Tenmou, Bahrain’s first ‘Business Angels’ organisation is gearing up to host MENA Angel Investors Summit 2015 in May 2015. The event will be held in strategic partnership with the Economic Development Board (EDB).
The Summit aims to provide a platform to empower new and existing angel investors across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and around the globe to connect with high-potential innovative entrepreneurs, to share experiences and develop their investment portfolios. Last year more than 150 angel investors and 50 entrepreneurs from the Middle East, North Africa, Europe and the US Silicon Valley participated in the first MENA Summit.
Sami Jalal, Chairman of Tenmou, commenting on the announcement said: “Building on the success of last year we are proud to host the Second MENA Angel Summit in strategic partnership with the Economic Development Board. Summits such as this provide an excellent platform for the high-potential innovative entrepreneurs to connect with angel investors from around the world. At Tenmou, we are committed to position Bahrain as the entrepreneurial hub for the MENA region. Last year, we witnessed four regional agreements being signed for more than BD 2 million as a result of the Summit, and we look forward to seeing many more such deals being signed this year.”
Khalid Al Rumaihi, Chief Executive at the EDB, said: “Innovation and entrepreneurship are essential to our economy’s future growth and in attracting international businesses. Providing SMEs – and particularly innovative, high-growth SMEs – with the support they need to grow will be essential in ensuring our prosperity and in fully diversifying our economy. Events such as the Angel Investors Summit not only promote the opportunities and support available to aspiring entrepreneurs but also bring these talented individuals to the attention of potential investors.”
Launched in 2011, Tenmou aims to support entrepreneurs with valuable business assistance, including financial investment, mentorship, advice and guidance. Tenmou recognizes that for many entrepreneurs, mentorship programmes can be as valuable as financial investments. Each project receives practical advice and training from the company’s board members, who bring with them a wealth of business experience. These training sessions expose the entrepreneurs to real business situations and are conducted in the form of workshops, on a regular basis.
Established with a start-up capital of BD1m ($2.7m),Tenmou invests an average of BD20,000 ($53,000) for a stake of on average 20% in each project that meets its criteria, and will provide a three-month mentorship period, including support services, at no cost to the entrepreneurs.
