Latest news with #TheFinalPitch:Dubai
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.'
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.
