Majid Al Futtaim partners with DIFC, AstroLabs and Microsoft for second edition of Launchpad Programme
Majid Al Futtaim, as part of its Xsight Future Solutions business, has launched the second edition of its Launchpad programme in partnership with AstroLabs and Microsoft. The Launchpad programme strives to unlock value by partnering with and investing in innovative startups and disruptors that can benefit from the reach of Majid Al Futtaim’s ecosystem.
For the programme’s second edition, Majid Al Futtaim has partnered with Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Launchpad. For this edition of the accelerator programme, DIFC Launchpad will support in scaling Majid Al Futtaim’s Launchpad by curating a global network of start-ups to bring into the programme. DIFC Launchpad will provide winners with one-to-one mentorship opportunities on fundraising and corporate partnerships, facilitate introductions to VC’s, in addition to providing access to its diverse talent base, distribution partners, and co-working spaces.
Aiming to support the growth of early-stage startups while driving economic growth in the region, Majid Al Futtaim has also extended its partnership with AstroLabs and Microsoft for this edition to offer successful participants access to innovative technology products, mentorship, training, and go-to-market opportunities.
Xsight Future Solutions aimed at accelerating the company’s digital offerings and empowering partners with scalable, end-to-end digital services, products, and solutions
Joe Abi Akl, Chief Corporate Development Officer and Managing Director of Xsight Future Solutions at Majid Al Futtaim Holding, said: “We developed Xsight Future Solutions to drive innovation and end-to-end digital transformation across the Majid Al Futtaim ecosystem. This is in line with our strategic priority to deliver a seamless and integrated customer experience.”
The Launchpad programme targets innovative startups across homegrown brands focusing on fashion and lifestyle, leisure and experiences, community centric initiatives, and fashion technology startups. Successful applicants will be offered subsidised access to tangible growth opportunities, such as accelerating customer acquisition, improving operational efficiencies, and access to new revenue streams. This edition of the programme will also welcome Climate Tech startups, offering digital twin and IOT solutions, sustainability solutions, and innovative approaches to waste management. Winners will have the opportunity to introduce their innovative solutions within Majid Al Futtaim’s portfolio through fully funded pilot programmes.
Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority, said, “The DIFC Launchpad platform aims to attract the best minds from entrepreneurial ecosystems around the world to Dubai, offering the necessary support to develop, test and accelerate start-ups, scale-ups and corporate ventures. We are delighted to provide winners of the programme with one-to-one mentorship opportunities on fundraising and corporate partnerships, facilitate introductions to VC's, in addition to providing access to our diverse talent base, distribution partners, and co-working spaces.”
The inaugural edition of the programme saw 14 winners that are currently in the process of being integrated within the wider Majid Al Futtaim ecosystem. The startups also received significant benefits including mentorship, training, and technology products from AstroLabs and Microsoft.
SME’s and startups can apply to the program here before 15 June 2023.
