February 11 - 12, 2020Dubai Internet City
DUBAI 2023
DUBAI
2023
Final Agenda Coming Soon
Welcoming attendees to Step 2022, and talking about Step latest projects and upcoming plans
Bringing in the regulators and key stakeholders that have been playing a major role in shaping up the startup ecosystem…
Bringing in the regulators and key stakeholders that have been playing a major role in shaping up the startup ecosystem over the past 10 years in the MENA region, to discuss changes and future projections.
Welcoming attendees and opening the digital track with a brief about the day, and highlight topics that will be discussed.
Welcoming attendees and opening the future track with a brief about the day, and highlight topics that will be discussed.
When it comes to talent in the startup space, there are two concerns that are being addressed over and over…
When it comes to talent in the startup space, there are two concerns that are being addressed over and over again being, first, finding the right talent for the job and second, keeping talent in the company. In this conversation, we will dig into the sources of these issues and discuss solutions to close the talent gap, and the role that the gig economy is playing in this equation.
Creators becoming founders, and brands going after creators. Discussing building long-term relationships and putting the audience first.
When technologies emerge it's a matter of trial and error with the early adopters in the space. Having a conversation…
When technologies emerge it's a matter of trial and error with the early adopters in the space. Having a conversation with the crypto leaders in the region to discuss the challenges they are facing with regulators to build a crypto-friendly ecosystem.
Global investors have been showing great interest in emerging market startups. Currently, most VCs refer to markets like MENA as…
Global investors have been showing great interest in emerging market startups. Currently, most VCs refer to markets like MENA as ‘emerging’ but some experts project that it will become the dominant source of investment flows. Talking about the advantages that emerging markets have over other markets, important factors to consider when investing in certain countries and challenges.
Discussing the evolution of security strategies, understanding advanced cyber attacks, and the solutions that are being offered for users' protection.
Welcoming attendees and opening the wellness track with a brief about the day, and highlight topics that will be discussed.
The advantage that local and regional trading platforms have over global players, and the future of trading in the MENA…
The advantage that local and regional trading platforms have over global players, and the future of trading in the MENA region.
Discussing the changing nature of agriculture and consumer awareness and the need for innovative tech integrations to satisfy growing demands…
Discussing the changing nature of agriculture and consumer awareness and the need for innovative tech integrations to satisfy growing demands for healthy foods.
Building charging stations, and having an electricity grid that can support the additional demand for electricity as the Electric Vehicle…
Building charging stations, and having an electricity grid that can support the additional demand for electricity as the Electric Vehicle adoption increases, is a whole conversation in the automotive industry. Mechanics talent
Bringing founders that fundraised and VCs to debate against founders that bootstrapped, and discuss honest opinions about bootstrapping vs fundraising.…
Bringing founders that fundraised and VCs to debate against founders that bootstrapped, and discuss honest opinions about bootstrapping vs fundraising. Why and why not? When and when not?
Web3 is a current buzzword and also a decentralized network used to connect various blockchain applications together. Web3 could be…
Web3 is a current buzzword and also a decentralized network used to connect various blockchain applications together. Web3 could be a replacement for the internet as we know it now and will potentially eliminate the "middlemen on the internet". Can Web3 really replace the internet? What does a future with Web3 look like? What are some applications now, in 10 years, and in the future? How will navigating the internet look like with Web3? Who will be the winners and who will be the losers?
Discussing the rising awareness of women's health in emerging markets, the sub-sectors, and the role technology is playing in promoting…
Discussing the rising awareness of women's health in emerging markets, the sub-sectors, and the role technology is playing in promoting women's wellness across all areas.
Podcasting may look like a trend, especially after the pandemic, but it really is more than that. Podcasting is about…
Podcasting may look like a trend, especially after the pandemic, but it really is more than that. Podcasting is about establishing relationships that matter with guests and listeners and building communities, discussing building the right community and staying relevant. While being able to monetize the content and make a living out of it.
