In the vast landscape of startups, making a mark is no easy feat. However, for me, the journey from being selected for the Dubai’s Arab Social Media influencers Summit out of a pool of hundreds of startups to standing among the final five and eventually clinching the first prize was nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. It all unfolded on the 17th of March 2015 at the Arab Social Media Influencers Summit in Dubai—a moment that etched itself into the tapestry of my entrepreneurial adventure.
The Dubai’s Arab Social Media influencers Summit Triumph: Breaking Barriers and Expectations
What commenced as a humble online pitch to a discerning jury transformed into a significant victory. Advancing through the initial rounds to secure a spot among the first finalists and eventually breaking into the elite top 5 was an achievement in itself. Little did I anticipate that on that fateful day, I would be crowned the winner of the first prize. Imagine the thrill of competing against startup founders who had already amassed millions!
SnackableNews: A Startup’s Tale of Tenacity and Triumph
When I introduced SnackableNews, my brainchild native advertising platform, the primary goal was simple: secure the first sale. Once that milestone was achieved, my focus shifted to replicating and scaling those sales. It wasn’t just about winning the coveted 1st prize and a substantial 100,000 AED check; it was about unraveling the secret to any startup’s success—selling, selling, selling. Building and validating the business model, finding ways to generate revenue early on—these were the crucial steps to thriving in the competitive startup ecosystem.
Pitching Confidence: A Formula for Success
Armed with five minutes to pitch SnackableNews, I concentrated on articulating the problem concisely, backing it up with tangible numbers. Then, I delved into the solution, illustrating its efficacy through real-life case studies of actual clients. The key, as I discovered, was simplicity and directness. Little did I know that this pitch, my very first in a grand event in front of renowned figures, would catapult me to victory.
The Jury: Guided by Visionaries
Facing a jury composed of influential figures such as Jordanian Lebanese entrepreneur and investor, Fadi Ghandour, Ahmed Bin Bayat, the CEO of Dubai Holding and Chairman of Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company PJSC (du), and Egyptian Mustafa Abdel-Wadood, a private Investor who has had a long career as an active global investor across private equity, growth capital and VC, added an extra layer of prestige to the victory. Their discerning eyes saw the potential in SnackableNews, and their validation fueled my confidence.
In retrospect, the Dubai’s Arab Social Media influencers Summit wasn’t just a win for SnackableNews; it was a testament to the power of persistence, the importance of a solid sales strategy, and the impact of confident pitching. The journey from a startup dreamer to a Dubai’s Arab Social Media influencers Summit victor has not only shaped my entrepreneurial narrative but stands as an inspiring tale for anyone navigating the challenging terrain of startup entrepreneurship.
With Maher Kaddoura, an Angel Investor & Social Change Maker
With Alexis Ohanian, co-founder and executive chairman of Reddit, behind the stage a few minutes before my pitch 🙂
