in partnership with

GIST STARTUP GIST BOOT CAMP DEMO DAY

December 16-17, 2013 December 18, 2013 Amman, JORDAN

The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

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GIST STARTUP GIST BOOT CAMP DEMO DAY

in partnership with

TABLE OF CONTENTS

December 16-17, 2013 December 18, 2013 Amman, JORDAN

Agenda 2 GIST Initiative One Pager 4 Oasis 500 Company Profile 5 CRDF Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programs 6 Startup Profiles 10 GIST Alumni 40 Speakers, Mentors & Judges 41 GIST Mentor Highlight 51 CRDF Global GIST Team 52 U.S. Department of State GIST Team 54 OASIS 500 Team 55 GIST Activities 56 Resources 57 GIST Partners 58

The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

1

GIST STARTUP GIST BOOT CAMP DEMO DAY

in partnership with

December 16-17, 2013 December 18, 2013

AGENDA

Amman, JORDAN

Day 1 - Monday, December 16, 2013: Closed to Public

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9:00 - 9:30

Welcome Remarks & Introductions

9:30 - 10:30

Learn: Business Model Canvas & International Customer Discovery Overview: Learn how to create your dynamic roadmap to market validation and success. Chuck Eesley, Assistant Professor, Stanford University

10:30 - 10:45

Break

10:45 - 11:30

Learn: Global Networking and Partnership Formation Session: Polish your networking skills Ovidiu Bujorean, Senior Manager, CRDF Global, Speaker, ovibees.com

11:30 - 12:30

Learn: Determining Cost Structure and Revenue Streams Chuck Easley, Assistant Professor, Stanford University

12:30 - 13:30

Lunch

13:30 - 14:30

Learn: Cash Flow and Projections - common mistakes to avoid Kari Hanson, Former Project Director of SEED Design Lab, Stanford University

14:30 - 15:15

3 Entrepreneurs present their business canvas

15:15 - 15:30

Break

15:30 - 16:15

Learn & Do: User-Centered Design - innovating for your customer Kari Hanson, Former Project Director of SEED Design Lab, Stanford University

16:15 - 17:00

Learn: Razing Capital - from crowdfunding to venture capital Faysal Sohail, VC, CMEA Capital

17:00 - 17:45

Learn & Do: Investor Pitching Session: Learn how to tell a story and convince an investor to buy-in to your vision. 3-5 most courageous entrepreneurs will have an opportunity to practice their elevator pitches. Natalia Pipia, Senior Program Director, CRDF Global

The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

GIST STARTUP GIST BOOT CAMP DEMO DAY

in partnership with

December 16-17, 2013 December 18, 2013

AGENDA

Amman, JORDAN

Day 2 - Tuesday, December 17, 2013: Closed to Public 9:00 - 10:00

Learn: International Marketing and Sales Jeff Hoffman, Co-founder and former CEO of Priceline, CEO of ColorJar

10:00 - 11:00

Learn: Expansion and Scalability Faysal Sohail, VC, CMEA Capital

11:00 - 11:15

Break

11:15 - 12:15

Mentoring of Top 15 with GIST Alums and Mentors 15 entrepreneurs get one-on-one mentorship. The other 15 teams prepare for their pitch.

12:15 - 13:15

Mentoring of Top 15 with GIST Alums and Mentors 15 entrepreneurs get one-on-one mentorship. The other 15 teams prepare for their pitch.

