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Startup Program

 

Join the global innovation movement with LEAP’s revitalised Startup Program.

 

From February 9–12, 2025, Riyadh will transform into the heart of groundbreaking ideas, connecting the world’s most innovative startups with investors, industry leaders, and visionaries. Our Startup Program offers unparalleled opportunities to showcase your solutions, forge impactful partnerships, and gain insights from top global experts.

 

Although applications for the 2025 program are now closed, you can still be part of the excitement in 2026. 

$6 trillion AUM
investors represent
170,000+
global attendees
680+
startups
$1 million+
rocket fuel pitch fund
Maximise your startup experience
Exhibit

Showcase your innovative solutions and products in our 4-day startup exhibition pods, designed to maximise your visibility and lead generation opportunities. Engage with a diverse audience of potential clients, partners and investors and demonstrate your cutting-edge technologies.

Rocket Fuel Competition

Take your startup to the next level by competing in the world-renowned Rocket Fuel Pitch Competition to claim a share of the $1 million prize fund. This is your chance to pitch your company to a panel of world-class venture capitalists and industry leaders.

Bootcamp

Join our intensive pre-conference Startup Bootcamp, led by esteemed pitch and startup growth experts. This bootcamp offers comprehensive training sessions to refine your pitch, enhance your business strategy, and prepare you for successful investor meetings.

Matchmaking

Leverage our AI-powered matchmaking to connect with 2000+ relevant investors, enhance your networking opportunities, and accelerate your fundraising efforts. 

Ecosystem Xchange

An exclusive private space designed as a bridge for focused conversations and interactions among global and regional innovators. Hosted by key ecosystem enablers, these private sessions are centered around knowledge sharing, collaboration, and ecosystem empowerment.

Mentorship Bonfire Sessions

A one-on-one interaction between investors and exhibiting startups, Mentorship Bonfire Sessions are exclusive to LEAP and bookable through the event app. Creating a tailored avenue for startups, these sessions go into discussions on key topics including funding strategies, scaling up operations, go-to-market plans, and market entry.

Eligibility criteria

Early Stage

Stage: Idea / Concept / Seed
Fundraising: <USD 8 million 
Founded: <3 Years 
Team size:<20  
Revenue: <USD 10 million

Growth Stage

Stage: Growth / Scale-Up 
Fundraising: <USD 30 million 
Founded: 3<7 Years 
Team Size: <100 
Revenue: <USD 100 million 
 

2025 startup sectors

  • Agriculture and Food Technology

  • Health, Medical, Bio Tech and Accessibility

  • Finance and Investment

  • Sustainability and Climate

  • Security, Space and Gov Tech

  • Smart Infrastructure, Mobility and Logistics

  • Consumer and Retail Technology

  • Media and Entertainment

  • Extended Reality, AI and Emerging Technologies

  • Enterprise and Digital Technology

  • + More!

TESTIMONIALS

“The Rocket Fuel competition not only gave us a chance to tell our story in Saudi, but it connected us to a swath of customers, partners and investors - at least one of which we were competing with in the competition. The follow up from LEAP has exceeded our wildest dreams. Thanks to both those who both made this happen and those who attended”

Peter Gammel

CEO, Ubilite

“LEAP was a great place to start the business in the Middle East region. We were able to get a lot of attention through Rocket Fuel Competition, which helped us to land meetings with our potential clients and investors.”

Taylor Joo

Global Business Lead, Angelswing

"LEAP provided us with a platform to showcase our collaborative efforts, connect with industry leaders, and become part of a community driven by a shared passion for positive change. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to LEAP for recognising and celebrating our collective excellence, and for empowering us to leap forward into an even brighter future together." 

Wafa Alobaidat

Founder & CEO, Playbook

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