The Falcons: Startup funding show comes to the UAE

Startups in the UAE now have a new place to pitch for funding with the launch of ‘The Falcons’ reality TV show. The reality TV show’s concept centres around a group of contestants asking for a specific amount of money in exchange for a specific percentage of ownership in their business.

The show brings the pressure, the suspense and the glory of raising capital to TV screens in the UAE in a10-episode season.

Entrepreneurs who believe in their product can sell their ideas to a panel of investors and receive live feedback. If the panel or even a single investor believes in the product, they will be offered funding on camera. The startup has the option to accept the offer or reject it.

Startup founders can try to enter show to get a chance to be in front of the panel of investors. This direct interaction will provide invaluable feedback and potential on-the-spot investment decisions, creating an opportunity for startups to get off the ground.

‘The Falcons’ launch event was held on 1st June at The Hilton, Al Habtoor City, Dubai. Anjana Om Kashyap, an Indian news anchor and senior executive editor at Aaj Tak, was the launch event host. She revealed that the show will be hosted by TV personality Rannvijay Singh.

The show is being brought to the UAE by Horses Production Private Limited (HPPL), a media firm based in India that creates intellectual properties primarily focused on the business community and the current global startup boom. The show will be co-produced by Dubai-based NKN Media.

How can startups apply?

Startups interested in applying for ‘The Falcons’ can begin the application process by clicking the ‘Apply Now’ button on the show’s official website. The registration page will prompt applicants to provide basic information about themselves and their business. Additionally, startups will be required to submit a pitch deck or video showcasing their business idea and explaining why it holds the potential for success. The Falcons team will carefully review all submissions and select the most promising startups to participate in the show.

To be eligible for the show, startups must have a minimum business life of eight months and demonstrate innovation, impact, and investment potential. Investors should be able to commit investment on the spot and be able to support startups and boost entrepreneurs. All nationalities are welcome.

India Today TV will serve as the English broadcast partner for this show; an OTT partner is yet to be finalised. The show, which is scheduled for telecast in October 2023, will be dubbed in both Arabic and Hindi.