Join our Waitlist for Expert Advice!

Shorooq Partners Launches The MENAP Region's First Online Program To Support Gametech Startup Founders Said to be the MENAP region's first sector-focused online program, SHFT Build's aims to support founders in gaming and other sectors, such as web 3.0 and cleantech.

You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Shorooq Partners

Shorooq Partners, a UAE-based early-stage venture capital firm that invests in innovative startups in the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan (MENAP) region, has launched SHFT Build, a program focused on supporting sectors that are driving the future economy.

The first edition of the program, SHFT Build Gametech, will focus on the gametech sector by targeting founders who build startups across the value chain of gaming and helping them partner with other aspiring founders and game enthusiasts. Applications are now open for MENAP-based game studios, game developers, distribution platforms, developers of game engines, and streaming platforms.

SHFT Build Gametech will also seek to provide gametech startup founders with a go-to playbook on how to build seed-investment-ready startups. The program comes at zero cost and zero equity for founders, and aims to connect with teams developing technologies that are enhancing game efficiency, security, development and accessibility.

SHFT Build Gametech is supported by Amazon's cloud computing services subsidiary Amazon Web Services (AWS). Through this, participating founders will be able to avail offerings such as AWS Gametech and AWS Startups for in-depth knowledge and mentorship. Participants of the program will also get to use AWS Activate, a free program that provides startups with resources to work with AWS, to build on the AWS Cloud. The SHFT Build Gametech program is also supported by experts from global entities such as US-based cross-platform game engine Unity, AD Gaming and Sharjah Media City (Shams), as well as regional gaming companies, such as Tamatem Games, Nifty Craft, Batal Gaming and Calyx.

Through SHFT Build Gametech, founders will gain access to over 200 exclusive resources including videos, guides, and templates across a multitude of sector-specific areas, such as cloud gaming, game localization, and fundraising. Founders will also get access to over 20 regional and global subject matter experts through online group workshops as well as one-on-one mentorship. Over US$200,000 worth of in-kind benefits including subsidized business set-up options, Unity software licenses, and AWS Activate cloud credits and technical support will also be up for grabs.

"SHFT as a platform was built to develop ecosystems around industries that are driving tomorrow's economy," said Mahmoud Adi, Founding Partner of Shorooq Partners. "This is to accelerate their development and support corporations, governments and founders to leverage opportunities presented by such industries."

Dubbed as the MENAP region's first sector-focused online program, SHFT Build's future editions aim to provide similar technical and business-related resources for founders in other sectors such as web 3.0 and cleantech, among others.

Founders building startups in gametech can apply here. Interested parties can email shft@shorooq.com for more information about the program and how to get involved.

Related: TruKKer Closes A US$96 Million Funding Round Led By Abu Dhabi-Based ADQ And Riyadh-Based STV

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Entrepreneurs

Startup Spotlight: UAE-Based Equevu Is Helping Employees Save And Invest For The Future Through Salary Deductions

"As a company focused on employee savings benefits, the rapidly evolving industry landscape demands continuous adaptation and forward-thinking solutions."

Growing a Business

At 24, She Was Fired From Her Advertising Job. Then an 'Incredibly Important' Mindset Helped Her Build a Multimillion-Dollar Business.

Melissa Ben-Ishay's brother Brian Bushell encouraged her to follow her passion — and it led to major success.

Thought Leaders

The 7 Traits of Successful Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs are a diverse bunch. The best ones, however, share a collection of characteristics -- from tenacity to the ability to tolerate risk -- that are crucial to any successful venture.

Thought Leaders

Watch Jimmy Kimmel Make a Hilarious Shark Tank Pitch for 'Horse Pants'

'I got two words for ya buddy,' quipped Mark Cuban of the strange clothing range: 'glue factory.'

Leadership

Architect Of Ambition: Muhammad BinGhatti, Chairman of Binghatti Holding

Muhammad BinGhatti, Chairman of Binghatti Holding, has reshaped the UAE's real estate landscape by merging architectural innovation with luxury, and has forged partnerships with iconic global brands like Bugatti and Mercedes-Benz while leading a portfolio valued at AED40 billion.