Saudi Arabia’s premier tech event fuels global startup innovation
LEAP 2025, Saudi Arabia’s leading technology conference, is set to host the Rocket Fuel Startup Pitch Competition, offering a $1 million prize pool to emerging businesses. The event will take place from February 9-12 at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Centre, Malham.
Rocket Fuel – A Global Startup Showcase
With 120 startups from 40 sectors and 31 countries, Rocket Fuel provides a stage for high-potential businesses to pitch their ideas to an elite panel of venture capitalists and industry leaders.
The 12 finalists will compete on February 12, with startups judged on:
- Innovation & technology
- Market potential
- Team strength
- Business model
- Societal impact
$1M in Prizes – Categories & Awards
The grand prize winner will take home the $250,000 LEAP Award, with five additional category winners each securing $150,000:
- Shooting Star – Recognizing an early-stage startup with strong potential.
- Scaling Star – Awarded to a fast-growing business.
- Tech for Humanity – Honoring a startup with a social impact mission.
- Into New Worlds – Celebrating a transformational tech startup.
- LEAP Landing – Recognizing an international startup entering the Saudi market.
Who’s Attending LEAP 2025? Global Investors & Industry Leaders
Top Saudi and global investors will be present, including:
- Saudi Firms: STV, Wa’ed Ventures, Jada Investments
- Global Firms: UBS, Morgan Stanley, SC Ventures, The Carlyle Group
Keynote speakers will include representatives from General Atlantic, PIF, Mindvalley, and Andreessen Horowitz, alongside investment experts.
Meet the Judges
The final panel of judges includes:
- Ahmed El Alfi (Sawari Ventures)
- Vusi Thembekwayo (MyGrowthFund Venture Partners)
- Lateefa Alwaalan (Endeavor Saudi)
- Connie Chan (Andreessen Horowitz)
LEAP 2025 – More Than Just a Pitch Competition
Beyond Rocket Fuel, LEAP 2025 offers:
- Investor matchmaking with 2,000+ VCs through AI-powered networking
- Founder Bootcamp – Exclusive pitch refinement and business strategy sessions
- Ecosystem Xchange – Private networking events with Google Cloud, Carta, and Angel School
Don’t Miss LEAP 2025
LEAP continues to cement Saudi Arabia’s role as a global hub for startups and investors. With over 680 startups and 2,000+ investors attending, the Rocket Fuel Pitch Competition promises to be a game-changer for emerging businesses.
