ATM start-up competition calls all tourism and hospitality entrepreneurs

A brand-new competition at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2022 will enable up to fifteen start-ups from the travel and hospitality sectors the opportunity to bid for up to half a million dollars in investment.

The exhibition will be held at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 9-12 May 2022.

“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,” said Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME – Arabian Travel Market.

“In addition to pitching for up to $500,000 of investment at ATM 2022, the winning start-up will be given the chance to compete for a further $500,000 of funding on Tim Draper’s hugely popular television show, Meet the Drapers.”

The inaugural ATM Draper-Aladdin Start-up Competition, which will take place on the ATM Travel Tech Stage on Tuesday, May 10, 2022, will put 15 start-ups against each other. Each pitch will take five minutes and will be followed by a five-minute Q&A session with ATM’s team of industry judges.

The ultimate winner will earn a minimum of $30,000 and a maximum of $500,000 investment, a DASC Certificate, and the opportunity to compete for another $500,000 while receiving access to a crowdfunding network of 12 million people on Tim Draper’s TV show, Meet the Drapers. Two more runners-up will receive simply the DASC Certificate.

“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 in ATM 2022’s start-up 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 via ATM Travel Tech’s various marketing platforms.

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

The competition’s professional judges will also be on hand to share their significant start-up expertise, delivering advice on the most successful fundraising strategies, the most difficult problems that new enterprises confront, and the best routes to approach investors.