Markaz Participates as Gold Sponsor at GCC Connect E2I – Kuwait 2026 | Al Bawaba
The Kuwait Financial Centre “Markaz” announced the successful conclusion of its participation as a Gold Sponsor of GCC Connect E2I – Entrepreneurs to Investors Forum, held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait. The event brought together startup founders, investors, venture capital firms, and senior decision-makers from Kuwait and across the GCC under the patronage of H.E. the Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Mr. Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi. A distinguished roster of regional and international speakers contributed to the program’s dynamic dialogue and knowledge exchange.
Building Bridges Between Founders and Capital
The forum was designed to accelerate startup growth by fostering partnerships between entrepreneurs and investors and by spotlighting success stories from across the GCC. Discussions focused on the practical enablers of a thriving innovation economy and the structures needed to scale promising ideas into high-impact ventures.
- Digital transformation and its role in reshaping industries and services
- Development of a resilient and sustainable innovation ecosystem
- Financing pathways for startups, from seed to growth stages
- Institutional support and policy frameworks that catalyze economic growth
- Public–private collaboration to expand access to capital and expertise
- Cross-border opportunities and unified innovation frameworks within the GCC
These themes reflect the region’s strategic shift toward a knowledge-based economy, where innovation and entrepreneurship play a central role. The forum also served as a regional platform for exploring how coordinated approaches to investment and regulatory clarity can unlock scalable opportunities across priority sectors.
Markaz Perspective
Commenting on the participation, Mr. Ahmed Al-Falah, Managing Director, Investment Banking at Markaz, emphasized that innovation flourishes when capital, talent, clear regulation, and institutional support work in concert. He noted that platforms like GCC Connect E2I help bridge the gap between founders and investors, fostering constructive dialogue that advances long-term economic development. He also highlighted the importance of equipping emerging entrepreneurs with the tools, financing, and governance frameworks required to transform innovative concepts into sustainable businesses.
Advancing a Regional Vision for Innovation
Markaz’s engagement at GCC Connect E2I is aligned with its Corporate Social Responsibility strategy, which prioritizes entrepreneurship, innovation, and knowledge-sharing. The company’s sponsorship underscores its commitment to strategic engagement and thought leadership within the region’s financial and investment landscape, while contributing to a more integrated GCC innovation ecosystem.
By serving as a connector between high-potential enterprises and institutional capital, Markaz supports the development of scalable, innovation-led investments. This role complements broader regional objectives to diversify economies, nurture homegrown talent, and promote sustainable growth through technology and entrepreneurship.
Outcome and Next Steps
The forum concluded with a reinforced commitment among stakeholders to expand cooperation, streamline access to financing, and promote best practices in startup governance and scaling. For Markaz, the event further validated the importance of collaborative platforms in accelerating venture formation, de-risking early-stage innovation, and channeling capital toward impactful opportunities.
With momentum building across the GCC, Markaz reiterated its dedication to supporting entrepreneurs and investors through initiatives that foster knowledge exchange, enhance market connectivity, and strengthen the regional investment ecosystem.
