محمد يحي
- Startup Den returns to launch on June 22 as Riyadh hosts the event
- The summit will be held at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah Riyadh, with participation from hospitality and tourism leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs
Startup Den is returning as part of the Future Hospitality Summit Saudi Arabia 2026, taking place in Riyadh from 22 to 24 June 2026, as part of efforts to accelerate innovation in the hospitality sector.
The summit will be hosted at the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah Riyadh, bringing together hospitality leaders, tourism executives, investors, and entrepreneurs.
A platform for hospitality innovation
Startup Den provides a direct opportunity for entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas to investors and industry leaders.
It also enables mentorship opportunities and access to investment networks.
The platform is among the most anticipated segments of the summit.
It plays a key role in supporting hospitality startups.
By connecting them with funding opportunities and expansion pathways across the region and beyond.
Key sectors
Participating startups operate across several industries, including:
- hotel technology.
- food and restaurant tech.
- delivery and logistics services.
- cloud kitchens and virtual brands.
- travel and tourism.
- data analytics.
- ESG and sustainability solutions.
- and fintech solutions for hospitality.
Eligibility requirements
- Companies must operate in hospitality or food and beverage sectors.
- They must be based in or targeting expansion across the MENA region.
- Startups must have 2 to 50 employees.
- Annual revenue must not exceed $3 million.
- Total funding must remain under $2 million.
Awards and growth opportunities
The winner of Startup Den will gain access to the Global Future Hospitality Summit in Dubai, along with meetings with venture capital firms and investors.
Organizer The Bench confirmed that Startup Den has become a core platform for fostering innovation and supporting startup growth in the hospitality industry.
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