Get All Access for $5/mo

The Investor's View: Does Attending Ecosystem Events Improve Chances Of Investment Vodafone Ventures Egypt, Managing Director Mohammed Al-Ayouti shares his views on whether startups need to have a presence at conferences.

By Mohammed Al-Ayouti

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

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

Shutterstock

How many ecosystem events have you attended this year as an entrepreneur hoping to meet a potential investor? Startups tell us that one of the primary reasons they choose to go to MENA region events is to improve their chances of funding. We asked investors based in the Middle East, from angels to VCs, to talk back and give us their views on whether startups attending events were better positioned to garner investor interest.

THE Q When assessing startups for potential investment, do you consider how often they attend events in the ecosystem?

"Ecosystem presence is necessary. It shows the strength of the entrepreneurs' network, their approach to business development, and helps verify reputation. On the downside, a regular presence without significant progress between events is an indicator of lack of substance or traction. And I prefer to stay away from those addicted to competitions."

Related: The Investor's View: Does Attending Ecosystem Events Improve Chances Of Investment?

Mohammed Al-Ayouti

Managing Director, Vodafone Ventures Egypt

Mohammed Al-Ayouti is an intrapreneur at Vodafone Egypt, where he has been exploring new frontiers for the company since 2008. He launched and leads Vodafone Ventures Egypt, Vodafone’s VC arm, to support and harness the local tech startup ecosystem. Mohammed is a passionate about entrepreneurship in Egypt, with a mobile-centric bias. Previously, played a role in the advancement of mobile data in Egypt, by creating Vodafone's mobile Internet unit, and driving it to market-leading success by launching data plans, smartphones, apps, and digital platforms. An entrepreneur at heart, Mohammed acquired 10 years of local Internet industry know-how as an entrepreneur, and holds a B.Sc. in Computer Engineering from Cairo University.

Starting a Business

From Strength To Strength: Privilee Founder Lars Johannesen On How He Built "The UAE's Ultimate Fitness And Leisure App"

Founded by Lars Johanessen, who came to the UAE from his native Denmark in 2009, Privilee is a fitness and leisure app-based membership service offering a five-star lifestyle to everyone at affordable prices.

Technology

A New Era Is Here: Analyzing The Surge In Artificial Intelligence Innovation In The Middle East

The rise of AI startups in the Middle East marks the beginning of a new era, one where technological innovation drives economic diversification and social reform, paving the way for a brighter future.

Business News

Want to Start a Business? Skip the MBA, Says Bestselling Author

Entrepreneur Josh Kaufman says that the average person with an idea can go from working a job to earning $10,000 a month running their own business — no MBA required.

News and Trends

Qatari Entrepreneurs Shine At QDB's 2016 SME Excellence List Awards

The ranking program has brought to light the growing maturity within the private sector, as well as the ability of the budding SME sector in Qatar to generate large incomes.

Business Ideas

87 Service Business Ideas to Start Today

Get started in this growing industry, with options that range from IT consulting to childcare.

Leadership

Your Definition of Leadership Is Outdated — Here's How to Be a Better Leader in the Modern Workplace

In my nearly thirty years as a leader, I've focused on setting a clear vision and empowering my team to achieve our goals. We prioritize establishing shared objectives while allowing for flexibility when needed.