ATM DRAPER LAUNCHES COMPETITION FOR HOSPITALITY STARTUPS AND INNOVATORS

The first ATM Draper – Aladdin Start-up Competition is calling tourism and hospitality entrepreneurs to pitch for up to USD 500,000 of investment.

Taking place on the Travel Tech Stage at Arabian Travel Market 2022, the inaugural competition will give up to 15 startups from travel and transportation, hospitality, tech and experiences and attractions the opportunity to pitch to industry judges and investors.

Danielle Curtis, exhibition director ME – Arabian Travel Market, which will be held at Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC) from May 9-12, 2022, said: “The ATM Draper-aladdin Start-up Competition offers an incredible opportunity for entrepreneurs from across the industry to pitch their business plans in front of our expert judges, not to mention a global audience of industry professionals and investors.”

Each pitch will last for five minutes and will be followed by a five-minute Q&A session with ATM’S panel of industry judges.

The overall winner will receive a minimum of USD 30,000 up to a maximum of USD 500,000 investment, a DASC Certificate and the chance to appear on Tim Draper’s TV show, Meet the Drapers, where they compete for another USD 500,000 while gaining access to a crowdfunding network of 12 million viewers. A further two runners up will receive the DASC Certificate only.

“The aim of the ATM Draper-aladdin Start-up Competition is to help intensify the race to a sustainable future for travel and tourism,” said Curtis. “In conjunction with Aladdinb2b and Draper Associates, we will showcase technologies and innovations from the brightest minds in travel, transportation, hospitality, experiences and attractions.”

In addition to a place in the competition, each finalist will have: the opportunity to invest in a pod located in ATM 2022’s startup area; access to a booking and matchmaking platform powered by Aladdinb2b and Draper VC, which can be used to arrange meetings with prospective investors; and global exposure through ATM Travel Tech’s various marketing platforms.

The competition’s panel of expert judges will also be on hand to share their extensive startup experience, offering tips on the most effective fundraising methods, the biggest challenges faced by new ventures and the best channels to reach investors.

“Any startups that are interested in taking part can visit the ATM Travel Tech page to find out more about this exciting competition,” Curtis added.