Fundraising & Investment Strategy

Muhammad Ayub
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Unlocking Funding Opportunities for Your Startup in the UAE
Raising capital in the UAE can feel overwhelming for early-stage founders. The journey from ideation to execution is challenging enough — financing often becomes the biggest bottleneck.
The good news? There are structured pathways designed specifically to support pre-seed and seed-stage startups in the region.
One of the most notable initiatives is Oraseya Capital’s Sandbox Initiative.
Introducing Oraseya Capital’s Sandbox Initiative
Oraseya Capital has launched the Sandbox initiative, widely recognized as the only VC-backed startup accelerator in the UAE.
The program is designed to support high-potential startups by providing capital, mentorship, and access to the broader UAE startup ecosystem — helping founders move faster from idea to execution.
For startups navigating early traction, this initiative can significantly reduce friction and accelerate growth.
How to get involved: a step-by-step guide
If you’re considering applying, here’s how the Sandbox process works.
Step 1: Submit your application
Start by submitting your application through the “Start Your Application” button on Oraseya Capital’s website.
Be prepared to clearly articulate:
Your startup vision
The market opportunity
The problem you’re solving
Your founding team
Clarity and focus matter more than over-polished decks at this stage.
Step 2: Get to know each other
Once your application is reviewed, shortlisted founders are invited to a call with the Sandbox team.
This is not just an evaluation — it’s a conversation. Use the opportunity to demonstrate your:
Founder-market fit
Conviction
Long-term vision
Strong alignment often matters as much as the idea itself.
Step 3: Pitch to the selection committee
Founders who reach the final stage will pitch directly to Oraseya Capital’s Selection Committee.
This is where preparation is critical. You’ll need to clearly communicate:
Your value proposition
Market size and opportunity
Early traction (if any)
Your growth strategy
Be ready for tough questions — they’re testing readiness, not perfection.
Why this opportunity matters
The Sandbox initiative represents more than funding. It’s access to:
A VC-backed accelerator
Strategic guidance
A strong founder network within the UAE
With the right support, startups emerging from this program can scale faster and position themselves for future institutional capital.
Ready to take your startup to the next level?
If you’re an early-stage founder in the UAE, this is an opportunity worth exploring.
Apply, engage, and give your startup a real chance to grow within one of the region’s most active ecosystems.
Share It On:


