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Startups and Scaleup Program

Are you building something bold? If you’re a startup under five years old with less than $10 million raised and you're ready to connect with founders, fintech leaders and investors, our Startups and Scaleups Program is built for you.

Startups At Money20/20 Middle East

Money20/20 Middle East is where bold ideas meet powerful momentum. Whether you’re an early-stage disruptor or a scaling fintech ready for your next step, our Startup Program is designed to accelerate your visibility, forge critical connections and put you at the center of the region’s most influential fintech event. From curated investor access to stage time and strategic networking, this is your gateway to real, measurable growth.

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Program Features
Your Startup Pod
High-Impact Visibility at Your Startup Pod
Your Startup Pod is more than just a booth – it’s your front-row seat to opportunity…
Roundtable
Expert-Led Roundtables and Mentorship
Gain insider knowledge from fintech veterans. From navigating regulation to…
Startup Passes
Startup Passes for Your Team
Get exclusive access to everything Money20/20 has to offer: the entire show floor, networking zones, speaker…
Investor Matchmaking
Investor Matchmaking
Stop chasing leads. Instead, get face-to-face time with investors actively scouting for their next big bet. Our curated matchmaking process ensures meaningful conversations that could lead to long-term partnerships and real business growth.
Dedicated Startup
Dedicated Startup Support Team
We’ve got your back. From navigating the program to maximizing your exposure, our Startup Support Team ensures you leave Money20/20 with more than just business cards.
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Access to Stage Content
Stay ahead of the curve with content tracks shaped around the most critical fintech topics, from embedded finance to digital identity and AI. Hear directly from the voices shaping what comes next.

The MoneySurge Pitch Competition

Think you've got what it takes to command the main stage?
The MoneySurge Pitch Competition is your moment to shine. Selected startups will pitch live in front of an influential audience of investors, media, and industry leaders. It’s high energy, high stakes—and it could change everything.

What's in it for you?

  • A chance to win $400,000 in equity-free prizes and in-kind support
  • Unfiltered exposure to top-tier investors and media
  • A spotlight on the biggest stage in fintech

Note: Participation in MoneySurge is subject to a separate shortlisting process based on your successful application to the Startup Program. Apply before the 15th of August to be eligible for selection.

Pitch Competition

Our Previous Pitch Judges

Waleed A Alballaa
Waleed A Alballaa
General Partner
Sukna Ventures
Ashley Lewis
Ashley Lewis
Head of Venture Capital
DPI
Mohammed Alzubi
Mohammed Alzubi
Founder and Managing Partner, Nama Ventures
Rana Abdel Latif
Rana Abdel Latif
Partner, SpeedInvest
Our Previous Winners
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The Winners
  • 24 Fintech Award: Ejari  (Overall)
  • Sprint Start Award: Axiology (Best early-stage)
  • Innovation to Watch Award: Abwab.ai (Innovative use of new tech)
  • Fintech for Good Award: Kestrl (Most impactful fintech)
Startup Program Criteria

Ready to make your mark at Money20/20 Middle East? Here's how to join our Startup and Scaleup Program.

Who Should Apply?

  • Fintech and fintech-adjacent startups building innovative solutions across payments, lending,
    banking, Insurtech, reg-tech, AI, embedded finance, and more
  • Early-stage and growth-stage startups
  • Regulatory compliance: The Startup should have or be in the process of obtaining the necessary licenses
    for regulated business services in the countries of operation.

 

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Early Stage
  • Fundraising: Under $10M
  • Founded: 3 years or less
  • Team Size: Fewer than 15 people
  • Revenue: Under $4M
  • Compliance: Working towards regulatory licenses
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Growth Stage
  • Fundraising: Under $50M
  • Founded: Between 4-8 years ago
  • Team Size: Under 100 people
  • Revenue: Under $100M
  • Compliance: Fully licensed and compliant
Application Deadlines & Timeline
Application Deadlines & Timeline
Timeline & Details

 

  • General Applications: [ends July 30th]
  • Closing Bell /Power Hour Deadline: [ends August 20th]
  • 15th August to Closing Bell August 20th

Startup Stories

A Glimpse Into 2024 – What to Expect

From packed show floors and standout pitch sessions to focused investor meetings and meaningful connections. The event brings together every corner of the fintech ecosystem.

“24 Fintech was hands down the best event we’ve attended in the past few years. It allowed us to meet a lot of relevant people for what we’re trying to do whether it’s banks, payment companies, potential investors locally and internationally and regulators including meeting investors who understand the potential of (our) model has not only validated our mission but has also inspired us to refine and expand our vision for the Saudi market..”

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Yazeed Al-Shamsi
Founder
Ejari

“We gained investor interest, potential partnerships, and insights on scaling to the Kingdom. The aftereffects have been huge, and we’re optimistic about hitting international markets next year.”

ibrahim
Ibrahim Eid
Co-Founder
Valify

“Fintech Forge led us to secure a deal from matchmaking. We found that investor at 24 Fintech. This has made our life. You don’t know how much it has turned the tables for us.”

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Syed Zain Ali
Co-founder
Fortify

FAQ

Who is eligible to apply?

Fintech and fintech-adjacent startups building innovative solutions across payments, lending, banking, Insurtech, reg-tech, AI, embedded finance, and more

Early-stage and growth-stage startups

When will the selections for the MoneySurge Pitch Competition be announced?

August 25th

What is the deadline to apply to be a part of the program? 

August 20th is the last day to apply, but apply before July 30th to be considered for the Moneysurge Pitch Competition.