More than 200 leading prominent angel investors, dynamic start-ups from the MENA region, and members of the local media, gathered in Bahrain for the commencement of the second MENA Angel Investors Summit 2015. The event, was held at the Four Seasons Hotel, and organised by Tenmou, Bahrain’s First ‘Business Angels’, in strategic partnership with the Economic Development Board (EDB).
The high-profile event was officially inaugurated by Mr. Sami Jalal, Chairman of Tenmou. In a fast-paced and exciting agenda, 45 dynamic fast-growth start-ups from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Egypt, and Jordan, presented their business pitches to the angel investors in attendance in hopes of procuring more funding to take their businesses to the next level.
The highlight of the summit was the launch of the region’s first networking association, the MENA Angel Investor Network (MAIN). Conceptualised by Mr. Hasan Haider, Chief Executive Officer of Tenmou, the association aims to provide a robust network which facilitates open dialogue between MENA Angel groups in the region and exchange of best practices between members, boost cooperation between groups on cross-border deals, and raise regional awareness related to angel investment.
Following the pitch process, there were two panel discussions on the Way Forward for the MENA Angel Investment scene. A gala dinner was also hosted by Tenmou and EDB for all participants. On the second day, a number of one-on-one meetings between angel investors and high-potential innovative entrepreneurs from the region, were arranged to share their experience and develop their investment portfolios. In addition, as part of the agenda, led by the EDB, the visiting angel investors from the region were given an insight into doing business in Bahrain.
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 BD1 million (US$2.7 million),Tenmou invests an average of BD20,000 (US$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.
