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Bahrain, 9 January 2025:

Six Bahraini Startups Transform Ideas into Established Businesses

Salica Investments (formerly known as Hambro Perks), the driving force behind the Riyada Business Accelerator Program in collaboration with The Labour Fund (Tamkeen), has released a comprehensive report celebrating the achievements of the Riyada Business Accelerator Program’s first cohort.

Launched with the aim of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, the Riyada Business Accelerator Program is designed to equip Bahraini entrepreneurs with the essential tools to transform their creative ideas into thriving businesses. 

The report highlights the exceptional accomplishments of six entrepreneurs who participated in the Riyada Program. Over six months, these entrepreneurs received tailored, hands-on support designed to address critical areas such as product development, commercialization, and fundraising strategies. The program also delivered expert guidance in financial management and placed significant emphasis on fostering strong, capable teams to ensure sustainable business growth and long-term success.

During her participation in the Riyada Business Accelerator Program, Ms. Aqeela Allahyari, founder of ArabiQuest, developed innovative interactive educational games designed to teach Arabic to children. This solution addressed a significant gap in the digital education market. 

Ms. Aqeela Allahyari earned first place at StartUp Bahrain Pitch in partnership with Tamkeen, Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), Ministry of Industry & Commerce (MoIC), and Bahrain Development Bank (BDB), recognized for the creativity, scalability, and impact of the concept. ArabiQuest’s transition from a B2C to a B2B model targeting educational institutions positioned the startup to have a greater influence in bridging cultural and educational gaps in Arabic learning. The startup transcends its role as a business, positioning itself as a vital platform for the preservation and advancement of the Arabic language, fostering its engagement and sustainability for generations to come.

 With accelerator support and a clear vision, ArabiQuest is set to become a leading resource for Arabic education regionally and globally.

Mr. Salman Almarzooq, founder of Travilege, introduced an innovative software platform connecting businesses and consumers, aimed at transforming the travel industry in the MENA region. The platform enhances efficiency and user experience by streamlining booking and planning processes for both travelers and travel agents. 

Mr. Salman Almarzooq, founder of Travilege, secured investment from Tenmou, a pioneering angel investment company in Bahrain that supports early-stage startups, validating the platform’s potential and strengthening its market presence. Inspired by the program, he developed a strategic expansion plan targeting Oman and Saudi Arabia.  

Ms. Ingy Alireza, founder of Numuw, is transforming organizational growth with innovative technology solutions. These solutions streamline processes and enable scalable development. Numuw is a unique child and adolescent development advisory service, specialist marketplace, and therapy delivery platform. By integrating its developmental expertise with advanced technology, Numuw has established itself as a pioneer in the tech sector, driving innovation and fostering sustainable progress within startup ecosystems. Numuw incorporates Arabic language resources and culturally relevant content, ensuring its vitality and engagement for future generations

Ms. Alireza’s leadership and contributions have earned significant recognition, including first place in the Women in Tech Program and second place at Startup Bahrain Pitch. Numuw was ranked among the three most investable Bahraini businesses at the World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF), a global platform connecting angel investors with entrepreneurs, and named one of 16 semi-finalists for VISA’s She’s Next program in Bahrain, a prestigious initiative recognizing and supporting outstanding women entrepreneurs worldwide.

 Ms. Shahd Alzaki and Mr. Rami Jamal, co-founders of Procode, have introduced a cutting-edge platform that offers tailored tools and resources for professional gamers. The platform provides a comprehensive learning and training ecosystem that fosters community engagement and enables gamers to maximize their potential. Ms. Shahd Alzaki’s achievements include securing second place in the Women in Tech Program, showcasing her leadership and innovative efforts in advancing the gaming industry.

Ms. Eman AlSabah, founder of IndieSouq, launched a crowdfunding platform to support content creators and filmmakers across the MENA region. IndieSouq connects creators with their audiences through reward-based funding and investment opportunities. The platform also provides project completion support to accelerate the growth of creative projects. With 60 sign-ups and approved pilot projects, IndieSouq has demonstrated strong market interest and established itself as a vital resource for creators and filmmakers.

In addition, Mr. Salman Alkhalifa, founder of Sellou, has transformed communication between SMEs and their customers. Sellou’s mobile platform empowers businesses to create short-form videos that showcase listed items and link potential buyers to WhatsApp or other preferred channels.

Sellou recently established a dedicated sales team, marking a significant milestone in its growth strategy and broadening its customer reach

Building on this success, Tamkeen in partnership with Salica Investments are excited to announce the opening of applications for the second cohort, offering more opportunities for entrepreneurs to accelerate their growth and bring their innovative ideas to life. 

Cohort 2 will offer a comprehensive experience that includes personalized mentorship, interactive workshops, and strategic connections, alongside opportunities to meet industry experts, explore potential partnerships, and access funding. Participants will also benefit from networking with ecosystem partners and investors, creating a dynamic environment for growth and collaboration.

Aspiring entrepreneurs are invited to submit their applications for cohort 2, along with their Commercial Registration (CR), through the program’s page on Tamkeen’s official website: tamkeen.bh.