Investors will judge and evaluate pitches of startups based in the UAE; selected winners will be able to secure funding for their projects.
The Falcons, a reality TV show akin to the American TV series Shark Tank that is being developed by Indian media firm Horses Production Private Limited (HPPL) in partnership with Dubai-based NKN Media, is inviting UAE-based startups, looking for potential investors, to submit their applications and pitch their projects to a select group of investors.
The startup funding show, which was formally announced on June 1, 2023, at Al Habtoor Palace, Dubai, will have eight to 10 episodes and showcase startups competing for investments. Indian news anchor and Senior Executive Editor of Hindi news channel Aaj Tak, Anjana Om Kashyap announced the launch and introduced some of the show’s investors on the evening of the event.
Selected startups will be expected to pitch their business ideas directly to a distinguished panel of investors known as ‘The Falcons’. This direct interaction will lead to feedback and potential on-the-spot investment decisions, propelling their ventures to new heights.
Speaking about the show and opportunities it presents to UAE startups, Prashant Agarwal, founder and CEO of HPPL, said: “We are thrilled to bring this show to the forefront, offering startups a platform to gain visibility and branding opportunities. The Falcons aims to foster a vibrant ecosystem for startups, and we look forward to supporting and nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs.”
Abdul Majid Khan, CEO & Managing Director of NKN Media added: “With The Falcons, our primary objective is to create a win-win situation for both startups and investors.”
Startups seeking this investment opportunity are invited to submit their applications to The Falcons. Participants will have to submit a pitch deck or video showcasing their business idea and explaining why it holds the potential for success. The Falcons team will then review all submissions and select the most promising startups to participate in the show.
To be eligible for the show, startups must have a minimum business life of eight months and demonstrate innovation, impact, and investment potential. Investors should be able to commit investment on the spot and be able to support startups and boost entrepreneurs. All nationalities are welcome.
India Today TV will serve as the English broadcast partner for this show; an OTT partner is yet to be finalised. The show, which is scheduled for telecast in October 2023, will be dubbed in both Arabic and Hindi.
