Nest, a Hong Kong-based corporate innovation accelerator, has launched its Mena presence with Bahrain as its regional headquarters.

 

Nest operates corporate accelerator programmes, invests in seed to growth-stage startups, and runs an entrepreneurial community called Metta. Nest has built an innovation ecosystem to connect the fast-growing markets of Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. 

 

As part of its official regional launch, Nest recently hosted a panel discussion on the theme “Why Startups and Corporates Need Each Other?” at the Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) that took place in Bahrain. Eminent personalities from Bahrain’s entrepreneurial scene took part in the conversations. 

 

In recognition of Bahrain’s rapidly growing entrepreneurial spirit, Nest created a platform where the conversation of how startups and corporates can collaborate for mutual success was discussed, the company said. 

 

Lawrence Morgan, Nest’s CEO, said: “Nest has built an innovative ecosystem to connect the fast-growing markets of Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. It is important for corporates and startups to work together towards achieving greater collaborative success and Bahrain has proven to be a strategic location of tremendous potential.”

 

Nest also recently discussed its initiative with American Express Middle East that is running the first Corporate Accelerator programme focused on delivering innovative digital solutions to customers and business partners in the Middle East. The Accelerate ME programme will scale up to seven local and international startups with innovative solutions to cater to deliver unique customer engagement, automated payments, and alternative physical and digital platforms for merchants. 

 

Mazin Khoury, CEO of American Express Middle East, commented “We are thrilled to be partnering with Nest on the programme to create a platform for local, regional and international startups and give them the opportunity to pitch their innovative solutions to American Express Middle East. We, at American Express Middle East, put innovation at the forefront of everything we do. It is the driving force that shapes our success and is the reason we continue to maintain a leading position in the region.” 

 

Nest has been awarded the Tamkeen Labour Fund tender, an initiative by the government to create opportunities for Bahrainis in the labour market and for enterprises to develop and flourish. Together with the government, Nest intends to drive ecosystem growth by running various corporate innovation programmes and sharing ecosystem insights such as the Gateway Gulf Report. –TradeArabia News Service