500 Startups and Misk launch the MENA Accelerator program

500 Startups, through a continued partnership with Misk Innovation has launched the second edition of the Misk 500 Accelerator Program for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The program is a 14-week course which will focus on bringing growth hacking techniques and provide Silicon Valley expertise to emerging companies in the region. 500 Startups is well-known for its global accelerator programs, having held similar programs in Japan, Russia, Uruguay and more. 500’s mission is to discover and back the world’s most talented entrepreneurs, help them create successful companies at scale, and build thriving global ecosystems.

Building on the success of the highly sought-after Misk 500 Accelerator Program Batch 1, 500 Startups and Misk Innovation are excited to continue working with startups from the region. The goal of the program is to empower local and regional startups by raising the level of training standards for young entrepreneurs in MENA. 500 Startups regional fund, 500 Falcons, will invest USD $50,000 into each participating startup in exchange for 7% equity.

500 Startups, together with Misk Innovation, will be searching for founders who are building technologies and products to impact B2B, B2C, E-Commerce, FinTech, EdTech, HealthTech, IoT, robotics, artificial intelligence, SaaS and messaging services.

Batch 2 of the Misk 500 Accelerator will ultimately select 15-20 technology startups from across the MENA region to participate in the program. Startups selected are expected to have a working product and demonstrable initial traction. Those who are accepted will be given the opportunity to meet with some of MENA’s leading corporations and investors throughout the program and during Demo Day, where each startup will pitch their product or service to the audience.


Source: Zawya