13:15 - 14:15

Lunch

14:15 - 16:00

Speed Pitching 30 entrepreneurs pitch for a total of 3 minutes (2 minute presentation and 1 minute of Q&A)

16:00 - 17:00

Judges Deliberate Judges down select 10 entrepreneurs

Day 3- Wednesday, December 18, 2013 – Open to the Public 10:00 - 13:00

Prep Time

12:45 - 13:00

Registration

13:00 - 13:30

Welcoming Remarks

13:30 - 14:00

Keynote Jeff Hoffman, Co-founder and former CEO of Priceline, Founder of ColorJar

14:00 - 14:45

Panel Discussion: Hottest Startup Trends

14:45 - 15:00

Coffee Break

15:00 - 16:20

DEMO & Pitching Judging Panel 1 8 entrepreneurs pitch for a total of 10 minutes each (5 minute presentations with 5 minutes of Q&A)

16:20 - 17:30

DEMO & Pitching Judging Panel 2 7 entrepreneurs pitch for a total of 10 minutes each (5 minute presentations with 5 minutes of Q&A)

17:30 - 19:00

Networking Reception & Award Ceremony During the networking reception 30 entrepreneurs showcase their prototype and answer questions from investors, seasoned entrepreneurs and other distinguished guests The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

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IMPACT

WHAT IS GIST?

Hind Hobeika, Lebanon Founder, Instabeat

Muhammad Saimum Hossain, Bangladesh

GIST TECH-I

ICT

James Khoo, Malaysia Founder, SecQMe

GIST BOOT CAMPS

support most promising technology and science entrepreneurs.

Catherine Kiguru Co-founder, Ukall Ltd.

GIST TECHCONNECT

Two day on the ground hands-on support for most promising ventures.

Live video broadcast with seasoned improve startup ventures.

technology entrepreneurs. GLOBAL COMMUNITY

180K+ 4

ICT

ENERGY

HEALTH

GIST ALUMNI

GIST Initiative builds entrepreneurial ecosystems in over 50 countries in the Middle East, Central and South East Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, by identifying, coaching and funding promising entrepreneurs through competitions, start-up acceleration services, an online social media platform, and interactive mentorship programs. It is implemented in partnership with the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

CAPITAL RAISED

MENTOR NETWORK

JOBS CREATED

$21M

300+

800+

The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

About Oasis 500 Oasis500 is a leading early stage and seed investment company, the first of its kind in Jordan and the MENA region. The program at Oasis500 includes entrepreneurship training, mentorship guidance, business incubation and additional follow-up investment and funding if required, turning new business ideas into startups and helping existing entrepreneurs grow their companies with support from angel investor and mentor networks. They nurture creative ideas in Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Mobile and Digital Media, transforming them into startup companies. Oasis500 aims to develop a strong solid generation of Arab entrepreneurs, consequently adding to a better future for the MENA region. The goal is clear: 500 startup companies in five years.

Why “Oasis500? MENA has always been a hot-bed for great ideas and determined dreamers, but what comes after the idea? The word “Oasis” addresses a serious gap in the region; the lack of seed and early stage funding for technology ventures. Oasis500 offers much more than just money, however. Attaining funding from the Oasis500 program will build your project’s credibility for the future as your concepts and business models will be screened and put to the test by industry experts. The incubation period includes the initial funding in addition to legal advice, mentoring, networking opportunities with successful businessmen and businesswomen, and finally a round of Angel Investor funding for the companies who are ready for it. 5

BUILDING ENTREPRENEURIAL ECOSYSTEMS INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMS CRDF Global is a private, non-governmental organization committed to promoting peace and prosperity through science and technology. Its innovation and entrepreneurship-focused programs develop technology commercialization capabilities and sustaining networks abroad. Domestically, CRDF Global helps to create more viable investment, partnership and collaborative opportunities for American businesses and scientists who gain access to top international research and expertise. Core Program Beliefs

individual in mind, as the nucleus and sole purpose of our mission. Strategic

Innovation. We believe strongly in the power of technology and innovation

partnerships. We partner with like-minded local and regional organizations

as drivers for sustainable growth.

and corporations to leverage our resources and capabilities to build capacity

Entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs transform innovation into enterprises

for greater impact and avoid redundancy.

that generate value and create jobs. Our programs are designed with the Innovation Ecosystem Development

Startup Support

CRDF Global believes in the bottom-up approach in building the local

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of all economies and

ecosystems and supports local entrepreneurship initiatives by identifying

the source of growth and dynamism. CRDF Global offers a comprehensive

leaders, existing programs and the gaps in the system.

suite of programs designed to nurture these early-stage companies.

