Challenging times often produce great innovation.  Companies as diverse as Disney, HP, Google, Salesforce and facebook were all launched during or just before major economic downturns.

Now that the UAE is #Restarting we look to the future for forward thinking tech startups in the region and celebrate those who have continued to build, pivot and grow their businesses.

AGENDA:

15:00 Dtec Introduction: Hans Christensen, VP Dtec

Welcome introduction by the VP of Dtec, the UAE’s largest tech startup hub.

15:10 Fireside chat: The Future of Investment: Khaled Talhouni, Managing Partner Nuwa Capital

Looking at the future investment landscape post COVID. Will investment pick up? Did it actually slow down? What industries will investors be looking at in 2020 and beyond? How can startups make the best of this situation/ opportunity?

15:30 Panel Session: Winning during difficult times

In this panel session we celebrate three UAE based startups who are succeeding and have continued to grow and achieve funding during the recent lockdown period.

Founded in 2011, Yalla Compare has grown to become the leading finance comparison site in the Middle East. From small startup roots they have grown to having more than 120 employees with operations across the Middle East region. Yalla Compare raised a further $4.2 million in May 2020 facilitating their continued growth and expansion plans.

360vuz is a virtual reality mobile app. Along with raising a $5.8 million Series A round, 360vuz also saw a threefold increase in users from March to April with a particular focus on travel and entertainment content. With a focus on immersive virtual experiences 360vuz are perfectly placed to thrive as we adapt to new ways of consuming content.

Hotel Data Cloud (HDC) is a content distribution platform that enables hotels to increase bookings by controlling the narrative of their listings with personalized content, AI powered smart recommendations. Along with achieving seed funding of $350,000 in April, Hotel Data Cloud also introduced a section detailing all measures relating to COVID-19. These efforts were recognized by the UNTWO and designated as a ‘Healing Solutions for Tourism’ that will enable hotels to rebuild customer confidence and trust by being able to share vital attributes, that affect travel decision making.

Panelists:

• Jonathan Rawling, Co-Founder, Yalla Compare

• Khaled Zaatarah, Co-Founder, 360VUZ

• Kevin Czok, Co-Founder, Hotel Data Cloud

Moderator: Tamara Pupic, Entrepreneur ME

16:10 Q&A

16:25 Closing Comments