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The Startup Program at Money20/20 Middle East

Are you ready to fast-track your growth, build powerful connections, and position your startup in front of the leaders of fintech? 

 

Whether you’re an early-stage disruptor or scaling up for your next big leap, the Money20/20 Startup Program is your gateway to new markets, influential partnerships, and tangible results. Join us to turn conversations into contracts and show the world why you’re their next partner.

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What’s in it for you?

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High Impact Visibility

High-Impact Visibility at Your Startup Pod 

Your Startup Pod is more than just a booth – it’s your front-row seat to opportunity. Showcase your vision and engage directly with decision-makers, government leaders, and investors eager to connect with game-changing startups like yours.

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.

Roundtables

Expert-Led Roundtables and Mentorship

Gain insider knowledge from fintech veterans. From navigating regulation to scaling in the Saudi market, these closed-door sessions are designed to give you actionable insights and solutions tailored to your stage of growth.

Startup passes

Startup Passes for Your Team

Get exclusive access to everything Money20/20 has to offer: the entire show floor, networking zones, speaker sessions, workshops, and more.

Support Team

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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The MoneySURGE Pitch Competition

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Think you’ve got what it takes to command the stage? 

The MoneySURGE Pitch Competition gives selected startups the chance to present their vision live to top-tier investors, industry leaders, and media

What’s on the table? 

  • $400,000 in equity-free prizes and in-kind support
  • Direct exposure to decision-makers
  • A spotlight on fintech’s biggest stage 

Note: Participation in MoneySURGE requires a separate shortlisting process following your successful application to the Startup Program. Apply by August 15th to be considered.

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Who Should Apply? 

We’re looking for fintech and fintech-adjacent startups that are pioneering solutions in payments, lending, banking, crypto, Insurtech, reg-tech, AI, embedded finance, and beyond. 

Criteria for Early-Stage Startups 

  • Fundraising: Under $10M
  • Founded: 3 years or less
  • Team Size: Fewer than 15 people
  • Revenue: Under $4M
  • Compliance: Working towards regulatory licenses 
     

Criteria for Growth-Stage Startups 

  • Fundraising: Under $30M
  • Founded: Between 4-8 years ago
  • Team Size: Under 100 people
  • Revenue: Under $100M
  • Compliance: Fully licensed and compliant 
Saudi

Why Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia is where fintech’s future is being built.  

  • $1 trillion economy with government-backed initiatives like Vision 2030.
  • Fintech sector projected to hit $33 billion by 2025.
  • Increasing investor appetite and regulatory reforms making market entry easier than ever.  

 

Money20/20 simplifies the process with access to local insights, key decision-makers, and immediate ROI opportunities that turn ambition into action. 

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Key Dates & Deadlines

  • Early Bird Applications Ends May 28
  • General Applications Ends July 10
  • Last Chance Applications Ends August 20 

 

**MoneySURGE Pitch Selection: Announced August 15th.

Hear from our past participants
Yazeed Al-Shamsi
Founder
Ejari

“Money20/20 was hands down the best event we’ve attended. It allowed us to meet the right people – banks, payment companies, investors, regulators – and validated our mission while inspiring us to refine and expand our vision for the Saudi market.”

Ibrahim Eid
Co-Founder
Valify

“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.”

Syed Zain Ali
Co-founder
Fortify

“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.”