• Assisting with the formation of new technology commercialization

• Identifying promising business opportunities, funders, partners and

offices and incubators

resource

• Strategic planning

• Designing and executing acceleration programs

• Management training and educational outreach

• Comprehensive skill development training

• Comprehensive programs designed to enhance entrepreneurship culture

• Access to sources of fundingInnovation

• Assisting with investment capital infrastructure development Technology Acceleration CRDF Global promotes business growth by supporting students, researchers and technology developers who believe that their product or service is viable commercially. Programs guide them through the process of commercialization by honing their skills and helping them to grow and realize their market potential. • Identifying intellectual property with commercial potential in universities and corporations • Hands-on training in technology transfer and intellectual property rights • Online technology commercialization courses • Technology valuation and market assessment

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The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

CRDF GLOBAL’S IMPACT CRDF GLOBAL’S IMPACT

Increasing Opportunities for Early-Stage Entrepreneurs

Transforming Technology

In the search for entrepreneurs with innovative technology ideas that can

Transfer in Russia CRDF Global has trained more than 300 technology

address a problem affecting their country or region, the Global Innovation

transfer managers and assisted eight leading research universities with

through Science and Technology (GIST) Initiative has implemented

establishing technology transfer offices, which significantly contributed to

the GIS TTech-I Competition, attracting close to 200 teams from the

the establishment of the local innovation ecosystem. The Programs include

Middle East, Africa, and Central and South East Asia. Among them was

professional skills development seminars, workshops, academia and industry

CardioDiagnostics, a Lebanese startup founded by Ziad Sankari. Ziad lost

international conferences, and site visits to the United States for technology

his father at the age of 17 to a heart attack, which inspired him to create a

transfer professionals. Similar activities have strengthened the technology

medical device that monitors cardiac patients outside the hospital around the

commercialization capabilities of more than 20 research universities of the

clock. This idea earned him a top prize of the competition awarded at the

Russian Federation.

Second Global Entrepreneurship Summit on December 3-5, 2011 in Istanbul, Turkey. CardioDiagnostics has been given a strong start for a global success

Accessing U.S. Markets

with $20,000 in seed funding, hands-on training with serial entrepreneurs

Since 2005, CRDF Global has implemented more than 20 U.S. travel

and business mentors, global media exposure by MSNBC and Wired

programs for close to 90 participants representing dozens of universities,

Magazine, an upcoming trip to Silicon Valley and participation in the MIT

research institutes and technology companies from Russia, Armenia and

Global Startup Workshop.

Azerbaijan and collaborated with such prominent U.S. organizations as MIT, Babson College, Garage Technology Ventures, Plug & Play Incubator, CleanTech Open and others. Based on the scalable and highly customizable format of the Innovation U.S. travel programs and existing cache of experience, best practices and partners, CRDF Global is able to design and implement results-oriented and cost-effective programs that perfectly fit the objectives and needs of a diverse range of partner organizations in emerging markets. Building Institutional Capacity Since 2005, CRDF Global has partnered with the Enterprise Incubator Foundation (EIF), one of the most successful IT-focused technology business

Ziad Sankari, CardioDiagnostics

incubators and consulting companies in the Caucasus region, to implement its

Providing Access to Capital The “ecoFridge,” a revolutionary refrigeration system used to transport perishable products, was developed by a team of Ukrainian scientists with a U.S. business partner who participated in a CRDF Global research and development grant competition. CRDF Global provided training and mentorship to the team to prepare them to effectively pitch the ecoFridge at a venture forum in Los Angeles, CA. As a result, the team obtained $2.2 million of follow-on capital investment to develop their business, and EcoFridge is now being adopted by companies around the world who appreciate its environmental benefits and cost efficiency.

Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Program (STEP). With co-funding from the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia, EIF implemented more than 15 STEP activities including the Business Partnership Grant (BPG) program, Innovation Forums, cluster seminars, business trainings for scientific community, legal and accounting seminars and matchmaking events. Through its partnership with CRDF Global, EIF strengthened communication channels between science and private sectors, gained broader access to the U.S. business network and scaled up its outreach and programs to non-IT sectors— becoming one of the focal entrepreneurship-support organizations in Armenia and in the region.

The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

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GIST STARTUP BOOTCAMP

in partnership with

U.S. Entrepreneurs & Investors selected startups on a rolling basis

DEMO Decem DAY ber 18

MP BOOT CA16-17 r e b m Dece

Only Jordan’s top 30 Tech Startups will get selected to participate in MENA’s most awaited GIST Boot Camp & DEMO day SNAPSHOT OF JUDGES LINEUP JEFF HOFFMAN, Co-Founder & Former CEO of Priceline.com CEO of ColorJar

CHUCK EESLEY Assistant Professor, Stanford University in the Department of Management Science and Engineering (MS&E)

FAYSAL SOHAIL Venture Capitalist, CMEA Capital

GIST STARTUP BOOTCAMP

Get the tools to become the next Maktoob of Arabia 8

KARI HANSON

Former Project Director SEED Design Lab Stanford University

LOCATION: King Hussein Business Park, Building 7, Amman, Jordan For more information contact [email protected]

The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

GIST DEMO DAY

in partnership with

Come see the next generation of great Jordanian companies showcase their startup

STEP 1

DATE:

Top 30 Jordanian Startups selected by seasoned U.S. Entrepreneurs & Investors

December 18 Welcoming @ 13:00 Keynote by Jeff Hoffman @ 13:30 Startup Pitches @ 15:00 Networking & Awards @ 17:30

STEP 3 GIST DEMO DAY

15 of the top up-and-coming Jordanian Startups showcase

200+ Guests Keynote from

STEP 2

Jeff Hoffman Co-founder & Former CEO of Priceline.com CEO of ColorJar

Training and Mentorship of 30 Jordanian Startups and selection of top 15

Meet the next Maktoob of Arabia SNAPSHOT OF JUDGES LINEUP JEFF HOFFMAN, Co-Founder & Former CEO of Priceline.com CEO of ColorJar

CHUCK EESLEY Assistant Professor, Stanford University in the Department of Management Science and Engineering (MS&E)

FAYSAL SOHAIL Venture Capitalist, CMEA Capital

KARI HANSON

Former Project Director SEED Design Lab Stanford University

LOCATION: Grand Hyatt, Ballroom: Husseing Bin Ali St., Amman Jordan For more information contact [email protected] The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

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GIST STARTUP GIST BOOT CAMP DEMO DAY

in partnership with

December 16-17, 2013 December 18, 2013

PROFILES

Amman, JORDAN

Aqar-Estate

@aqarestate Jordan.aqar-estate.com Incorporated company: Yes Industry: Real Estate Expansion to other markets: MENA & Turkey

TEAM Hanan Khader

Founder & CEO @hkhader [email protected]

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Aqar-Estate aims to make life easier in the MENA region by building an online real estate marketplace that empowers people with more options and information about real estate before buying or selling. Today Aqar-Estate has become the largest real estate marketplace in Jordan and among the top 3 in the MENA region. Hanan has been selected by the U.S. Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs as a 2013 Emerging Leader in its TechWomen program, being one of top 3 women from Jordan in Technology.

The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

GIST STARTUP GIST BOOT CAMP DEMO DAY

in partnership with

December 16-17, 2013 December 18, 2013

PROFILES

Amman, JORDAN

Dardasa

@KetabDardasa Dardasa.com Incorporated company: No Industry: Education Expansion to other markets: Arab World < Turkey < Globally

TEAM

Tawfeeq Saad Eddin CEO [email protected]

Khaled A. Kalaldeh Co-CEO @khaledkalaldeh

Dardasa is a safe social learning platform that provides an engaging, localized and personalized learning anytime anywhere, unlike private and home tutoring, which is often expensive, frustrating and routine. Furthermore, this solution is unique for its safe social learning network that combines content authoring, content crowd-sourcing, curriculum mapping, content curation, social networking, supporting flipped learning, and learning management in a simple, seamless, integrated workflow. Dardasa’s philosophy revolves around “flipped learning” a concept where students are able to learn material on their own and see it played out in the classroom setting.

The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

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GIST STARTUP GIST BOOT CAMP DEMO DAY

in partnership with

December 16-17, 2013 December 18, 2013

PROFILES

Amman, JORDAN

Dokkankom.com

@Dokkankom Dokkankom.com Incorporated company: Yes Industry: E-Commerce Expansion to other markets: Have set up a corporation in Delaware, USA with global focus

TEAM Anas Alshanti

Founder & CEO @AnasAlshanti [email protected]

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Dokkankom.com is an online shopping product discovery destination from the world’s top fashion, design and tech brands. They have built a parallel product extension called Dokkankom Extra, which focuses on the social aspect of product curation, wishlists and bringing international customers closer to their favorite brands. Dokkankom has a unique universal shopping cart that allows international customers to buy multiple products from different retailers in a single transaction.

The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

GIST STARTUP GIST BOOT CAMP DEMO DAY

in partnership with

December 16-17, 2013 December 18, 2013

PROFILES

Amman, JORDAN

Ekeif.com

@e_keif ekeif.com Incorporated company: Yes Industry: Education, Entretainment & Media Expansion to other markets: Middle East

TEAM Sima Nijjar

Founder & CEO @SimaNajjar [email protected]

Christine Fahel

“Keif” means “How” in Arabic. eKeif develops short, high-quality Arabic “How to” videos presented online and targeted at viewers from the Middle East. Their specific target is women between the age of 18-35 from the 86 million Arabic internet users. Their mission is to develop the largest database of videos through a community-based content creation strategy.

Coordinator @Christinefahel

The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

13

GIST STARTUP GIST BOOT CAMP DEMO DAY

in partnership with

December 16-17, 2013 December 18, 2013

PROFILES

Amman, JORDAN

Experts 911

@Experts_911 experts911.com Incorporated company: Yes Industry: IT Expansion to other markets: MENA < Globally

TEAM Rami S Ejailat

Founder & CEO @RamiEjailat [email protected]

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Experts 911 provides small and medium enterprises with an affordable cloud-based IT department to enable them to focus on their core business functions without worrying about their IT needs. IT experts can remotely manage the IT infrastructure of the coustumer and provide unlimited chatbased IT assistance.

The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

GIST STARTUP GIST BOOT CAMP DEMO DAY

in partnership with

December 16-17, 2013 December 18, 2013

PROFILES

Amman, JORDAN

Falteh

Falteh.com Incorporated company: Yes Industry: Educatiuon, Robotics Expansion to other markets: MENA < Worldwide

TEAM Belal Affouri

Founder & CEO [email protected]

Falteh is a comic book with Robot Kit to teach about electronics and Robotics using STEM education principles. The company is currently demo-ing the product in schools in Jordan. The company’s strategy includes signing contracts with schools as well as selling the product to individuals.

The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

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GIST STARTUP GIST BOOT CAMP DEMO DAY

in partnership with

December 16-17, 2013 December 18, 2013

PROFILES

Amman, JORDAN

First Bazaar

firstbazaar.com Incorporated company: Yes Industry: E-Commerce Expansion to other markets: Intend to expand into GCC, US & UK

TEAM Linda Al-Hallaq

Founder & CEO @Hallaqlinda [email protected]

First Bazaar’s mission is to open the traditional Middle Eastern Bazaar to the world via an online platform. It focuses on quality and creativity in an effort to move away from the trend of mass-production, saying, “Every purchase is an opportunity to challenge the status quo by choosing quality over convenience.”

