Leading panellists and experts highlighted the importance of investments in startups at the 7th Mena Angel Investors Summit held in Bahrain recently.

Tenmou, Bahrain’s first ‘Business Angels’ organisation, as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week, hosted the summit in strategic partnership with Tamkeen, and with the support of Alba and Bahrain Development Bank (BDB), along with Rowad as event partners and various other community partners.

Known for its success in bridging the gap between angel investor networks and venture capitalists within the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region, this year’s theme revolved around strategic investments and investors’ education, and the role of an investor that goes beyond cash investments, but ensuring the continued success for start-ups by providing them with the necessary expertise, intelligence and network, said a statement.

The summit featured eight panelists that each provided their perspective on the importance of investing in startups, along with two 'break out sessions' aimed at both investors and start-ups; managed by Brian Frankel, a consultant from America with multinational marketing experience alongside BDB, it said.

The attendees were given the opportunity to gain insights from engaging discussions and exchange ideas in a collaborative environment.

Venture Souq, an investment platform for global early-stage technology businesses, also discussed the basics of angel investing, such as valuations, terms sheets and due diligence, and shared the best practices associated with past success stories.

A key highlight of the summit was the “Start Up Pitches”, which provided 23 start-ups with the golden opportunity to pitch their ideas and get funded, the entrepreneurs were also given the chance to network at the Start Up Roundtables, enabling them to connect one-on-one with investors, mentors, get diverse feedback, and showcase their idea in a more relaxed setting.

Nawaf Al Kooheji, chief executive officer, Tenmou, said: “We had such an exciting line up for this years’ summit, and this year’s theme could not be more relevant to today, by hosting this landmark event we aim to encourage investors to shift their mindset and realise the importance of giving start-ups the business opportunities they deserve.”

“We would like to thank our strategic partner, Tamkeen, and our event partners for their support,” he added.

Dr Ebrahim Mohammed Janahi, chief executive of Tamkeen, said: “The summit demonstrates the true potential of the kingdom and its dynamic startup ecosystem.”

“This partnership comes in line with our aim to establish Bahrain as a leading entrepreneurial hub in the Mena region,” he added.

Nearly 300 guests attended the summit which featured industry experts and panelists to address the importance of the role angel investors play to ensure better business performance through knowledge sharing, implementing best industry practices, and sharing experience relevant to the start-up ecosystem, it stated. – TradeArabia News Service

Tenmou, Bahrain’s first ‘Business Angels’ organisation, as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week, recently hosted