Founders Live Dubai

Founders Live is back for another Dubai event!

Join us for an incredible evening…

Founders Live is an unforgettable happy hour competition sweeping the globe.

5 founders

99-second pitches

4 minutes of audience Q&A

YOUR VOTES decide the winner!

So bring your friends and coworkers, grab some food and drink, get to know your local entrepreneurs, and vote for what you think will be the next big thing… built in UAE.

Know someone who should attend? Open The Door

Last Dubai Event Recap (Link) | International Events Recap (Link)

Starring

Karim Elemam as the City Leader (karim.elemam@founderslive.com )

Maktabi and Virtuzone as Main Partners & Sponsors

Speakers

Karim Elemam | LinkedIn Profile

Sofia Pereira | LinkedIn Profile

Omar Saif | LinkedIn Profile

Yasemin Kaya | LinkedIn Profile

Competing Founders and Startups

Irmak Atabek | LinkedIn Profile

Ryan Hodgson | LinkedIn Profile

Clyde Rempillo | LinkedIn Profile

Luna Ghannam | LinkedIn Profile

Adam Ridgway | LinkedIn Profile

Interested in pitching at this or a future event? Apply here

Know someone who should pitch? Open The Door

Location: MAKTABI - Business Center (DWTC) Dubai World, Sheikh Rashid Tower - 18th floor - Trade Center Second - Trade Centre 2 - Dubai

Agenda

11:00 am - Networking and Happy Hour

11:30 am - Opening Entertainment

12:00 pm - Announcements, Sponsors, and Pitch Competition

01:30 pm - After-Party

Winners

The Founders Live winners package includes:

• Front Row membership with unlimited access to Backstage Intelligence and the Backchannel community
• Founders Live Booster Pack over $1,000,000 in cash savings on 100+ essential apps and services for startups
• An appearance in the Founders Live Prime Time regional qualifiers with a chance to advance to our Prime Time global livestream tournament

Our Partners & Sponsors

Maktabi | Maktabi is a UAE-based flexible workspace platform that provides fully serviced offices, co-working spaces, and virtual office solutions tailored for entrepreneurs, startups, and established businesses. With modern facilities, prime locations, and customizable packages, Maktabi makes it easy for professionals to work, meet, and grow without the overhead of traditional office setups. Their services include meeting rooms, administrative support, business licensing assistance, and mail handling—offering a seamless experience for companies looking to establish or expand their presence in the UAE.

Virtuzone | Virtuzone is a leading UAE company formation and business setup provider that helps entrepreneurs and companies establish their presence in Dubai and across the Emirates. Offering end-to-end services—from business licensing and visa processing to accounting, tax, and corporate support—Virtuzone simplifies the process of starting and managing a business in the region. With over a decade of experience and partnerships with major free zones, Virtuzone has empowered thousands of startups and international firms to launch and scale successfully in the UAE’s thriving business ecosystem.

Front Row membership is here

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Enter the Prime Time Pitch Challenge!

Share your story in a 99-second pitch video.

ANY founder can enter.

Prizes start at 250 votes.

Get notified when entries open for the 2026 edition!

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