2013-03-11 10:39:56 -
AMMAN - The Information and Communications Technology Association of Jordan - Int@j and Endeavor Jordan have conducted a press conference highlighting the success of “Invest in ICT” regional investment event that took place on March 6, 2013 under the MENA ICT Forum 2013, and that was considered a great opportunity for investors to meet with participating ICT SMEs and growth capital companies in its exclusive matchmaking platform.
More than 40 companies from the ICT sector from Jordan and the region have participated in this exclusive event along with 40 investors, ranging from Arab and foreign investment funds and other entities involved in investments. The press conference highlighted the activities of the “Invest in ICT” which included an opening speech and open debates between the participants, in addition to activities that promote building relationships, expanding professional networks, and contribute to the advancement of the investment state in the region.
Abed Shamlawi, the CEO of int@j expressed: "We are thrilled with the success of the “Invest in ICT” where we were able to attract more than 40 investors, ranging from Arab and foreign investment funds, as well as the
small and medium companies and entrepreneurs in the ICT, and this was a big challenge that was successfully achieved by int@j and Endeavor Jordan which is our partner at this event. “Invest in ICT” event is the right platform and the ideal base to support the investment ecosystem, complementing all the efforts in growing the entrepreneurs and ICT companies in the region, and it also focuses on supporting the small and medium enterprises segment that have the highest impact on the economy, and this is one of int@j’s main objectives. We consider “Invest in ICT” as the start for series of similar platforms contributing to increasing investment readiness and maturity in the region. Also, to building an interactive and powerful community of top regional investors and entrepreneurs to interact & discuss the current state of investments in the region and how to facilitate funds, overcome our ecosystem issues & leverage the capabilities of capital owners”.
From Endeavor Jordan’s side, Rasha Manna – Managing Director added: “Invest in ICT event is considered the first exclusive regional investment matchmaking event bringing together regional and international investors with aspiring companies and entrepreneurs from Jordan, UAE, Lebanon and Egypt. We are confident that we were able to provide an opportunity for companies to closely interact and connect with prospective investors during one-on-one meetings”.
It is worth mentioning some of the participating investors to include: 212 Limited, Y+ Ventures, Abraaj Capital, Dash Ventures, OT Ventures, European Bank for Reconstruction & Development – EBRD, International Finance Corporation, MENA Venture Investments, iMENA, Middle East Venture Partners, Plug and Play Tech Center , MENA Apps, Accelerator, MBC ventures, Sadara Ventures, BECO Capital. and others
The sixth MENA ICT Forum is held under the patronage of King Abdullah II on March 6-7 at the Dead Sea, in partnership with the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology and the Arab ICT Organization (ijma3), and with support from the United States Agency for International Development – USAID. The Forum is particularly significant at this time, during which the ICT sector is witnessing international transformations and moving towards increased communications and convergence of IT with various economic sectors, as well as revolutionised concepts of mobile communications, computing, high-speed Internet networks and social media networks. The Forum has achieved great and important successes in the past under the title "Jordan ICT Forum" in 2000, 2002, 2004 and 2006; all of which served as a basis for an all-encompassing forum carrying a new name - “The MENA ICT Forum" in 2010. The 2013 forum covers new and exceptional levels that concern the region with a timetable that is rich in content, and includes a number of core issues that deal with the regional investment environment, supporting legislation, the infrastructure of the ICT sector, and leadership and investment in start-up companies. It also covers education and development of human resources. Moreover, the Forum also includes an ICT exhibition, an innovation and entrepreneurship theatre, a digital gaming corner and other events.
