Scale7, the first fashion and design business incubator in Qatar – founded by Qatar Development Bank (QDB) in partnership with M7, hosted its first Demo Day, to celebrate the completion of its Accelerator Program.
The much-awaited Demo Day under the theme, ‘Walk Fashion, Think Investment, hosted key players from the local fashion and design ecosystem, as well as investors, aspiring entrepreneurs and Fashion tech enthusiasts.
This Demo Day helped in bridging the gap between the investor community and the talented startups who were part of the acceleration program and eligible for Scale7 passport program. The Demo Day also offered the designers a great opportunity to pitch in front of potential investors and build partnerships to help them with their business expansion.
On the launch of this event, Mr. Abdulrahman Hesham Al. Sowaidi, QDB Acting CEO, said, “We are deeply satisfied with the way the entire Scale7 program has penned out since its inception even after withstanding the challenging circumstances affecting the entire global scene, specially that our diversified programs have received more than 250 requests from applicants interested in benefiting from the provided trainings, workshops, incubation and accelerations programs. We are pleased to introduce our incredibly talented fashion and design startups to our highly influential investor community who are eager to support these talents in their future journey and leave a successful trail for others to follow. We are confident that the successful hosting of the Demo Day for Scale7 participants will encourage other startups to come forward and start their enriching entrepreneurial journey.”
“QDB has always been a frontrunner in aiding the journey of Qatari startups and offer them such innovative platforms. We are elated to witness a huge number of fashion startups coming forward and capitalizing on the immense opportunities that this platform provides. As we move ahead, we are optimistic to have many more such platforms to augment the growth of our startup community.”
On this occasion, HE Mr. Alessandro Prunas, the Ambassador of Italy to the State of Qatar commented:” Scale7 is a very exciting project and what makes me more delighted about it is that this project is supported by an Italian consultant “Fashion Technology accelerator”. As you know, Fashion industry in Italy is a very important sector and despite COVID, this industry continues to grow. This tells a lot about the capabilities of our entrepreneurs to innovate and use cutting-edge technologies. If any of these elements can be transferred here, I think that will be a great success and I understand that this the whole purpose of this initiative. I’m very happy that we are here today to celebrate scale7 and to encourage new young Qatari entrepreneurs to start their fashion business”.
Also, Commenting on the success of the Demo Day, Ms. Aysha Khalifa Al Romaihi, Project Manager of Scale7, said: “It’s an overwhelming feeling to witness the successes achieved by Scale7 startups in such a short time. We’re thrilled and proud to be the first entrepreneurial hub in Qatar, responsible for the growth and development of the fashion and design sector. I can safely assert that with the help of our partners and by unifying our efforts, we’re playing a central role in developing the local private sector and SMEs in Qatar. We anticipate that soon, entrepreneurship will be comfortably viewed as a legitimate career-choice amongst many Qataris of all ages.”
The acceleration program startups were also competing for the Scale7 passport program which gives them a chance to explore their potential internationally. The winners included Gahfia, Lovah by Fatima, Hairaat, Hend Rumaihi and Witr who were awarded the Scale7 passport along with financial prizes.