Data is driving growth and efficiency in most, if not all sectors, and it’s time to implement trust in data…
Data is driving growth and efficiency in most, if not all sectors, and it’s time to implement trust in data in the healthcare systems. In the discussion, we will be highlighting the role that data can play in improving the healthcare system in emerging markets while tapping into the challenges that are still being faced with some traditional institutions.
Discussing the evolution of the P2P solution across the past 5 years in emerging markets, the influence that it has…
Discussing the evolution of the P2P solution across the past 5 years in emerging markets, the influence that it has on the underbanked and its role in financial inclusion. Looking at the current state of the space with the rise of crypto and the challenges that are yet to be solved.
It's always a question when a VC invests in a startup and increases it's valuation or when a startup fundraises…
It's always a question when a VC invests in a startup and increases it's valuation or when a startup fundraises based on a valuation claimed by its founders. How determining valuations should really work?
Over the past 2 years, the pandemic has had a significant impact on the way we work. Companies were forced…
Over the past 2 years, the pandemic has had a significant impact on the way we work. Companies were forced to embrace remote work and carry on their hiring efforts remotely without meeting them in person. Now that life is slowly going back to normal, some think that remote work is set to become permanent, some disagree and others believe in the hybrid model. The goal is to create an insightful exchange between the panelists. Challenge their views on remote work, talent retention, and the future of hiring for tech companies in the region.
Want to level up your data analytics skills and build a product-led growth strategy? This masterclass is your go-to place.…
Want to level up your data analytics skills and build a product-led growth strategy? This masterclass is your go-to place. In this 45 minutes masterclass we walk you through: Engage users across mobile, web, and in-app, Build sophisticated omnichannel campaigns via a drag-and-drop canvas, Create actionable segments and perfect your audience targeting, Build an efficient growth engine that boosts retention and customer lifetime value.
Talking about building the habit of home made meals and healthy diets outside of the mainstream diet concept.
How to reach future consumers now & what that means for brand loyalty later. We'll hear from brand, research, and…
How to reach future consumers now & what that means for brand loyalty later. We'll hear from brand, research, and content experts as they take us through the latest data and behaviors on how those born between 2010 and 2024 will shape the commerce landscape in the next decade and beyond.
Is decentralization the answer to cyberattacks? To what extent can our systems move to decentralized channels? And what's needed to…
Is decentralization the answer to cyberattacks? To what extent can our systems move to decentralized channels? And what's needed to build trust in the system?
Discussing the route to IPO in the MENA region, how founders need to calculate their exits and pick their options.…
Discussing the route to IPO in the MENA region, how founders need to calculate their exits and pick their options. Understanding the state of IPO market in the region, and why SPACs could be an option to consider. Laying down the pros and cons of both options and challenges to expect in the process.
Expanding from a single market startup to exploring new markets: challenges and ways to overcome them.
Marketers across industries are looking for solutions that solve for the ever existing retention problem. Building a solution stack for…
Marketers across industries are looking for solutions that solve for the ever existing retention problem. Building a solution stack for this can be a complicated affair. How well are you aware of the one-stop Retention OS to drive Intelligent Engagement and not only retain your customers but turn them into evangelists.
Deep breathing has been proven scienctifically to be an effective tool to reducing stress and keeping human beings in check…
Deep breathing has been proven scienctifically to be an effective tool to reducing stress and keeping human beings in check with their mental and physical states. The science of breathwork goes a long way and in this session we will reveal some of the most interesting findings.
Postpay’s Founder & CEO, Tariq Sheikh, provides an overview of the global Buy Now, Pay Later phenomena and its emergence…
Postpay’s Founder & CEO, Tariq Sheikh, provides an overview of the global Buy Now, Pay Later phenomena and its emergence in MENA. Furthermore, he dives into how BNPL is proving to be a powerful solution for merchants while truly empowering consumers. Join in if you’re interested in the advent, present and future of BNPL within the FinTech ecosystem and beyond!
