To promote SME funding - and the larger sphere of entrepreneurship - within the Middle Eastern region, lending institutions, VCs and PE firms will unite for the first time ever at SME Beyond Borders 2016

October 20, 2016, Dubai

Year-on-year, experts have come together to discuss initiatives that will spur further entrepreneurship and enhance support for SME funding. Yet, the region has a long way to go to in terms of providing sound financial support for this prolific sector.

SMEs shouldn’t be daunted by the task of looking for funding, but should rather focus on innovating and raising the bar within their businesses. There is a need for all the stakeholders – VCs, PE firms and banks – to create the right ecosystem for growth and spearhead change.

Speaking on behalf of the wider investor community, Walid Mansour, Managing Partner, Middle East Venture Partners, said: "Venture capital is a key enabler for SMEs creation and scaling and a leeway for innovation in any modern economy. VC-backed start-ups become a magnet for talent development, innovation and wealth creation--their entrepreneurial spirit will contagiously spread new values in society."

Zul Javaid, Vice President – Business Analysis & Performance at Etisalat, added: “Etisalat has a unique perspective on the SME landscape because we are the provider of ICT services to the majority of businesses in the UAE. Through these products and services, we help these companies achieve their objectives. As a result, we also understand which of these companies is poised for growth and is able to excel within its respective industry space. Moreover, it gives us an insight into who is positioned to do even better with access to funding. That’s exactly why we believe in the importance of conversations like the one we are having on October 27th.”

Some of the most prominent VCs and PE firms will take this conversation forward on October 27, 2016 at the Atlantis Hotel, the Palm as they take part in the annual SME Beyond Borders 2016 conference. For the first time ever, Gulf Capital, Middle East Venture Partners, Lumia Capital, The Abraaj Group, Abu Dhabi Financial Group, Impulse International, Wamda Capital and BECO Capital will convene in one strategic platform to discuss funding opportunities and challenges.

To register for the conference and get more information, please visit: http://smebeyondborders.com/workinprogress

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© Press Release 2016