Startups

Exits MENA Returns with an Exceptional Event Featuring 141 Startups and Investors

After the Success of the First XmatchEvent

The second Xmatch event kicked off this November in Giza, organized by “Exits MENA.

” This event marks a significant milestone in the investment ecosystem across the Middle East and North Africa region.

The event provided a unique opportunity for startups, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to directly connect with a large number of investors and major funding entities, aiming to secure funding and strategic support.

Held on November 23 and 24 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Giza, the event was organized by “Exits MENA” under the auspices of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, and International Cooperation.

The event featured 21 startups and SMEs representing nine different industries, alongside the participation of more than 120 investors, including financial institutions and angel investors, adding to its significance as an extraordinary event.

The first day was dedicated to SMEs, where ten founders delivered impressive presentations that garnered the admiration of representatives from venture capital firms, banks, and angel investors.

The second day focused on startups, with 11 innovative companies showcasing their ideas.

Among them was an Angolan startup that secured its spot at Xmatch after winning first place at the AIM Investment Summit held earlier this year in the UAE.

The event was attended by prominent figures such as Dr. Manal Gamal, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports; Dr. Mostafa Magdy, Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports; Sherif El-Kilany, Deputy Minister of Finance; and Tamer Taha, Advisor to the Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and Head of the Private Sector Engagement Unit.

Registration for Xmatch opened in February, receiving nearly 1,000 applications.

The Exits team selected the top 50 companies from 16 sectors to participate in a three-month boot camp, which included comprehensive investment preparation and personalized mentoring sessions for the founders.

Out of these participants, the best 20 companies were chosen to pitch their final ideas in November.

The boot camp was supported by PTS Projects and knowledge partners such as EGBANK, PwC, Go Global, and others.

The event facilitated direct interactions between companies and investors from across the Middle East.

Over the two days, 14 matches were made between companies and investors, with the Exits team currently working on converting these matches into actual deals.

The event also featured important panel discussions on topics such as preparing SMEs for investment and securing funding for startups from ideation to execution.

Experts, entrepreneurs, and investors, including Mohamed Aboulnaga, Ziad Ali, Amr El-Abbassi, Ahmed Rashad, Tarek El-Kady, and Tamer Taha, participated in these discussions.

Xmatch also saw the launch of a new investment readiness tool designed to support startups and SMEs by helping them evaluate and enhance their readiness to secure funding.

The tool provides clear reports and actionable recommendations, enabling entrepreneurs to develop their businesses, improve their investment pitches, and increase their chances of securing the necessary funding.

This initiative underscores Exits’ commitment to supporting companies in the region and simplifying mergers, acquisitions, and fundraising processes.

Dr. Mostafa Magdy, Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports, expressed pride in having a dedicated center for investments, particularly for startups and SMEs in Egypt and the broader MENA region.

He said:”We are delighted to partner with Exits and fully support all organizations that enhance economic development and youth entrepreneurship.”

Sherif El-Kilany, Deputy Minister of Finance, emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting companies and young entrepreneurs by implementing regulations designed to foster growth and innovation.

He added:”Initiatives like this are crucial in creating an enabling environment for startups, SMEs, and investors to collaborate and drive sustainable economic development.

We are grateful to Exits for organizing this impactful event, which plays a vital role in encouraging entrepreneurship and investment to advance our economy.”

Tamer Taha, Advisor to the Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, highlighted the event’s alignment with Egypt’s Vision 2030.

He stated:”xmatch is a platform that showcases incredible Egyptian talent—creative young minds, developers, and engineers—who are innovating business solutions to address market challenges.

Such events emphasize the pivotal role of connectors like Exits in uniting key ecosystem players, including investors, entrepreneurs, government, media, and influencers.”

Ayman El-Tanbouli, Co-Founder and CEO of Exits, discussed the event’s role in supporting SMEs and their economic impact. He said:”xmatch highlights the vital role of SMEs alongside startups, recognizing their importance in driving economic growth and innovation.

These businesses account for 90% of global enterprises and more than 50% of jobs worldwide, yet they face significant challenges, particularly in accessing funding.”

He concluded:”By improving these opportunities, we can help these businesses reach their full potential and contribute to sustainable development and economic prosperity.”

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