has exceeded two decades, after being named by her to become the editorial director of Teen Vogue back in 2002. After 14 years, she decided to leave the position in 2016 to move onto pastures new. During Amy's tenure, Teen Vogue was nominated twice for a National Magazine Award for General Excellence and was named as Adweek's 2004 Startup of the Year. She released a book in 2009, titled The Teen Vogue Handbook: An Insider's Guide to Careers in Fashion, which became a New York Times best seller. The success of the book led to Penguin updating and reissuing it in 2014. Amy joined Architectural Digest in 2016 as the global editorial director and editor-in-chief. She expanded it solely from a print edition to having multiple digital-only verticals, a social media presence and a hit video series on YouTube. Chioma Nnadi Chioma Nnadi joined Vogue in New York in 2010 and ran the American website as well as writing for the publication and co-hosting the Vogue podcast. After rising up the ranks, Chioma now holds the position of head of editorial content for British Vogue. She is the first woman of colour to claim such a senior leadership role at Vogue globally, succeeding Edward Enniful, who was the first gay man of colour in a senior role. Anna has described Chioma as 'beloved among her colleagues at Vogue' and an 'editor and writer with an impeccable reputation." Pharrell Williams As well as a successful music career, Pharrell Williams has made a significant impact in the fashion industry, becoming a prominent designer and creative director. His fashion work includes collaborations with huge brands including Chanel and Louis Vuitton. Not only that, but he has also founded his very own successful streetwear labels, Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream. He is the current Men's Creative Director for Louis Vuitton. Pharrell shares a close professional relationship with Anna, with the pair most recently working together as co-chairs for the 2025 Met Gala along with other prominent figures such as Colman Domingo, A$AP Rocky and Lewis Hamilton.
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Forging success: Quality Chrome is strengthening India's industrial backbone
Live Events In the complex web of India's industrial ecosystem, Quality Chrome Pvt Ltd has emerged as a crucial enabler, revolutionising how micro, small, and medium enterprises access high-quality raw materials and technical in Kolkata, the company specialises in iron ore and ferro alloy products, and has a diverse clientele ranging from steel manufacturers to refractory producers. Since its inception in 2020, Quality Chrome has introduced a new level of professionalism, quality control, and competitiveness to Indian MSMEs engaged in manufacturing, metallurgy, and allied industries. Its commitment to consistency has created a ripple effect in the ecosystem, benefiting enterprises that struggle to access premium raw materials at competitive transformation, international flourishThe company's transformation of India's MSME landscape stems from its recognition of a fundamental challenge: small manufacturers face quality and supply inconsistencies that hinder their ability to meet delivery commitments. Quality Chrome has addressed this by developing robust sourcing networks and stringent quality control. It collaborates with international inspection agencies at both plant and port levels to ensure all batches meet stringent benchmarks. The result: even micro enterprise clients receive materials that meet global quality-focussed approach has helped Quality Chrome go places, literally. In the last two financial years, the company generated up to 95% of its revenue from export sales to North America, the European Union, Southeast Asia, and West Asia. The feat earned it the Startup of the Year award in 2024 by CEO Magazine India, and the Top Exporter of the Year (Trading) award at the ET MSME Awards Chrome also stands out for its relationship-building. Rather than treating smaller clients as secondary priorities, it has invested in understanding their operational challenges. This has led to innovative solutions including technical advisory services, flexible payment models, and customised material grades that help MSMEs optimise production processes while maintaining cost company's success demonstrates how mid-sized companies can drive ecosystem transformation by prioritising long-term partnerships over short-term profit. By investing in the success of its clients, it has created a sustainable business model that grows alongside the broader industrial India's MSME sector continues its trajectory towards becoming a global manufacturing hub, companies like Quality Chrome serve as essential infrastructure providers, ensuring that enterprises, regardless of size, have equal access to quality materials and the expertise necessary to compete effectively. Its model proves that industrial transformation begins with consistent quality and committed partnerships that empower smaller players to achieve larger more winner vignettes of the ET MSME Awards , keep an eye on this space.
Technical.ly
24-06-2025
- Business
- Technical.ly
How Philly's BioLattice is making the jump from grants to VC
For nearly two years, has hosted its monthly segment, Speaking, on WURD Radio's 'Reality Check' with Tonya Pendleton. Earlier this month, WURD cancelled the show after a round of layoffs. Winning pitch competitions and getting industry recognition don't always lead to funding. For Amelia Zellander, founder and CEO of the tissue engineering startup BioLattice, it took six years to get the 'proper funding' to pursue the biotechnology, which she finally secured at the end of 2023. Innovations like biomaterial to repair the front layer of the eye — an alternative to traditional cornea transplants — can be risky to develop, she said. In the current climate of risk-averse investors, that makes biotech money difficult to land. It was ultimately federal funding (the same programs now in limbo under the Trump administration) that made Zellander's initial research possible. Now she's seeking venture capital to maintain that momentum. 'My journey with this company in this form really started in 2017,' Zellander told reporter Sarah Huffman on Speaking, a monthly segment on WURD Radio's 'Reality Check' hosted by Tonya Pendleton. 'I applied for federal funding multiple times before I finally got the Phase One [National Science Foundation Small Business Innovation Research ] grant.' The funding served as a launch pad. Since starting a research partnership with Lehigh University, BioLattice has landed an $80,000 first-place prize at a pitch competition. More recently, Zellander was named Startup of the Year at BioLabs' third annual investor day. BioLattice is continuing its growth trajectory as a member of the inaugural HiveBio accelerator cohort. This is helping build the company's brand and supporting its path to securing investors, per Zellander. 'I have been getting a little bit of funding, but I'm just still in the battle to build my reputation,' she said, 'to build the trust with investors, and to present the need.' While positive recognition is useful in general, it doesn't always translate into dollars, Zellander said. As BioLattice gears up to raise its next $2 million to support the prototyping phase, she's hoping to make sure it can turn the accolades into securing VCs. BioLattice is currently in a preclinical, prototype stage. Its CorneaClear technology is compatible with rabbit eyes, and now needs more testing to conduct a formal animal study. 'Storytelling is the biggest thing,' Zellander said. 'Investors want to know: How are they going to get their investment back?'
