Sade Fernandez

Transforming the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia into a leading global technology center by 2030.

NTDP

In this Session: This event is a beacon for startups and SMEs aspiring to scale globally, focusing on cultivating operational efficiency as the cornerstone of international success. Engage with global business leaders, operational strategists, and technology innovators who will share insights on building streamlined, agile, and scalable business models. Participate in interactive workshops and network with peers to learn about best practices in process optimization, technology integration, and resource management. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or an established SME, this event will provide you with the tools and knowledge to build a robust operational foundation, ready to conquer global markets. Don't miss this chance to transform your startup into an operational oasis, poised for worldwide growth. About the Speaker: Faisal Aldeghaither is a skilled Senior Business Analyst at the National Technology Development Program, with a strong background in VC, startups, investment, and business development. He is an active seed investor in ventures like Galactech LLC, dKilo, Fine Diner, and n.go, showcasing his commitment to fostering innovation. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Finance from Prince Sultan University, Faisal is also a Certified Strategy and Business Planning Professional, underlining his strategic acumen in guiding businesses towards growth and success.

Somi Arian

Founder-director

Operational Excellence: Building Efficient Startups to Go Global

In this Session: This event is a treasure trove for entrepreneurs and founders who are curious about the unique advantages and opportunities that Canada provides. Join us as industry experts and successful startup leaders unravel the supportive frameworks, funding avenues, and innovative communities that make Canada a thriving hub for early-stage startups. From governmental incentives and a diverse talent pool to a culture of collaboration and technological advancement, this session will highlight why Canada is increasingly becoming a top choice for startup growth and development. Whether you're considering expansion or starting afresh, gain valuable insights into leveraging Canada's dynamic environment to fuel your startup's journey. About the Speaker: Casey Van Maanen&nbsp;is a Senior Analyst at LOI Venture, an emerging venture capital fund in British Columbia with a focus on youth entrepreneurs, where he is responsible for meeting with founders, investors and experts within the startup ecosystem. Casey also mentors students at Front Row Ventures and is an advisor at DECKO, a marketing agency with a focus on pitch deck design for early-stage startups. Previously, he held roles at VU Venture Partners and the Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo). He received his Bachelor's in Management in 2021 from the University of Lethbridge Dhillon School of Business, with a major in finance.

Casey Van Maanen

What Canada Has to Offer to Saudi Startups

In this Session: This engaging session is your gateway to turning visionary ideas into viable businesses. Discover the critical steps of concept validation within the unique landscape of the Saudi market. Benefit from expert insights, interactive workshops, and real-world success stories that will guide you through the intricacies of market fit, customer discovery, and the essential pivot from idea to a flourishing enterprise. Whether you're in the ideation phase or ready to validate your startup concept, join us to gain the tools, knowledge, and network to grow your idea into a thriving oasis in the Saudi entrepreneurial ecosystem. About the Speaker: Info will be added shortly.

From Idea to Oasis: Validating Your Startup Concept in KSA

In this Session: This session is designed to demystify the complexities of international legal frameworks and regulatory compliance, ensuring your business is primed for global success. Engage with legal experts, seasoned entrepreneurs, and compliance professionals who will provide invaluable insights and practical advice on navigating the diverse legal terrains of international markets. From intellectual property protection to data privacy laws and cross-border trade regulations, this event will arm you with the knowledge to confidently steer your venture through the intricate legalities of global expansion. Don't miss this opportunity to fortify your startup's foundation for international growth and fundraising within a compliant framework. About the Speaker: Husam Almusaad is a seasoned legal specialist with an LLM, currently serving at the National Technology Development Program in Saudi Arabia. His extensive experience includes roles as a Legal Advisor at Dr. Abdulaziz Alfrayan Legal Consulting Company LLC and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology of Saudi Arabia, alongside a significant tenure at DR.Abdullah Alsalafi Law Firm. Husam's expertise is bolstered by a solid educational background in commercial law and a licensed attorney status from the Ministry of Justice - KSA.

Legal Landscapes: Navigating Compliance for International Markets

In this Session: Unlock pivotal tactics for both approaches and master the art of relationship-building. Whether you're reaching out cold or leveraging existing connections, learn the etiquette that opens doors and fosters lasting professional bonds. Don't miss this chance to elevate your networking game! About the Speaker:﻿Zamir Shukho&nbsp;is the Founder and General Partner of the Vibranium.VC venture fund. With 20 years of professional experience, he has a background as a serial entrepreneur having created 10 companies and organizations. He is also an expert in venture capital, management, and corporate innovation. In addition to this, he is a startup mentor and a certified coach of the Stanford I2M program.

