Raya’s FutureTECH Accelerator Prepares to Debut Promising Startups in Final Cycle

Raya Holding for Financial Investments has kicked off the third and final cycle of its FutureTECH accelerator, teaming up again with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (better known simply as GIZ) under the DevelopPPP initiative. Backed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), this partnership is all about bridging the gap between private-sector capabilities and global development objectives in emerging markets.

Participants joining the accelerator this round hail from areas close to Raya’s heart and business interests. That means startups specialised in information technology, logistics, fintech, smart mobility, clean energy, retail, and customer experience—quite an eclectic mix, but clearly spot on when it comes to Raya’s key interests.

Since March, startups selected for this final cohort have already enjoyed personalised mentoring sessions from Raya’s seasoned executives. And here's something worth knowing— the programme doesn't just stop at mentorship or theoretical support, as is so often the case in accelerator programmes. Rather, it goes that extra mile to provide these bright entrepreneurs clear chances at creating workable proofs-of-concept, alongside direct collaboration opportunities with top industry leaders.

What's particularly exciting for these startups is that they'll soon be stepping into the hot seat, pitching their business ideas on a flagship demo night—a staple feature that always proves nerve-racking and thrilling in equal measure (well... I mean, you know?). On the night itself, ten selected startups will showcase their solutions before a tough-but-fair jury panel, including faces from Raya Holding and GIZ.

Winning startups won’t just walk away with a handshake, thankfully. They'll get further targeted support and possibly even funding from Raya itself, empowering them to scale their impact. On top of that, the lucky five startups who've proven they've really got what it takes will qualify for an Investment Readiness Programme. This is no small thing: offering group workshops and one-to-one coaching on important stuff like financial modelling, valuation, and market entry. It's genuinely impressive.

Personally, I always find it pretty heartening to see major companies like Raya leveraging their business muscle to give a leg-up to promising startups. At Arageek, we've often emphasised how valuable this kind of support is for developing the startup ecosystem across the MENA region—from converting clever ideas into tangible business realities, to getting those crucial first customers onboard. Initiatives like these, I reckon, offer that rare and much-needed hand-holding that can quickly move startups out of the proverbial garage and into the market.

One of the interesting startups in the batch this year is Meyahh—a platform aiming to streamline procurement and improve efficiency for water-treatment companies. With water scarcity issues making headlines practically every other day, Meyahh's efforts look more timely than ever.

It's a bit bittersweet, this being the final FutureTECH accelerator cycle. Still, it's safe to say Raya and GIZ can feel chuffed to bits with what they've accomplished so far. There's plenty to look forward to in the grand finale, and indeed, for these young enterprises—doors are opening, and the sky seems genuinely the limit.

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