From funding to scale: Straight-talk from The Final Pitch’s investor-judges

Before the lights, cameras and big-money deals roll on The Final Pitch: Dubai, four of the region’s investors (and the show’s judges) are already delivering their inputs.

From real estate expert Dr Mohanad Alwadiya and Web3 heavyweight Bijan Alizadeh to cleantech pioneer Sami Khoreibi and strategic advisor Jigar Sagar, these investors aren’t just waiting to be impressed. Their message to startup founders? Come armed with data, clarity, and a vision that can scale — not just sizzle. Each offers advice honed through decades of hard-won experience.

Ahead of the show‘s Middle East debut, we asked these decision-makers for their biggest red flags — and green lights — when it comes to how investors evaluate founders. The result is a masterclass in funding and growth, dished out with honesty and a clear call: if you’re ready to pitch, you should be ready to deliver.

Here’s what the experts have to say …

On the top three factors founders should keep in mind when seeking funding

Jigar Sagar, investor, strategic government advisor and founder of Triliv Holdings

1. Clarity beats complexity: Be razor-sharp about your value proposition, numbers, and ‘why now’. Don’t make investors decode your pitch — make them believe in it.
2. Traction talks: Momentum matters more than storytelling. Show real signals — revenue, users, partnerships.
3. It’s a relationship, not a transaction: Choose investors who align with your vision, not just those offering the best valuation.

Sami Khoreibi, entrepreneur, investor and founding partner, Incubayt Investments 

1. Expect rejection and plan for it: Persistence is key — budget more time than you think it’ll take.
2. Do your homework on investors: Make sure they’re a fit for your stage, sector, and geography. If not, still reach out and ask for referrals.
3. Warm introductions win: Use LinkedIn, network hard, and personalise your outreach. Cold emails often get ignored.

Bijan Alizadeh, founding partner, Cypher Capital and co-founder, Phoenix Group 

1. Master your metrics: Know your numbers inside out—unit economics, path to profitability, and growth levers.
2. Show momentum and agility: Demonstrate traction and how you’ll adapt to scale.
3. Nail the pitch — fast: Your vision must be clear in two minutes or less. Be concise, compelling, and memorable.

Dr Mohanad Alwadiya, CEO and managing partner, Harbor Real Estate

1. Know what you need — and why: Have a clear capital strategy. Don’t raise money just to survive.
2. Be investor-ready: Clean financials, clarity in your model, and transparency are critical.
3. Choose the right investor: The wrong investor can set you back. Find ones who add value beyond funding.

On key advice for startups looking to scale

Jigar Sagar

• Don’t confuse growth with scale: Growth is messy. Scale is methodical.
• Systemise what works: If it’s not repeatable, it’s not scalable.
• Invest in people, not just tools: Good tech won’t fix a weak team.
• Stay close to unit economics: Scaling loss-making models just burns cash faster.
• Protect your culture: It’s your startup’s DNA — and a key to long-term edge.

Sami Khoreibi

• Ensure product and infrastructure readiness: Don’t scale prematurely.
• Build SOPs: Standard operating procedures are key for efficient team execution.
• Scale through repeatability: Standardise, but continue improving and iterating.

Bijan Alizadeh

• Do it right — not just fast: Build systems that scale with you.
• Invest early in infrastructure and team: Culture and capability are your growth enablers.
• Stay agile: Fix what’s broken, double down on what works, and be ready to pivot.

Dr Mohanad Alwadiya

1. Strengthen internal systems first: Poor processes crumble under pressure.
2. Be data-driven: Real-time insights into cost, margin, and burn rate are essential.
3. Stay customer-centric: Don’t lose sight of your core audience while expanding.
4. Balance speed with stability: Scale fast enough to seize opportunity—but steady enough to stay in control.

The deadline for final submissions for the Final Pitch is June 8.

Read: From idea to impact: How MENA startups can stand out in a global arena