The transportation system is on the verge of being completely revolutionized, autonomous vehicles offer an opportunity to transform the system…
The transportation system is on the verge of being completely revolutionized, autonomous vehicles offer an opportunity to transform the system into becoming more inclusive and accessible, and will have a direct impact on defining new regulations realated to energy and societal requirements.
Buy now pay later, peer-2-peer lending, and digital payments. All new and rising payment models are having a huge impact…
Buy now pay later, peer-2-peer lending, and digital payments. All new and rising payment models are having a huge impact on consumers' shopping behaviors, and pushing retailers outside their comfort zone. Discussing the changes that retailers have to adapt to and strategies on being proactive in their strategies.
Understanding that expanding, scaling and growing is beyond just funding, its about assessing marketing and taking the right decision. Hearing…
Understanding that expanding, scaling and growing is beyond just funding, its about assessing marketing and taking the right decision. Hearing from startups that scaled and had to do it through trial and error.
Discussing habits and science-backed practices that improve mental wellbeing and focus. We will talk about the evolution of mental health…
Discussing habits and science-backed practices that improve mental wellbeing and focus. We will talk about the evolution of mental health history, and the different habits that one can adopt in order to improve mental fitness.
Cutting out the middlemen has been the talk of the town, and the trigger of almost every startup idea, how…
Cutting out the middlemen has been the talk of the town, and the trigger of almost every startup idea, how are B2B businesses dealing with that model, and what strategies are they following to keep up with B2C players.
From podcasting to Youtubing and running social channels, it's always a struggle bringing numbers up, what's the trick? How can…
From podcasting to Youtubing and running social channels, it's always a struggle bringing numbers up, what's the trick? How can podcasters attract listeners, YouTubers get more views and Social Influencers get more following and engagement?
The focus of this session will be to give founders the tools to cross over the growth stage. Talking about…
The focus of this session will be to give founders the tools to cross over the growth stage. Talking about expansion strategies, the importance of being able to replicate the sales model quickly, how leadership is critical at this point. As well as how to adopt automation of processes and staying relevant to customers.
Why and when to use low code platforms, from MVP to production-ready scalable solutions.
Walid Faza from MSA Capital and Sharif Al-Badawi from DFDF discussing Dubai Future District Fund.
Conversations about mental wellbeing are becoming more common in MENA among founders and entrepreneurs. Nowadays, there's a lot of pressure…
Conversations about mental wellbeing are becoming more common in MENA among founders and entrepreneurs. Nowadays, there's a lot of pressure on every individual on so many levels, and the need to share when one’s feeling overwhelmed calls for a supportive ecosystem. How to ensure that? And how to encourage founders to share when they need to?
The role of AI in setting stable grounds for any startup is important, and what's more important is knowing where…
The role of AI in setting stable grounds for any startup is important, and what's more important is knowing where to implement AI in your business and how to make the best use of the data generated. Discussing AI strategies to boost grown, scalability and success for startups.
Content consumption has been on the rise more than ever, and monetization is yet to be cracked. How can creators…
Content consumption has been on the rise more than ever, and monetization is yet to be cracked. How can creators monetize their content in the current media consumer culture?
The gaming industry in the region has been on the rise since day one, and the rising interest and investment…
The gaming industry in the region has been on the rise since day one, and the rising interest and investment in local talent and games has been significant.Talking about the current state of e-sports in MENA and where it's headed globally.
Discussing fulfillment centers management, stakeholders collaboration, and tech innovation supporting retailers in managing orders and easing the process.
Virtual fitness has been around for a while now and it has gained more popularity during the pandemic, from virtual…
Virtual fitness has been around for a while now and it has gained more popularity during the pandemic, from virtual cycling classes to yoga retreats, there are many solutions for one to take care of physical and mental health and stay fit and focused. What's the future of virtual fitness experiences and wearables?
Job opportunities, play to earn, and many more.
The new era for creatives is here, how come no one has ever thought of NFTs as a solution to…
The new era for creatives is here, how come no one has ever thought of NFTs as a solution to protecting artists' work? It's definitely a revolutionary era that we still know too little about, let's explore the horizon here.
Institutions and corporations are yet to take a step into the craze of crypto and the revolutionized financial systems, the…
Institutions and corporations are yet to take a step into the craze of crypto and the revolutionized financial systems, the main concerns lay on security, regulation and access. Discussing how institutions can ride the crypto adoption.
From growing up in rural Pakistan and breaking out of society’s expectations to launching a footwear brand in New York…
From growing up in rural Pakistan and breaking out of society’s expectations to launching a footwear brand in New York City, Sidra Qasim’s story is not a regular one and we'll be hearing all about it in this chat.
Discussing the importance of integrating technology in mental care solutions, and the challenges in onboarding consumers to trust such solutions.
Looking into the short-term and long-term solutions that can be implemented in the MENA region to reduce carbon emission, and…
Looking into the short-term and long-term solutions that can be implemented in the MENA region to reduce carbon emission, and discussing the process of transitioning into renewable energy sources and the challenges that come with it.
Two aspects to be discussed in this conversation, first, the increased consumption of on-demand content, and second, the state of…
Two aspects to be discussed in this conversation, first, the increased consumption of on-demand content, and second, the state of regional content production, how are streaming services working to satisfy this demand, and what's the role that are content creators, film producers and directors have to promote regional content?
Accelerators and incubators have an important role to play in the startup ecosystem, however they do not offer the solution…
Accelerators and incubators have an important role to play in the startup ecosystem, however they do not offer the solution for every challenge. Talking about the core role of Venture studios in the ecosystem and the true value that they add to the chain, their relationship with investors and more.
The importance of experience for a brand to stand out and build a loyal community. Discussing types of experiences and…
The importance of experience for a brand to stand out and build a loyal community. Discussing types of experiences and what strategies brands have to follow to attract the right consumers.
Seeing the benefit of open banking is one thing and implementing it is another, there's a major struggle in implementing…
Seeing the benefit of open banking is one thing and implementing it is another, there's a major struggle in implementing the right strategies and developing the right products and services to access consumers data at low cost and in a way that's suited to the needs to consumers. Discussing solutions and regulations.
A deep dive into the broad categories of ESG ("Environmental, Social, and -Corporate- Governance). The panelists will examine and discuss…
A deep dive into the broad categories of ESG ("Environmental, Social, and -Corporate- Governance). The panelists will examine and discuss the opportunities presented to early stage founders in adopting ESG principles into their corporate strategy. The panelists bring unique insight and perspective on ESG implementation from a financial, legal and policy point of view.
In a conversation with Y Combinator startups, we will discuss the effect that the model had on the MENA ecosystem,…
In a conversation with Y Combinator startups, we will discuss the effect that the model had on the MENA ecosystem, and compare it with existing regional programs through pros and cons.
Discussing the importance of investing in impact startups to build solutions that only the new generation can solve around the…
Discussing the importance of investing in impact startups to build solutions that only the new generation can solve around the world's problems including climate change, pollution, and more. And the role of investors in raising awareness on social impact.
As reliance on technology to streamline and accelerate digital transformation continues to sweep the marketing industry, many wonder if the…
As reliance on technology to streamline and accelerate digital transformation continues to sweep the marketing industry, many wonder if the creator economy and influencer marketing can ride the wave of automation. In its current state, most creator and influencer marketing remains manual and archaic, but with the next wave of technology, we are beginning to see the introduction of end-to-end business process automation. How can brands quickly and efficiently scale the power of creators in a time where content is decentralizing and folding advertising within the content?
Discussing the importance of building support systems for the startup ecosystem including startup founders, VCs, and entrepreneurship support organizations, and…
Discussing the importance of building support systems for the startup ecosystem including startup founders, VCs, and entrepreneurship support organizations, and the role that these communities play in entrepreneurs' success and growth.
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