Three Entrepreneurs Launch Innovation Events Company in the GCC

April 20, 2012 - PRLog -- Innovation Machine, a new innovation events company, was launched today in Dubai, UAE by three regional entrepreneurs who are passionate about promoting and enabling innovative entrepreneurship in the Middle East. The founders – Ms. Sara Falaknaz, Ms. Deem Albassam and Mr. Kamal Hassan – share a vision of contributing to the region’s entrepreneurship ecosystem through startups that are truly innovative and create new value for entrepreneurs, customers and society.

Based on the phenomenal success of last October’s Startup Weekend Dubai event – which the founders organized and facilitated – Innovation Machine will empower, educate and inspire entrepreneurs in the Gulf by facilitating public and private events based on Startup Weekend, Lean Startup and other event formats. Currently scheduled programs include Startup Weekend events in Dubai (May 10-12), Abu Dhabi (May 24-26) and Doha (June 14-16).

“The region is rich with talents, and many people have good ideas,” said Ms. Albassam, who is also the founder of Switch Restaurant and one of Saudi’s rising entrepreneurs. “The challenge for entrepreneurs is where to start, and our goal at Innovation Machine is to be the starting point of the entrepreneur’s journey.”

Ms. Falaknaz, whose background is in management and finance and who currently serves as Executive Director for Dubai Holding, said, “Our vision is to create a healthy ecosystem that eliminates the gap between entrepreneurs, investors, government and private sectors, and decision makers.”

To achieve this vision, the founders are calling for involvement from the community, whether it be partnerships, sponsors, mentors, participants or volunteers, to help build a healthy platform for entrepreneurs in the region.

Mr. Hassan, currently President and CEO (Chief Excitement Officer) of Dubai-based Innovation 360, will serve as Managing Partner for Innovation Machine. “The appetite for entrepreneurship in the region continues to grow, which makes it imperative for startups to distinguish themselves from competitors through innovation,” explained Mr. Hassan. “Innovation Machine event participants will all learn how to develop innovative products and services as well as how to start a business.”

For more information, visit http://innovamachine.com.