Riyadh is ready to spotlight the next big thing in hospitality! The Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Saudi Arabia has officially announced the return of its exciting platform for emerging businesses — the Startup Den — and it’s set to be bigger and bolder in 2025.
This initiative is all about giving fresh startups in the hospitality space the chance to shine, grow, and connect with top industry leaders.
What’s the Startup Den All About?
The Startup Den is a launchpad for young hospitality ventures to gain:
- ✅ Exposure to investors and hospitality leaders
- ✅ Mentorship from experienced executives
- ✅ Funding opportunities to scale their business
- ✅ Incubation support to take their ideas to the next level
Ten finalists will be selected to pitch live at FHS Saudi Arabia 2025. They’ll present their startup ideas in front of a high-powered panel of judges — and the winners will be announced during the summit itself!
Who’s Judging the Finalists?
This year’s judging panel features top voices in the industry, including:
- ✔️ Fahad Al Obailan, Group CEO, BAAN Holding
- ✔️ Khalid Alsatti, Senior Specialist, UN Tourism
- ✔️ Sundip Patel, CEO, Ezdaher Financing Company
- ✔️ Ahmad Arab, Founding Partner, Horwath HTL Saudi
Each finalist will get five minutes to present their idea, followed by two minutes of Q&A from the judges. It’s fast, high-energy, and full of potential!
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the Startup Den, businesses must:
- ✅ Be less than 3 years old
- ✅ Have an annual revenue of under USD 1 million
- ✅ Employ between 2 and 30 people
- ✅ Have raised between USD 450,000 – 500,000 in seed or early-stage funding
While there’s a strong focus on Saudi startups, international participants are also welcome to apply.
Why This Matters Now
With Saudi Arabia undergoing a massive tourism transformation under Vision 2030, programs like the Startup Den are key to nurturing innovation in the hospitality space.
“With KSA’s unprecedented tourism transformation well under way, and major events like Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034 on the horizon, entrepreneurship is fundamental to the continued growth of the country’s hospitality sector,” said Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of The Bench, the organization behind FHS.
What’s Next?
The Startup Den will be a core feature of FHS Saudi Arabia 2025, offering a unique chance for startups to build real momentum in one of the world’s fastest-growing tourism markets.
So if you’re an ambitious founder with a game-changing idea in hospitality — this could be your big break.