Sindhu Hariharan | Page 4

The Jordanian chapter of global entrepreneurship support organization, Endeavor, has a tricky problem on its hands when it comes to developing their pipeline of startups they want to support in the country.

Irrespective of the level of education (undergraduate, post graduate etc.), the enterprise presents students with global course options, in line with their specifications and credentials.

In line with the Blockchain Strategy unveiled by Dubai in October 2016 -a vision to become the first blockchain-powered city by 2020- Smart Dubai Office (SDO) and global entrepreneurship network 1776 are looking for startups, which can transform conventional industries using their blockchain technology.

Launched in the summer of 2015 by David Llorente (CEO), Eugenio Fernandez (Chief Scientist), and Antonio Moratilla (CTO), Narrativa's technology takes complex data sets and transforms them into human narratives.

In this endeavor to build a tech platform that allows the "unbanked" population to shop without logistical or pricing hassles, the CashBasha team ensured that their solution supported any and all shopping sites.

Global consulting firm Accenture has joined hands with Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) to launch FinTech Hive, a regional fintech accelerator program set to commence in the first quarter of 2017.

The startup believes that the deal is a shot in the arm both for the group's ambitions to "build the #1 modern and tech powered new media company in MENA," and the region's larger new media space.

JadoPado's survey says that it's clear that the online medium enables the growth of SMEs, with 56% of sellers found to be small businesses with less than five employees.

With a keen interest in communications technology, the co-founders of PushBots, Sobhy and CTO Abdullah Diaa noted a need for a tech tool that could push content to app users, and also create engagement in the process.

MAGNiTT, an online platform connecting and tracking MENA startups, predicts that "it won't be long" before MENA startups breach the US$1 billion mark in annual investments raised.

Visage's fundraising comes at a time when the startup is set to join the Alchemist Accelerator in San Francisco for a six-month program.

In what is a positive sign of corporates contributing to the MENA entrepreneurial ecosystem, digital music streaming service Anghami has managed to bring one of UAE's leading business entities to its investor table.

The MENA-focused game publisher started operations in China, but has had a homecoming recently to establish a base in Beirut, Lebanon.

It was his passion to structure MENA's fragmented publishing industry that led Jordanian entrepreneur Alsallal to launch an online bookstore Jamalon.com in 2010.

The CEO of QDB believes the best way to empower Qatar's future generations is to simplify the path to entry for new participants.

Ali Mansoor, co-founder and CEO, Baroque -a new entrant to the burgeoning creative production market in the UAE- is extremely clear and candid in conveying what the company stands for, and how it plans to stand out.

A need for advanced digital forensics capabilities in today's "smart" world led founder Matt Suiche to the UAE in early 2016 to create a forensic product to investigate cyber incidents.

Spearheading BizWorld's entry into the MENA region is Helen Al Uzaizi, who, after over a decade-long career in the marketing and communications industry, has now taken up community development and entrepreneurship as a cause.

"What's for lunch?" This is a question that occupies the minds of most working professionals every afternoon, and a problem that UAE-based food tech startup Lunch:On set out to solve.

The investment comes from IFC's $30 million commitment towards the Startup Catalyst initiative that backs funds and accelerators in emerging markets.

MAGNiTT, a UAE-based online community connecting startups, investors and support services, has released an infographic representing key statistics and features related to MENA entrepreneurship community.

As the sole investor participating in this round of funding, Souq takes "a significant minority stake" in InstaShop.

The UAE on Monday announced plans to set up Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI) in collaboration with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and The New School's Parsons School of Design (Parsons).

While the early goals of the region (especially the UAE) may have stressed on wielding influence as a powerful customer base for Western creations, the narrative has, in recent years, shifted to a focus on developing a fashion ecosystem right here.

After launching its SaaS accounting product in 2011, Sahih Business decided to go one step ahead in 2013 with its flagship product Aliphia- the "first" Arabic cloud-based SaaS accounting software for SMEs.

Established in 2009, Alibaba Cloud develops cloud computing and data management platforms, and provides an array of cloud services to Alibaba Group's e-commerce ecosystem, and to third-party businesses.

E-commerce startup Marhababy emerged as the winner of the competition, landing US$50,000 credits to be redeemed on Alibaba Cloud's products and services.

The team behind Kuwait-based Bilbayt.com has decided to simplify catering services by making them "as easy as ordering food online."

The UAE Cabinet on Sunday approved a federal law on bankruptcy, a legislation, which the Cabinet hopes, will have a "positive impact on the national economy enabling it to adapt to changes, and support businesses to achieve optimum performance."

Biopipe, a patented, and one-of-its-kind wastewater treatment system, is "inspired by nature," and treats wastewater biologically without any chemicals.