Zamir Shukho

Cold Outreach vs. Warm Introductions: Strategies and Etiquette

In this Session: Tailored for ambitious startups and SMEs, this event is your golden opportunity to learn how to weave captivating narratives that resonate with investors. Dive deep into the essentials of crafting persuasive pitches that highlight your startup's unique value proposition. Engage with seasoned entrepreneurs and storytelling experts who will share their secrets to success and provide actionable feedback to refine your approach Whether you're preparing for your next funding round or seeking to make a lasting impression in the market, this event will equip you with the tools to stand out, its a premier event hosted by the National Technology Development Program (NTDP) of Saudi Arabia. About the Speaker: Ibrahim Neyaz is the CEO at the National Technology Development Program and Harvard Business School alumni, is a seasoned business executive with over 17 years of experience across private and public sectors. Renowned for his analytical and leadership prowess, he has a history of achieving ambitious goals through strategic resource alignment, underscored by his strong business acumen and exceptional interpersonal, organizational, communication, and customer service skills.

Pitch Perfect: Crafting Compelling Stories for Your Startup

In this Session: Navigating the financial landscape in the early stages of your business can be challenging, and this event aims to equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary for effective financial management. Gain insights into budgeting, cash flow management, investment strategies, and fundraising essentials from experienced financial experts. Learn how to make informed decisions that will safeguard your startup’s financial health and set a strong foundation for sustainable growth and success. Whether you're fine-tuning your financial plan or starting from scratch, this session will provide invaluable guidance for your entrepreneurial journey.﻿About the Speaker: Gülce Horatacı&nbsp;is is an accomplished Investment Manager at StartersHub, where she has been pivotal in the early-stage funding of tech and B2B SaaS startups since July 2021. In her role, she has managed over 80 investments and contributed to 5 successful exits, including notable companies like Meditopia and Udentify. Her expertise encompasses managing investment deals from sourcing to funding, as well as supervising portfolio strategy and assisting startups throughout their growth journey. Additionally, Gulce is a dedicated Community Member at 2hearts since November 2023, where she contributes to building a culturally diverse tech society. She plays a crucial role in empowering talent with immigration backgrounds to strengthen Europe's tech economy. Her commitment to diversity and inclusion is a testament to her belief in the value of varied perspectives in the tech industry. Simultaneously, Gulce holds the position of Head of Ventures at Innovis VC since October 2023 in Germany, further expanding her influence in the venture capital landscape. She is also involved with nugrow since September 2022, where she specializes in Venture Capital &amp; M&amp;A, consulting startups in the digital sector with fundraising and mergers and acquisitions. Her multifaceted roles reflect her deep understanding of the startup ecosystem and her commitment to fostering growth and innovation in the tech sector.

Financial Planning for the Early-Stage Startup

In this Session: Academic Centers offer a rich environment of expertise, resources, and services. However for many start up companies it can be difficult to navigate and take advantage of these resources. This talk will describe how universities create opportunities for external businesses and how companies can leverage these opportunities to accelerate the development of their technologies. About the Speaker: Dr. Nate Hafer&nbsp;serves as the Director of Operations for the University of Massachusetts Center for Clinical and Translational Science (UMCCTS). In this role he is responsible for the overall financial and administrative activities of the UMCCTS. This includes acting as a liaison to extramural resources (industry, NIH), linking investigators to one another and to research resources, aiding in the development of projects, and directing all UMCCTS pilot funding programs. He also serves as one of the Co-Directors of the Massachusetts Medical Device Development Center (M2D2), which serves as a lifeline for smaller medical device and biotech companies, offering inventors and executives easy, affordable, and coordinated access to researchers and resources at the Lowell and Worcester campuses of UMass. He is a multi-Principal Investigator for the Center for Advancing Point of Care Technologies (CAPCaT), a NIH-funded center designed to accelerate the commercialization of point of care technologies to treat, manage, and diagnose heart, lung, blood, and sleep diseases. He is an Assistant Professor in the Program in Molecular Medicine at UMass Chan Medical School (UMass Chan) and leads the UMass Chan I-Corps program. Previously, Nate was an American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Science and Technology Policy Fellow at the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH). Before joining NIH, Nate worked at the Federation of American Scientists and was a Science and Technology Policy Graduate Fellow at the National Academies. Nate completed his PhD in molecular biology at Princeton University and received a BS in biology from Penn State.

