Fundraising & Investment Strategy

Muhammad Ayub

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

The Unstoppable Rise Of The Metaverse
The Unstoppable Rise Of The Metaverse

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: