Gulfood 2019 leverages the startup ecosystem.

The startup ecosystem in the UAE has disrupted every industry, including the food and beverage sector, as seen in the Gulfood 2019 event, which includes the Gulfood startup program designed to tackle the fundamental challenges faced by those seeking to enter the industry.  

‘What do investors look for in a startup?’ is the topic of a panel discussion in which Manish Agrawal, CFA, a startup investor, will address some of these issues and investigate solutions. 

“Investors have a strong appetite for disruptive ideas, and startups are well-positioned to provide them with innovative solutions,” said Agrawal. 

“Including a startup program in Gulfood, a premier platform for the food and beverage industry, is a great opportunity to boost entrepreneurship in the sector. Robotics and automation are already making inroads in the kitchen, and affordable solutions are crucial for widespread adoption in the mass market,” he added.  

Gulfood startup program’s debut edition will provide more than 50 startups worldwide with an opportunity to showcase their innovative ideas to potential investors through a pitch platform. In addition, industry mentors and success stories will address key topics related to F&B startups and SMEs at a dedicated conference series. 

At the startup stage, Rabih Brair, founder and managing director of Tandem Partners, will present a session on the essential elements of starting a business. 

Brair believes that the most crucial aspect of launching a startup is reducing risk and taking calculated actions to increase the chances of success. 

It involves identifying the issue and its solution, the target audience, carrying out comprehensive market research on regional rivals and global success stories, breaking down the finances to the most minute detail, and developing a winning strategy. It is often too much for a single person to handle, and historically, startups with co-founders have a better chance of securing financing and expanding.  “With the Gulfood Startup Programme, various ecosystem stakeholders, such as innovators, SMEs, investors, advisors, and large corporations, can come together. This platform will provide the F&B sector with the same advantages that similar platforms have provided the tech industry,” he stated.