Saudi-based Women Spark Drives Angel Investment to Kuwait Startup Ecosystem
Event Highlights Angel Investing and the Rise of Women-led Startups in the GCC
Kuwait City, Kuwait – September 2024 – On September 17, Women Spark, the largest female angel investor network in the MENA region, made its much-anticipated debut in Kuwait with a powerful Demo Day hosted at Al Hamra Tower. Powered by Playbook, the event drew over 100 attendees, including angel investors, global dignitaries, and key players in Kuwait’s growing entrepreneurship landscape. The event underscored the critical role of women in driving innovation and deploying capital in a country primed for economic transformation.
The vibrant energy in the room was a clear reflection of the untapped potential of female entrepreneurs and angel investors in Kuwait, a nation known for its financial prowess and strategic investments. The Women Spark Demo Day showcased five exceptional female founders who are redefining industries and proving that the region’s economic future is being shaped, in part, by women-led ventures.
Deploying Capital and Building Kuwait’s Female-Led Startup Ecosystem
Kuwait’s entrepreneurship ecosystem is on the rise, and female angel investors are playing an increasingly important role in deploying capital to support the next generation of innovators. Women Spark is at the forefront of this movement, offering a platform where female founders have access to strategic mentorship, financial resources, and a network of investors eager to back high-growth, scalable ventures.
"This event marks a pivotal step in bringing more female-driven capital into Kuwait’s startup ecosystem," said Wafa AlObaidat , Founder and CEO of Playbook. "Women Spark is creating a transformative space for female entrepreneurs to thrive, and today’s Demo Day is proof that we are just beginning to unlock the full potential of women-led innovation in the region."
A highlight of the event was the mock investment session, where attendees symbolically signed $10,000 cheques, a bold activation aimed at raising awareness around minimum ticket sizes in angel investing. This symbolic moment was designed to reflect the pressing need for increased funding towards female founders, who globally receive less than 2.3% of venture capital.
TAQNEEN LAW FIRM : Guiding Female Founders through Legal Complexities
As the Silver Sponsor of the Women Spark Demo Day, Taqneen Law Firm played a critical role in ensuring the event’s success, providing both financial support and invaluable legal expertise. Represented by Noor Al Naqeeb, Taqneen’s involvement extended beyond sponsorship, as Noor delivered an impactful speech that resonated with the entrepreneurial and investment community in attendance.
Noor Al Naqeeb’s address emphasised the crucial importance of well-structured legal and financial frameworks for startups, particularly when seeking investor interest. She highlighted how having the right contracts in place and mastering negotiation strategies can be key factors in aligning investor-founder relationships, ultimately driving sustainable growth.
Taqneen’s commitment to supporting female-led innovation through its expertise and guidance was instrumental in supporting the founders who took part in the Demo Day, helping them better understand the legal challenges of scaling their ventures.
Partnerships That Made It Possible
Kuwait Achievers for Future Opportunities (KAFO) represented by KAFO’s CEO Dr Fatemah Almosawi partnered with Women Spark to source top talent and emerging startups, while Al Hamra Tower provided an iconic venue, reinforcing the message of collaboration and growth within Kuwait’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Collective Coffee also contributed to the day by providing refreshments, fueling the dynamic conversations and networking that took place throughout the event.
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Startups That Are Shaping the Future
The Demo Day spotlighted five dynamic female founders, each presenting groundbreaking solutions across a diverse range of industries:
A Global Presence, A Local Impact
The event also drew the attention of international dignitaries, with ambassadors from Canada, Australia, and Egypt in attendance, each standing in solidarity with Kuwait’s burgeoning entrepreneurial landscape. Their presence highlighted the global significance of Kuwait’s efforts to cultivate a vibrant startup ecosystem, one that is increasingly fueled by the ingenuity and leadership of women.
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About PLAYBOOK
PLAYBOOK is a powerful global networking and mentorship platform for women leaders. With an award-winning leadership team that is fully-female founded, the network has been making waves regionally and internationally with its high-quality production masterclasses, robust community, networking potential, workshops, events and mentorship programs. Women Spark, powered by Playbook, is MENA’s leading female angel group, investing in early-stage, women-led startups. Our mission is to create a new generation of digital economy creators by connecting passionate startups with dedicated women angel investors.
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