Anoud Yehia Barqawi Marketing and Sales Manger

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The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

GIST STARTUP GIST BOOT CAMP DEMO DAY

in partnership with

December 16-17, 2013 December 18, 2013

PROFILES

Amman, JORDAN

FoodLve

@foodlve foodlve.com Incorporated company: Yes Industry: Food & Nutrition Expansion to other markets: USA, UK, Turkey, Japan

TEAM Nadia Shomali

CEO [email protected]

Foodlve is a social discovery platform for food where users can search, bookmark, blog, share and buy everything related to food in one place. Foodlve grew from 1 million page views per month to 5 million page views in just 3 months. It has 5,000 active users.

The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

17

GIST STARTUP GIST BOOT CAMP DEMO DAY

in partnership with

December 16-17, 2013 December 18, 2013

PROFILES

Amman, JORDAN

Gweet

gweet.com @Gweetjo Incorporated company: Yes Industry: E-commerce Expansion to other markets: Gradually to all Arab countries and maybe Turkey

TEAM Sama’n Hamam

CEO [email protected]

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Gweet is the Middle East’s first online service for travelers to locate local alternative accommodations to traditional hotels. Gweet connects people who have extra space in their homes with those looking for a place to stay. Its motto is , “Live the Local Experience!” Hamam has hosted more than 350 people from all over the world and been hosted by over 30 people.

The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

GIST STARTUP GIST BOOT CAMP DEMO DAY

in partnership with

December 16-17, 2013 December 18, 2013

PROFILES

Amman, JORDAN

Hemyati

Incorporated company: Yes Industry: Food & Nutrition Expansion to other markets: MENA, starting from KSA

TEAM

Ruba Musharbash Founder, Nutritionist @RubaMusharbash [email protected]

Tareq Assem Dalbah Co-founder @Tareq30

Hemyati allows users to work with their very own real life registered dietitian through a variety of media including a website and a mobile app. The dietitian will create a custom plan for each individual with specific health and nutritional goals based on the medical and nutritional information each provides. The dietitian and the individual communicate via a live online message board to which users get unlimited access. Hemyati offers users an easy, effective, and secure way to meet their health goals.

The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

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GIST STARTUP GIST BOOT CAMP DEMO DAY

in partnership with

December 16-17, 2013 December 18, 2013

PROFILES

Amman, JORDAN

Karasi Ticketing @karasiticketing Karasi.com Incorporated company: Yes Industry: E-commerce Expansion to other markets: GCC countries

TEAM Lina Madadha Co-Founder @linamad [email protected]

Ali Mohammad Hajjaj Co-Founder @alihajjaj

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Karasi is an online event registration and e-ticketing solution created to help manage events, festivals, conferences, workshops and activities. In the past 2 years, Karasi has served the top events in Jordan and sold around 60,000 tickets. They recently expanded their services to serve conferences, and developed a solution that includes marketing, registration and interaction via web and mobile. Karasi saves the venue the time and effort of managing events, handling attendee communication, manual registration and payments.

The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

GIST STARTUP GIST BOOT CAMP DEMO DAY

in partnership with

December 16-17, 2013 December 18, 2013

PROFILES

Amman, JORDAN

HiValet

yalavalet.com @YalaValet Incorporated company: Yes Industry: E-commerce, Transportation Expansion to other markets: MENA & USA

TEAM Hani Saleh

Founder & CEO [email protected]

YalaValet is an cloud subscription service that acts as a valet & parking platform. It is the first online and telecommunication automated car request service in the MENA Region that acts as a middleman between the valet firm and end-users. Yala Valet aims to be “Fast/Easy/ Flexible.”

