Early-Stage Startup Programs (Saudi Arabia)

Deadline: 26 April 2024

The Early-Stage Startup programs: SPARK and Launchpad, cater to ambitious entrepreneurs who are passionate about turning their ideas into successful businesses.

If you are at the idea stage and seeking guidance to develop a solid business plan, SPARK is the perfect fit for you. Alternatively, if you are ready to take your ideas to the next level and develop working Minimum Viable Products (MVPs), Launchpad is the ideal program.

SPARK

What is the SPARK Program?
- SPARK is a flagship entrepreneur program at Misk—a 6-week, fast-paced program that harnesses the know-how of world-leading entrepreneurial experts to help take you from idea to viable business plan. SPARK is also an entrepreneur competition that results in the top 10 entrepreneur finalists pitching to a panel of judges with the top 5 walking away with SAR 50,000.
Why do you need the SPARK Program?
- If you are in your idea stage in your entrepreneurial journey, SPARK will not only make you a better entrepreneur, but help you clarify what matters most for your idea to succeed. You will discover your idea’s weaknesses and strengths and learn how to think more strategically about your problem and solution, how you make money (business model), how to validate your idea in the market and to build a realistic roadmap. SPARK is a must-attend program for every aspiring entrepreneur.
What you’ll learn at SPARK?
- SPARK walks you step-by-step through the very best entrepreneurial practices every week including:
  - Week 1: Discover how to articulate your idea’s problem and solution in a powerful, succinct way.
  - Week 2: Explore the most viable pathways to making money, explore finance and potential business models.
  - Week 3: Uncover the best ways to validate your idea in the market.
  - Week 4: Build a clear roadmap that will help you take the necessary steps for your idea’s success.
  - Week 5: Discover how to pitch your startup story to wow stakeholders.
  - Week 6: Practice, refine, and prepare. Final pitch submission.
Program Outcomes
- Define the problem that your project will solve
- Build your brand
- Develop your business model
- Determine the right investment structure
- Produce a robust pitch deck
Program Prerequisites
- Saudi nationals or residents willing to test and launch in KSA
- 18 years old or above when the course starts.
- Proficient in English (instruction, course materials, and your presentation will be in English).
- Dedicate at least 6 hours per week to attend sessions and build your video pitch

Misk Launchpad 6.0

What is Misk Launchpad?
- Misk Launchpad is a Virtual fast-paced 10-week program for aspiring entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into working Minimum Viable Products (MVPs). The program is a mix between theoretical masterclasses & practical workshops delivered by world-class experts. The program is broken-down into three different phases: Shape, Build and Pitch.
Program Components
- Seminars
- Workshops
- 1:1 Mentorship
- Networking Events and Meetups
During the program, the participants will learn about
- Ideation and concept validation
- Business Model Canvas design
- Networking opportunities
- Accounting/ financial management
- Marketing and sales techniques
- Legal and regulatory landscape
- Venture Capital and angel investors
- Pitch delivery and design
- MVP creation: Wireframing and prototyping
Why should you join Misk Launchpad?
- Go-to-Market Support:
  - Assistance in adapting your business idea to find product-market fit.
  - Help identifying and solving relevant problems in the market by discovering your customers’ pain points.
  - Validation of your ideas with real customers.
  - Support with marketing and PR to help build a strong brand and reach your target audience.
  - Peer learning, sharing, and networking support.
  - Opportunities to build and develop a real and tangible MVP.
- Business Development:
  - Support with navigating the regulatory environment.
  - Interactions with financial institutions and leading corporates.
  - Hands-on advice and mentoring from serial entrepreneurs and industry experts.
  - Networking with industry leaders and ecosystem drivers.
- Funding:
  - Access to a network of angel investors and VCs.
  - Assistance in ensuring your pitch deck is investor ready.
Program Framework
- Shape Phase:
  - Takes place in week 1 and 2, covering the following themes: Entrepreneurial Mindset, Mapping the initial MVP, Business Model Canvas, Pitching Investors, and Crafting Company Profile.
- Build Phase:
  - Takes place from week 3 to week 6, covering the following themes: Customer Centric Startup Strategy, Branding Essentials, MVP Development & Testing, Business Model Refinement & KPIs, Research Competitive Analysis & SEO, Financial Management, Pitch and Funding, Marketing & Sales Strategy, Startup Tech Strategy, and Product Management & Agile Frameworks.
- Pitch Phase:
  - Takes place from week 6 to week 10, covering the following themes: Legal & IP Strategy, Go to Market, and Scaling and Growth.
Project Outcomes
- Business Model Canvas
- Investors Pitch
- Company Profile
- Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
Eligibility Criteria
- Misk Launchpad seeks startups at ideation-stage with technology-based mature ideas.
- Only Saudi Arabian nationals or residents willing to test and launch in Saudi Arabia are eligible to participate.
- Participants commitment is required from May 2024 to July 2024.
- Good command of written and spoken English is required.
- Teams consisting of 2-3 co-founders are preferred.