Accelerating innovation: Introducing Oxagon’s Accelerator mentors

As part of our mission to foster innovation and growth across NEOM, Oxagon is proud to introduce the external mentors who supported businesses enrolled in cohort two of the Oxagon x McLaren Accelerator.

The 14-week program equips participants with the knowledge, resources, network and business resilience to pilot and deploy their solutions across the Port of NEOM.

In the medium-term, these innovative solutions and technologies will also have wider market entry and commercialization opportunities across Saudi Arabia, the wider region and beyond.

Each mentor is renowned for their extensive expertise and reputation as a business pioneer, known for pushing the boundaries in their respective fields.

Meet the mentors

Alexander Kappes, founder & CEO of Greener Crop

A former CEO of Groupon Middle East, Alexander boasts an impressive track record in scaling businesses and driving growth in diverse markets. His current venture, Greener Crop, focuses on developing data-driven agricultural solutions, reflecting his ability to adapt and lead in next-generation sectors.

Currently working with: SlateSafety?

Michael Bruck, advisor at Arabian Asian Investment Company

Michael is a seasoned Silicon Valley veteran with deep roots in the semiconductor industry and investment sectors. His strategic insights and experience in high-tech industries, including 16 years with Intel Inc., enable him to provide startups with a clear roadmap to navigate the complexities of technological innovation and securing investment.

Currently working with: Entopy

Alex Pavel, managing director at Pagero

Alex Pavel is a corporate leader with a strong background in digital transformation and process automation. His work at Pagero involves optimizing business processes and driving digital efficiency, skills that are crucial for any startup looking to scale its operations and improve its technological infrastructure.

Currently working with:? viAct

Daniel Roney, managing director at Detekt

Daniel is an international business leader with extensive experience in identifying and leveraging new market opportunities, particularly in the technology sector. Over the past two decades, he has worked with more than 500 startups and high-growth companies, helping steer their development and expand into new markets.

Currently working with: AMLab

Nesrine Padovani, co-founder & CEO of UpGradelle Cs

Nesrine is a serial entrepreneur with a proven track record of building and scaling successful ventures. Her ability to navigate the complexities of starting a business makes her an ideal mentor for budding entrepreneurs.

Currently working with: Groundup.ai

Francesco Pessolano, co-founder & CEO of Astrape Networks

A technology innovator, Francesco brings a wealth of experience in scaling tech startups. As co-founder & CEO of Astrape Networks, Francesco’s expertise in network solutions and technology innovation makes him a valuable mentor for tech-focused startups.

Currently working with: Qafka Robotics B.V.

Rami Al Karmi, founder & executive chairman of Ab(new)normal AI

Rami Al Karmi is a distinguished futurist, investor, and executive coach. He is the Executive Chairman of Ab(new)normal Ventures, focusing on AI, Blockchain, DeFi, and Web3 innovations in FinTech, EdTech, and the Future of Work.

Currently working with: Clearbot

Arno Larooij, founder of BeeYodah

Arno Larooij boasts more than two decades’ experience in the port and logistics sectors specialising in digital transformation and robotics. He offers a unique perspective on how to integrate tech solutions effectively to streamline operations and accelerate processes.

Currently working with: Qafka Robotics B.V.

The Oxagon x McLaren Accelerator program empowers promising scaleups with the resources, mentorship, and network they need to thrive. This unique program provides them with the opportunity to pilot their technology in a real-world setting, gaining valuable insights to propel their businesses forward.

Stay tuned for the opening of future accelerator programs. In the meantime, learn more about our program: https://www.neom.com/en-us/regions/oxagon/accelerators/global-cohort-2