Leveraging Academic Opportunities for Your Startup: From Funding to Research

In this Session: Discover the keys to global expansion at an empowering event by the National Technology Development Program (NTDP) of Saudi Arabia. This event is meticulously crafted for startups and SMEs ready to transcend local boundaries and forge a presence on the international stage. Dive into the art of building valuable global networks, understanding cross-cultural business etiquette, and leveraging international partnerships. Hear firsthand from entrepreneurs who have successfully navigated the journey from local to global, and learn from experts in international trade and diplomacy. This session will provide actionable strategies, tools, and insights to help you expand your professional network and position your business for success in diverse markets. Whether you're aiming for regional growth or global dominance, this event is your gateway to unlocking the potential of your startup beyond the borders of KSA. About the Speaker: Abdullah Al-Haqbani, VP of Strategy and Business Support at the National Technology Development Program, is a seasoned expert in Strategy, BPM, BPMS implementation, E-Transformation, and Integration. With a robust background in leading national program strategy development and execution, his previous roles include CSO at a confidential firm and Director at EY. Al-Haqbani's strategic acumen is further demonstrated by his alignment of the Ministry of Civil Service's strategy with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.

Going International: How to Build A Network Beyond KSA

In this Session: Every investor is making decisions based upon a different mandate - in the slew of pitches investors receive, they will quickly look for green flags and red flags. These look different for different fund structures. The more technical or industry-specific a startup is, the more that decks and pitches must be tailored to different fund types. Learn how to decipher which investors you should be speaking to, what they are really looking for and how to customize an effective pitch.&nbsp; About the Speaker:﻿Rachael Ferm is an experienced entrepreneur, advisor, and investor focused on early-stage innovation and climate technology. Her journey in the startup world began as a co-founder of LOUD Apparel at Northwestern, a custom graphic design company that scaled to over 100 college campuses nationwide. After opening facilities in Chicago and Atlanta, Rachael pivoted to management consulting at Accenture, where she led innovation strategy projects for Fortune 100 companies. This work focused on the 5+ year horizon, working on frontier technologies and examining long-term societal trends. Throughout these years, Rachael worked on innovation research projects across various continents. Eager to get closer to founders, Rachael joined Alumni Ventures, the most active VC firm in the country dedicated to democratizing the venture capital asset class for individuals. Alumni Ventures is now the largest institutional fund for retail investors. As an investor, she has developed expertise in climate technologies - an area she is passionate about transforming. She is currently building the NYC chapter of ClimateHack, uniting stakeholders across sectors to make New York a model for climate innovation globally. She is also supporting female entrepreneurs through the Women Entrepreneurship Day Organization, which will be hosted at the UN in November. Through her diverse experiences across the landscape, Rachael brings a valuable strategic perspective to early-stage ventures with world-changing potential. She thrives on uniting people and ideas to drive meaningful progress and a more resilient, equitable and sustainable future.

Tailoring Your Deck for Different Investor Types

In this Session: This is a pivotal event under the National Transformation Program (NTDP) of Saudi Arabia, designed to elevate the entrepreneurial landscape. This exclusive gathering is tailored for startups and SMEs eager to unlock new funding avenues and bolster their growth in the competitive market. Engage with industry leaders, successful entrepreneurs, and investment experts who will share invaluable insights, practical strategies, and real-world experiences on securing funding. Whether you're looking to kickstart your venture or accelerate your business's growth, this event promises to equip you with the tools and knowledge to navigate the complexities of fundraising. Embrace this opportunity to connect, learn, and pave your way to success in the thriving Saudi startup ecosystem. About the Speaker: Mohammed Almamar is a dynamic Product Manager at the National Technology Development Program, specializing in financing deep tech startups. As the visionary Founder &amp; CEO of Wasm Platform, he's pioneering Web 3.0 website building. His tenure at NYU Abu Dhabi as Innovation Programs Lead and experience with Monshaat highlight his commitment to accelerating startup growth.

Navigating the Sands of Funding: Strategies for Saudi Startups

In this Session: In the competitive landscape of startups, media coverage can be an effective tool to achieve a business goal, whether that's attracting investors, acquiring customers, getting in front of potential hires or building brand visibility broadly.&nbsp;This talk will explore strategic approaches and actionable tips to help entrepreneurs effectively navigate the nuances of press and secure coverage for their startups. About the Speaker: Jenny Chao&nbsp;is a seasoned communications professional with over 9 years of diverse experience in consumer tech, B2B, emerging tech, and venture capital. As the Director of Communications at Day One Ventures, she spearheads communication efforts for a portfolio of customer-focused companies, including notable names like You.com, SUPERPLASTIC, Continuum, and more. With an impressive track record, Jenny has secured 115 standalone stories, many featured in top-tier outlets such as The New York Times, WSJ, Bloomberg, and TechCrunch. She played a pivotal role in the success of companies like Dollar Shave Club (acquired by Unilever), DogVacay (acquired by Rover), and others. Her career began at Moxie Communications Group, where she led consumer tech teams and managed communications for brands like ELOQUII and ANGI Homeservices. Jenny's passion lies in bringing founders' stories to life, making her an influential figure in the world of communications and venture capital.

Jenny Chao 

How to Get Media Coverage for Your Startup

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