ASIMOV Initiative recently hosted Meetup #8 in Al Quoz Industrial Area. The event brought together seasoned investors and startup experts to demystify the often opaque world of venture capital and startup funding.
The event, supported by MARSES Robotics, Conreality, Haltia.AI, and CodersHQ, offered attendees a rare glimpse into the minds of investors. The panel, moderated by Talal Thabet, CEO of Haltia.AI, featured Sharif El-Badawi (Managing Partner @ LGND, ex-CEO of Dubai Future District Fund), Alexandra Galani (founder of PitchDeck DMCC), Sarah Abuagela (Head of Investments at Ceras Ventures), and Juliet Su (Partner NewTribe Capital).
As the startup ecosystem in the UAE continues to mature, the panel grappled with a pressing question: How can founders cut through the noise and truly connect with investors? Sarah Abuagela emphasized the power of networking and referrals, stating, “The more effective and fastest way is to get recommended… through mutual contacts.” This set the tone for an evening focused on relationship-building and strategic communication.
Sharif El-Badawi expanded on this, advising founders to approach investors well before they need funding. “You’re getting to know investors in the relationship phase when you’re not actually fundraising,” he explained. This insight challenged the audience to rethink their approach to investor relations, emphasizing the importance of long-term relationship building.
Galani offered a strategic approach to investor outreach that resonated strongly with the audience. “Your best bet is actually not to say, ‘I want to raise,’ it’s ‘I would love your advice,'” she advised. This relationship-first approach underscores the value of building connections before seeking funding.
The panel then delved into the art of crafting an effective pitch deck. Su stressed the importance of authenticity and storytelling. “Investors feel the passion. Investors feel how enthusiastic you are about the product you’re building,” she noted. This observation highlighted the significance of authenticity, genuine enthusiasm, and deep understanding in making a pitch memorable.
The discussion took a practical turn when addressing the critical components of a successful pitch. El-Badawi advised, “I would rather see a GTM slide on how you’re going to go step one, turn left, step two, turn right.” This emphasized the importance of a clear, actionable go-to-market strategy over broad market size projections.
Su offered a unique perspective on pitch deck design, suggesting an unconventional approach: “You can do one slide, one sentence, and then invest in thinking like, who is this person? Why are they so confident that they’re not even revealing their product and they make us guess.” This sparked a discussion about creative ways to capture investor attention.
Abuagela highlighted the critical elements investors look for in a startup. “VCs invest in people and profit. It’s not about degrees; it’s about relevant industry experience and a proven track record,” she explained, providing valuable insight into what investors prioritize beyond the business idea itself.
The discussion also touched on the rapid decision-making process of investors. El-Badawi revealed, “From there, I’m not determining whether I’m going to invest or not invest or I like the business or I don’t like the business, it’s just whether I’m gonna put the other minute in.” This sparked a debate about the initial screening process investors use and how founders can optimize their pitches for this reality.
The event concluded with a sense of empowerment and clarity: while fundraising remains challenging, understanding investor perspectives and building genuine relationships can significantly improve a founder’s chances of success.
Shefiu Ismael, Director – Market Access & Partnerships at The ASIMOV Initiative, commented on the event’s impact and the evolution of the ASIMOV Meetups: “While our previous meetups have focused on cutting-edge AI and tech developments, tonight’s discussions on startup funding underscore the importance of bringing diverse perspectives together across the entire innovation ecosystem. The ASIMOV Meetups have become a vital platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration, providing insights not only into technological advancements but also into the critical aspects of building and funding successful startups. This holistic approach sets the stage for future innovations in the UAE’s tech landscape.”
For more information about the ASIMOV Initiative and upcoming meetups, visit https://www.meetup.com/asimov-meetup/.
