The Arab Science and Technology Foundation (ASTF), a Pan-Arab NGO with the mission of promoting and supporting Science, Technology and Entrepreneurship as a tool of economic development in the MENA region, has announced its 6th Investing in Technology Forum to be held this year in Cairo, Egypt on May 12th -14th, 2009 under the Patronage of H.E. Dr. Ahmed Nazif, Prime Minister of Egypt.
Organized in cooperation with ITIDA and Nile University, the forum is a networking opportunity for entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, regional corporate CEOs, and all technology leaders in the region who will get together to share experiences, develop relationships and explore business opportunities.
The Forum falls into ASTF efforts to bridge the gap between those who generate technology and those who generates businesses and investments, with the ultimate aim of creating strong, innovative and competitive knowledge-based businesses that can add value, generate jobs and create wealth.
The Forum is targeted at an audience of investment and business professionals; multinational corporations; leading regional corporations in technology innovation; venture capital funds, private equity funds, and investment banks; angel investors and business angel groups; technology leaders in the Arab region; incubators and technology parks; universities and research centers; NGOs and Gov. organizations; as well as technology startups and SMEs.
Among the main objectives of the event are:
- Pushing the discussion on fostering an Arab Business Angel and Venture Capital Industry that is actively engaged in economic and technology development in the Arab region
- Presentation of the different programs in Venture Capital investment, 3rd party support and social responsibility programs by major multinational corportations in the region.
- Establishment of an informal network between technology leaders, corporations, angel investors, venture capital funds, and other financial institutions to stimulate further investment in new technologies.
- Organization of private match-make meetings between Arab technology startups, with worldwide market potential and global competitive advantage, and interested investors and venture capitalists.
“During the current global financial crises, and while Arab economies face new challenges after huge losses in banking, financial, and real estate sectors, the forum comes to suggest new investment opportunities in technology startup companies. The forum offers investments that create sustainable economic value in terms of revenue and job creation” said Dr. Abdalla Alnajjar, President, ASTF.
“The forum comes as part of our Startups Development Program in which we provide entrepreneurs with tools and services to get incubated, access capital investments, and furthermore, reach out potential clients in the market”, said Mr. Ahmad Takatkah, Startups Development Program Manager, ASTF.
“In addition to the regular “Conference” sessions, this year’s forum will have new “Private Investors-Entrepreneurs Matchmaking” in which a panel of investors from different Arab countries will meet participating startup companies to issue a list of “Top 10 startups Ready for Investment”. This year’s forum will also present “Startups Demo Exhibition” for the first time which will be a great opportunity for Arab startup companies to present their achievements and growth plans to investors and potential partners who are looking for new investment opportunities”, added Mr. Takatkah.
Previous editions of this forum were held in Beirut (Lebanon), Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), Manama (Bahrain), Kuwait City (Kuwait) and Amman (Jordan).
For more details about the event, as well as the different sessions and speakers, visit the event’s website: 6th Investing In Technology Forum.