Majid Al Futtaim has launched the second edition of its Launchpad programme – part of Xsight Future Solutions business, Majid Al Futtaim’s newly formed business aimed at accelerating the company’s digital offerings and empowering partners with scalable, end-to-end digital services, products, and solutions. Majid Al Futtaim’s Launchpad strives to unlock value by partnering with and investing in innovative startups and disruptors that can benefit from the reach of the Majid Al Futtaim ecosystem.
For the programme’s second edition, Majid Al Futtaim has partnered with DIFC Launchpad, an initiative by Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial centre in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, which aims to promote the growth of start-ups in the region. For this edition of the accelerator programme, DIFC Launchpad will support in scaling Majid Al Futtaim’s Launchpad by curating a global network of start-ups to bring into the programme. DIFC Launchpad will provide winners with one-to-one mentorship opportunities on fundraising and corporate partnerships, facilitate introductions to VC’s, in addition to providing access to its diverse talent base, distribution partners, and co-working spaces.
Aiming to support the growth of early-stage startups while driving economic growth in the region, Majid Al Futtaim has also extended its partnership with AstroLabs and Microsoft for this edition to offer successful participants access to innovative technology products, mentorship, training, and go-to-market opportunities.
The Launchpad programme targets innovative startups across Homegrown Brands focusing on fashion and lifestyle, leisure and experiences, community centric initiatives, and fashion technology startups. Successful applicants in the Homegrown Brands category will be offered subsidised access to tangible growth opportunities, such as accelerating customer acquisition, improving operational efficiencies, and access to new revenue streams. Additionally, this edition of the programme will welcome Climate Tech startups, offering digital twin and IOT solutions, sustainability solutions, and innovative approaches to waste management. Winners will have the opportunity to introduce their innovative solutions within Majid Al Futtaim’s portfolio through fully funded pilot programmes.
Joe Abi Akl, Chief Corporate Development Officer and Managing Director of Xsight Future Solutions at Majid Al Futtaim Holding, said: “The success of the first edition of the Launchpad programme demonstrated the incredible potential of startups in this region, and we look forward to working with another group of entrepreneurs, helping them advance their innovations and welcoming them into the Majid Al Futtaim ecosystem through the Launchpad programme. We are thrilled to have AstroLabs and Microsoft back as partners and proud to welcome DIFC Launchpad on board for this edition to ensure that successful applicants receive the right training, mentorship and support to thrive.”
Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority, said: “In line with our commitment to provide a thriving ecosystem for Innovation and FinTech firms in Dubai and our vision to drive the future of finance, DIFC is pleased to partner with Majid Al Futtaim to support with curating a global network of start-ups for the Launchpad programme. The DIFC Launchpad platform aims to attract the best minds from entrepreneurial ecosystems around the world to Dubai, offering the necessary support to develop, test and accelerate start-ups, scale-ups and corporate ventures. We are delighted to provide winners of the programme with one-to-one mentorship opportunities on fundraising and corporate partnerships, facilitate introductions to VC’s, in addition to providing access to our diverse talent base, distribution partners, and co-working spaces.”
Applications for the second edition are now open. SME’s and startups can apply to the program.
