First introduced in 2009 by ABC as “Shark Tank” (or “Dragons’ Den” in other countries), this hit TV show features a panel of successful investors who listen to pitches from aspiring entrepreneurs.
The goal is to find promising startups that have the potential to become profitable businesses and make investments accordingly. The show has been popular all over the world, with versions airing across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
On December 17th, 2022, Shark Tank Egypt made its regional debut at the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). This exciting event marks the beginning of a new era for entrepreneurs looking for investors in Egypt and the Middle East region.
Shark Tank Egypt will provide an unprecedented opportunity for regional entrepreneurs seeking investment or mentorship from experienced players both locally and internationally.
In this article, we will discuss what makes Shark Tank Egypt so special, who is involved in the project, and why it’s a great opportunity for entrepreneurs in the region.
Shark Tank Finally in Egypt
The prestigious event witnessed the announcement of the launch of Shark Tank’s first season in Egypt. The TV show, which will be aired exclusively on CBC and WATCH IT in January 2023 is the world’s most popular entrepreneurial competition show and will be brought to you by Vodafone Business and the official real estate partner, Madinet Nasr for Housing and Development-MNHD.
With Shark Tank Egypt, regional investors can now engage with entrepreneurs on their own terms. By bringing together local and international venture capitalists, angel investors and mentors, they are able to provide much-needed capital and mentorship to startups that have potential to succeed in Egypt and the Middle East region. This also opens up opportunities for entrepreneurs looking for funding from a wider range of sources than just traditional venture capital firms or banks.
The Impact – Beyond providing a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to showcase their projects and connect with potential investors or customers, Shark Tank Egypt also provided invaluable insight into current industry trends within the Middle East market.
This provided valuable information that can help shape future investments and strategies within this region moving forward. Moreover, it is hoped that such events will continue to be held in order to further support regional entrepreneurship initiatives while continuing to build up ecosystems that encourage collaboration between budding startups and established businesses alike.
How to Apply for Shark Tank Egypt?
Now you can apply for your chance to enter the Shark Tank Egypt and potentially secure an investment from a Shark. Go to this application form, then fill your info.
To apply, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- You must be 18 years of age or older; or if below 18 years of age your parent(s) and/or legal guardian(s) must apply on your behalf and must also sign and agree to all documents related to your potential participation in the Series.
- You must be and remain legally present in Egypt during your participation in the Series and legally authorized to participate.
- You may not have been convicted of a felony in the previous 10 years (unless expunged).
Meet The Egyptian Sharks
The ceremony witnessed the announcement of the sharks, who will act as jury members, and will seize opportunities from the Show’s participants. Shark Tank sharks include Ahmed El Sewedy, President and CEO of El Sewedy Electric; Ayman Abbas, a businessman who founded the Egyptian Chinese Drilling Company, the Head of 5 enterprises, and currently holds the position of Non-Executive Chairman of Rameda, a leading Egyptian pharmaceutical company.
Moreover, the list of sharks includes Mohamed Farouk, Chairman and CEO of Mobica Designs; Abdullah Salam, CEO and Managing Director of Madinat Nasr for Housing and Development.
The list also encompasses Hilda Luca, Founder, and CEO of MITCHA, the leading online shopping platform, bringing a new culture of fashion to Egypt with 20 years of experience in marketing and management; and finally Mohamed Mansour, Co-Founder and CEO of Infinity Solar and Infinity Capital Investments, Managing Director of McDonald’s Egypt, Member of the Board of Directors of Mantrac Group, Mansour-Maghraby Investment and Development Company (MMID), and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Palm Hills Development.
With an experienced panel comprised of some of the best minds in business today it is sure to be an amazing platform where startups can gain access to valuable resources that can help them succeed and grow their business even further. So if you are an entrepreneur looking for investment or mentorship opportunities in the Middle East region — don’t miss out on your chance to take part in Shark Tank Egypt!
Who is Behind Shark Tank Egypt
Shark Tank, the #1 global entrepreneurial reality TV show, will be launched in Egypt in partnership between IMP and Sony, the owner of the show’s original format; and United Media Services. The TV Show will be launched under the auspices of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, as a part of the State’s and MCIT’s support for the entrepreneurship and startup ecosystem in Egypt.
The announcement came within a ceremony held on December 17th at the Grand Egyptian Museum in the attendance of H.E Dr. Amr Talaat, Minister of Communications and Information Technology; Amr El Fekky, CEO and Managing Director of United Media Services; Gamal Salah, co-founder and CEO of POD Egypt; Ahmed Luxor, co-Founder, and CEO, IMP.
The prestigious event was also attended by Amr Mansi, co-Founder of IMP and CEO, IEvents, along with members of the Board of Directors and advisors of IMP namely, Yasser Abdel Maqsoud, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Abdel Maqsoud Group; Mohamed Khamisi, Advisor to the Board of Directors, Redco Construction; and Islam Darwish, entrepreneurship and venture capital expert.
Dr. Amr Talaat, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, affirmed the Ministry’s support for progressing the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Egypt. His Excellency stressed on establishing effective partnerships as a vital pillar in the development of this ecosystem that comes as a part of the sector’s strategy.
Moreover, the minister explained that Egypt is witnessing a boom in its entrepreneurship a startup ecosystem, stressing the Ministry’s keenness on utilizing all its capabilities to create an environment supporting the growth of startups, attracting foreign investments, and stimulating innovative thinking among the youth.
Unique Opportunity For Aspiring Egyptian Entrepreneurs
Shark Tank is a business reality TV Show aims to discover the next successful (and possibly wealthy) entrepreneurs, inventors, businesspersons, creators and innovators with the best ideas for business and startups across all segments, and are looking for an opportunity to start their projects or maximize their own investments.
Participating ideas are selected depending on the attractiveness of the pitch or the idea presented by the participants. The chosen projects will be funded by a group of the most powerful Egyptian investors. The TV Show was produced in 46 different countries with 14 seasons in the USA, to become the world’s #1 business and finance TV show.
The entrepreneurial-themed reality TV show acquired a multi-Emmy Award for its outstanding idea and its contribution to discovering entrepreneurs and offering real opportunities. The show’s contributions amounted to $600 million in various projects.
