The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), through its Directorate of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, has launched the first phase of the Aqaba Sword-Fish Fund (ASFF), a new initiative designed to prepare startups and entrepreneurial projects in Aqaba and South Jordan for investment, growth, and regional expansion.
The initiative is the first investment-focused startup fund of its kind in Aqaba. It aims to support early-stage companies through a structured three-month qualification program that combines training, mentorship, investment readiness support, and access to investors and strategic partners.
A Strategic Push for Aqaba’s Startup Ecosystem
The launch of the Aqaba Sword-Fish Fund reflects ASEZA’s efforts to build a more active entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem in Aqaba and the southern governorates of Jordan.
The program began with an intensive three-day investment readiness boot camp held at the Zain Innovation Campus (ZINC) in Aqaba, bringing together founders and entrepreneurs from across South Jordan.
Dr. Thabet Al-Nabulsi, Commissioner for Tourism and Youth Affairs at ASEZA, said the launch of ASFF comes as part of the Authority’s efforts to strengthen the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem and create a supportive environment for startup growth in Aqaba.
He added that the program represents an important step toward preparing a new generation of companies capable of competing, attracting investment, supporting the local economy, stimulating investment, and creating quality jobs.
Preparing Startups for Investment
The first phase of ASFF focuses on a comprehensive investment readiness program developed in collaboration with Princess Sumaya University for Technology, through the Queen Rania Center for Entrepreneurship.
The program is designed to provide entrepreneurs with the practical knowledge and tools they need to understand investment requirements, develop scalable business models, improve their investment plans, and present their businesses more effectively to potential investors.
Rima Al-Tabaa, Director of the Directorate of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at ASEZA, said the investment readiness program is a key pathway to supporting and empowering startups by equipping participants with the tools needed to understand investor expectations and build scalable business models.
The program includes specialized training and mentorship sessions led by experts in investment, business development, pitching, financial planning, digital transformation, and strategic partnerships.
A Three-Phase Path to Funding
The Aqaba Sword-Fish Fund is structured as a three-month qualification track that guides startups from early preparation to investor engagement.
The program is divided into three main stages:
1. Investment Readiness
The first phase focuses on refining business models, improving investment pitches, advancing digital transformation, and strengthening the administrative and financial capabilities of participating companies.
This stage helps founders better define their value proposition, understand their market potential, and prepare stronger investment presentations.
2. Evaluation
After the training phase, participating companies will be evaluated according to clear investment criteria. The assessment will measure each company’s readiness, growth potential, scalability, and eligibility to move forward in the program.
3. Investor Matchmaking
In the final stage, qualified companies will be connected with a network of investors and strategic partners to explore opportunities for funding, partnerships, and regional expansion.
Supporting Startups in South Jordan
The Aqaba Sword-Fish Fund targets entrepreneurs and startups in Aqaba and the southern governorates, with the aim of expanding access to investment opportunities beyond Jordan’s capital.
Backed by ASEZA and the Aqaba Governorate Council, the initiative supports a broader effort to position Aqaba as a growing hub for entrepreneurship, innovation, and business development.
Through the program, startups will receive support in developing investment plans, improving business models, building partnerships, and preparing for sustainable growth.
About Aqaba Sword-Fish Fund
The Aqaba Sword-Fish Fund (ASFF) is an initiative launched by the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority to develop the startup ecosystem in Aqaba and South Jordan.
The fund aims to prepare early-stage companies for investment by providing training, mentorship, business development support, and access to a network of investors and strategic partners, contributing to economic growth and innovation in the region.
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