FIVE of Blossom’s startups competed for the chance to win a sponsored trip to Silicon Valley, to have access to global markets, meet with the headquarters of Facebook, Uber, and Google, and be a panelist at Blossom’s annual event on June 26, 2019, previously opened by Princess Reema Bint Bandar in San Francisco, California.

Blossom, first Saudi female-focused accelerator just wrapped up their 3rd demo day after 4 months of screening over 100 applicants they carefully selected 5 startups to participate in this year’s accelerator cohort. This year adding on a twist where they sponsored a winning startup to meet with Facebook, Uber, and Google and be a panelist at their upcoming event on June 26th, 2019 bringing the best of Saudi Arabia and Silicon Valley together, increasing knowledge sharing, exporting the talent of Saudi Arabia abroad, and increasing foreign investment in KSA.

The Founder & CEO of Blossom Emon Shakoor added “startups were exposed to daily mentoring sessions, workshops, pitching sessions and were taught an array of topics ranging from customers personas, lean principles, digital marketing, business modeling, feasibility studies, and learning how to pitch and present in front of investors.”

The following five startups were accepted into Blossom’s GAN accredited accelerator this year:

1. Ghalia a plant food alternative providing non-dairy products.

2. Homegrown Market, a concept store housing over 135 brands.

3. Swish, Saudi’s leading basketball Academy committed to improving the skills in basketball and beyond.

4. Sticky, an iOS mobile application and photo printing service that allows you to print it and stick photos at ease

5. Jeddah Ballet Academy & Motion Boutique; a performing Arts School with degree-certified instructors.

The judging panel consisted of Eng. Khalid Suleimani, Chairman of the Board at Wadi Makkah Ventures; Waleed Mutter, CEO of STC Specialized; Hesham Rowaihy, Partner at Pure Consulting; and Louwla Bakr, Senior partner of Chrome Advisory.

Two startups tied for 1st place and both will be heading to Silicon Valley this summer — Swish Basketball Academy and Sticky Mobile Application. Fellow sponsors were Pure Sports, Ijaza.com, and Alkhabeer Capital.

Founder of Swish said “it was an amazing feeling being awarded from Blossom. Our plan is to expand and be able to reach more communities in order to raise awareness of sports for both male and female in all ages and to show how important it is not just physically but mentally and emotionally as well.”

Co-Founder of Sticky App, Albatool Misky added “in the future, we plan to introduce new sizes and expand to the rest of the Middle East and North Africa. Also, we plan to keep innovating and introducing new smart, simple and contemporary photography products. Our goal at Sticky is to help people elevate their space with their beautiful memories.” — SG