• Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund Partners with Hope Ventures to Facilitate Investment Opportunities for UAE-based Entrepreneurs Through Beban TV Show
• UAE’s innovation initiative, Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF), has joined Hope Ventures, the investment arm of Bahrain’s Hope Fund, to empower UAE-based entrepreneurs and businesses through the entrepreneurship reality show, Beban.
• The new partnership will give UAE-based businesses access to a diverse pool of investors and strategic partners to help them grow on regional and international levels.
• Candidates for the Beban show will be nominated to partake in an intensive training bootcamp, which will equip entrepreneurs with key skills and knowledge in areas such as expansion planning, financial modeling, and developing their pitching skills.

Press release:

Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF), an initiative launched by the UAE Ministry of Finance to support innovation in the UAE, and Hope Ventures, the investment arm of Hope Fund in the Kingdom of Bahrain, enter a strategic partnership to empower UAE-based entrepreneurs and businesses through Hope’s entrepreneurship-themed reality television show and the region’s first private-public investment platform, Beban.

Beban is centered around entrepreneurs and business owners from across the Mena region as they pitch their businesses before a panel of regional, reputable investors for equity investment and business opportunities that can accelerate the growth of these businesses to new markets.

The strategic partnership between Hope Ventures and MBRIF demonstrates a strong alignment with MBRIF’s mission to foster the growth and success of homegrown innovations. Through this partnership, Beban will play a pivotal role in facilitating the ease of access for UAE-based businesses to a diverse pool of investors and strategic partners, which in turn will accelerate the growth of these businesses into both regional and international markets, bolstering their growth trajectory.

Commenting on the partnership, H.E. Aymen bin Tawfiq Almoayed, Secretary General of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports in the Kingdom of Bahrain and Chairman of Hope Fund, shared: "As we join forces with MBRIF, our shared vision takes center stage, aiming to cultivate entrepreneurship and drive economic growth in the region. The collaboration presents a unique opportunity through the Beban TV show, where entrepreneurs can showcase their ventures and forge connections with potential investors. This partnership allows us to build synergies with MBRIF, a regional leader in the innovation ecosystem, and expand our reach to entrepreneurs in the region. Together, we're building a future where innovation thrives, and entrepreneurs find the support they need to succeed on a broader stage, contributing to the prosperity of our communities and beyond."

H.E. Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs in the UAE, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating: "This collaboration mirrors our unwavering commitment to championing innovation and propelling our nation towards economic excellence. In joining forces with Hope Ventures, we are amplifying the support system for UAE-based entrepreneurs by partnering with one of the most exciting innovation platforms in the region, Beban TV Show. This initiative goes beyond conventional boundaries, providing a dynamic stage for UAE innovators to showcase their ventures, fostering cross-border collaboration, and creating an environment where the spirit of entrepreneurship thrives.”

This collaboration not only supports entrepreneurs' development but also promotes cross-border knowledge exchange, creating a dynamic platform for sharing experiences and best practices.

As of today, and through MBRIF’s partnership, UAE-based entrepreneurs are able to apply to season 4 of the Beban TV show through the website beban.me. Entrepreneurs will undergo a rigorous selection process consisting of five stages. The process begins with screening businesses to assess their viability based on specific criteria. This is followed by an evaluation stage conducted by industry experts and specialists. Subsequently, candidates will be nominated to partake in an intensive training bootcamp, which will equip entrepreneurs with key skills and knowledge in areas such as expansion planning, financial modeling, and developing their pitching skills. The final stage will announce the qualified finalists, who will proceed to film the episodes of the production.

Selected entrepreneurs will have the unique opportunity to pitch their businesses in front of a panel of reputable regional investors on a televised show that airs on various regional channels and VODs. This exposure will boost their visibility and provide invaluable networking opportunities, further propelling their growth and success.