Entrepreneurs demonstrate their contribution to the food industry

Like it or not, unique launches from unlikely sources will be influencing your business decisions in 2019. In this adaptive climate, the Gulfood Startup Programme welcomes hands-on entrepreneurs to demonstrate how their contribution to the food industry is lighting the way to a smarter tomorrow.

Millennials are four times more likely to avoid buying from corporates as compared with baby boomers.
Source: McKinsey

Location - Dubai Rooms C+D

Whether you're looking for investments, expanding your presence in the Middle East, or looking for a mentor that will help take your business to the next level, the Gulfood Startup Programme is here to help you achieve your growth goals.

If you are an Investor

The Gulfood Startup Programme will connect you a range of F&B startups from the UAE and beyond. Key sectors include:

Product innovation
Distribution & Retail
Agtech, organic farming, urban farming
Sustainability & Social Impact
Foodservice & Hospitality
Smart kitchen
AI & Blockchain in F&B
Consumer – Health & Wellness apps

If you're looking for investment opportunities in F&B, here is the right place for you.

Sign up to Invest

If you are an Entrepreneur

The Gulfood Startup Programme is the perfect platform for you to showcase your contribution to the food industry. The programme is free of charge for startups, and will feature:

A pitch platform for disruptive ideas in F&B
A dedicated conference for F&B startups and SMEs
A comprehensive meetings programme to connect you with relevant stakeholders for your business
Free attendance to Gulfood (save 420 AED - up to 3 co-founders)
Potential to be mentored by a seasoned F&B professional, investor or management consultant
Potential to be featured across Gulfood marketing and PR campaigns

To register your startup, please click on the link below.

Startup Programme Enquiry

Gulfood wants to help you grow your business sustainably and profitably. As a participating F&B startup, you will be able to network with potential buyers, investors and mentors.

Some of the industry's biggest names are looking for you.

Gulfood Mentors

Bernhard van Lengerich

CEO, Food System Strategies, Board Member, Beyond Meat

Explore the conference programme

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Organiser’s welcome note

5 mins

12:00 – 12:05

Chairman welcome speech

10 mins

12:05 – 12:15

Overview - Startups in the region and how they are reshaping the food industry globally

15 mins

12:15 – 12:30

A look at the startup companies in the region and how they are contributing to its economic growth What can startups bring to the F&B industry? What are the challenges they can help solve? A look at t ...

Launching a startup – how do you transform your idea into a business?

20 mins

12:30 – 12:50

Setting up your company - regulations and licensing to take into consideration Running effective market research and knowing your target customer Building the right team to ensure successful operatio ...

Pitch stage

60 mins

12:50 – 13:50

Developing a wining pitch – how can you convince potential investors?

30 mins

13:10 – 13:40

Identifying the key steps to giving a winning pitch What are your potential investors looking for?

Panel discussion: Securing investment – fundraising checklist

30 mins

14:00 – 14:30

Exploring the best strategies to a successful fundraising How can you offer a lucrative opportunity? What do you need to know about angel investors and venture capitals?

Bringing your product to market

20 mins

15:15 – 15:35

Pitch stage

25 mins

15:35 – 16:00

Startup mentoring session and one-to-one meetings

60 mins

16:00 – 17:00

Chairman welcome remarks

5 mins

12:00 – 12:05

Panel discussion: Building the startup ecosystem

40 mins

12:05 – 12:45

What are the best steps to creating a sustainable startup ecosystem? Looking at the role of relevant government authorities in creating and developing this ecosystem? Identifying top incentives to sup ...

Identifying opportunities in the F&B market and where you should invest

20 mins

12:45 – 13:05

Pitch stage

25 mins

13:05 – 13:30

Panel discussion: What are the investors looking for in a startup?

30 mins

13:45 – 14:15

Exploring how an investment opportunity is evaluated Identifying key points that attract an investor’s attention Are there any elements crucial to investors other than financial profit?

Scaling up your startup business

20 mins

15:00 – 15:20

Taking your business abroad – how can you venture into new markets Building your brand and marketing your company How can you build partnerships with large f&B companies and what value can you bring ...

Pitch stage

20 mins

15:20 – 15:40

Can startups compete with large corporations and food chains?

20 mins

15:40 – 16:00

Finding your competitive advantage and increasing your competitiveness Delivering the consumers’ needs in a crowded market Role of startups in providing healthier food options for the consumer