Exits MENA, a leading consultancy specializing in structuring and advisory services for startups and SMEs across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, has announced a strategic partnership with Google to launch the “NAQLA” investment readiness program. This initiative aims to accelerate the growth of regional entrepreneurs and startups, equipping them with the skills to scale globally. The collaboration also includes regional and international content partners to further enhance the program’s offering.
Program Objectives: Boosting Investment Readiness
The NAQLA program is designed to prepare startups and SMEs to attract investments by improving their online brand presence—an essential factor in company valuations and securing investor interest. With a comprehensive online training course in Arabic, the program equips participants with the knowledge to build strong, sustainable businesses capable of competing in global markets.
Training Program Structure
The program consists of nine core modules focused on building online brand value and strengthening digital presence. After completing the online training, eligible companies will have the opportunity to participate in in-person consulting workshops, which focus on refining digital strategies. The NAQLA program is now available to startups across the MENA region, accessible through the dedicated portal naqla.exits.me.
Google and EYouth Partnership
Google has contributed to the NAQLA program by providing free content to participating companies, adding significant value to the initiative. Additionally, Exits MENA has partnered with EYouth, a leading educational technology company in the MENA region, which specializes in delivering capacity-building programs for youth and entrepreneurs.
Driving Entrepreneurial Growth in the Region
The co-founders of Exits MENA, Ahella El Saban, Ayman El Tanbouli, and Mohamed Abu El Naga Negaty, emphasized that the goal of NAQLA is to help startups achieve investment readiness by developing strong online brands. They highlighted the critical role that brand strength plays in attracting investors who prioritize companies with sustainable demand and growth potential.
Mustafa Abdel Latif, Co-Founder and CEO of EYouth, expressed the program’s significance for regional entrepreneurs, noting that it provides them with the tools to present more strategic and attractive proposals to investors. He also stressed the importance of investment readiness programs in addressing the funding challenges faced by many startups.
The Future of Investment in MENA
The launch of the NAQLA program comes at a time of increasing investment activity in the MENA region. In March 2023 alone, $247 million was raised through 67 deals, contributing to a total of $1.1 billion in the first quarter of the year—an increase of 17% compared to the previous quarter. As more investment readiness initiatives like NAQLA take root, the region is expected to experience sustained growth in funding and entrepreneurial activity.
This collaboration between Exits MENA, Google, and EYouth represents a significant step in fostering a thriving ecosystem of investment-ready startups and SMEs in the MENA region.