The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

21

GIST STARTUP GIST BOOT CAMP DEMO DAY

in partnership with

December 16-17, 2013 December 18, 2013

PROFILES

Amman, JORDAN

Ishra7

@ISHRA7 ishra7.com Incorporated company: Yes Industry: Social Media, E-commerce Expansion to other markets: Yes. Most clients are already outside of Jordan. ishra7 works with clients in the US, Australia, and the GCC

TEAM

Khaled Husseini Founder & CEO @khusseini [email protected]

Nadia Mohamed Ma’an Husseini Co-Founder and Head of Production @nadzontwit

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Ishra7 helps organizations communicate and connect with their target audiences through short, compelling, and engaging visual stories, which they can use on different platfoms. These days when “social media” consumers have 10 second attention spans, companies struggle with capturing their attention and connecting with them in meaningful ways. This has repercussions on effective marketing, sales, and of course growth and ishra7 is here to help.

The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

GIST STARTUP GIST BOOT CAMP DEMO DAY

in partnership with

December 16-17, 2013 December 18, 2013

PROFILES

Amman, JORDAN

I3zif

@i3zif i3zif.com Incorporated company: Yes Industry: Entretainment & Media Expansion to other markets: Already 600 paying subscriptions from 39 countries around the world, KSA and USA are the biggest markets.

TEAM

Bisher Abu Taleb Founder & CEO @BisherAbuTaleb [email protected]

I3zif.com is an online music school. It teaches users how to play musical instruments through pre-recorded video tutorials that we produce in-house working with some of the best musicians in the Arab world. It utilizes graphics, animation, and visual aids to simplify learning. It is also the first to offer video tutorials for Arabic and eastern instruments in English.

The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

23

GIST STARTUP GIST BOOT CAMP DEMO DAY

in partnership with

December 16-17, 2013 December 18, 2013

PROFILES

Amman, JORDAN

Little Thinking Minds

@4Arabchildren littlethinkingminds.com Incorporated company: Yes Industry: Education, Entretainment & Media Expansion to other markets: Products already sold in MENA

TEAM

Rama Kayyali Jardaneh Managing Partner @RamaKJardaneh [email protected]

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Little Thinking Minds create original edu-training Arabic content for children under 7 in the form of DVDs, CDs, activity books and apps to foster a love for Arabic and cement their grasp of preschool basics before they start school.

The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

GIST STARTUP GIST BOOT CAMP DEMO DAY

in partnership with

December 16-17, 2013 December 18, 2013

PROFILES

Amman, JORDAN

MadFoo3at

@Madfoo3atCom madfoo3at.com Incorporated company: Yes Industry: E-commerce, Financial Expansion to other markets: MENA Region

TEAM Nasser Saleh

Founder & CEO @NasserHSaleh [email protected]

Madfoo3atCom system connects banks and payment service providers with billers & merchants to provide on-line real-time electronic bill presentment and payment service through electronic channels in Jordan and the MENA region. The company recently won the tender of the Central Bank of Jordan to build, operate and administrate the JO-EBPPS service national wide in Jordan. It will be called eFawateerCom for the Central Bank of Jordan.

The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

25

GIST STARTUP GIST BOOT CAMP DEMO DAY

in partnership with

December 16-17, 2013 December 18, 2013

PROFILES

Amman, JORDAN

Maktabee

@MaktaBee maktabee.com Incorporated company: Yes Industry: Education, Gaming Expansion to other markets: Globally

TEAM Maha Khatib

Founder @Snubar [email protected]

Bringing an extensive knowledge of early childhood development, Maktabee turns Arabic children’s books into educational games to enhance reading and comprehension skills for children ages 6-12 years.

Fayez Abu-Awad CFO

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The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

GIST STARTUP GIST BOOT CAMP DEMO DAY

in partnership with

December 16-17, 2013 December 18, 2013

PROFILES

Amman, JORDAN

Markabaty

@Markabaty markabaty.com Incorporated company: Yes Industry: Auto Expansion to other markets: GCC Countries

TEAM Abeer Omar

Founder @AbeerSays [email protected]

Markabaty was started by car enthusiasts and is a website and mobile app that is designed for car owners to help them overcome the the stress of managing their vehicle maintenance records and of finding a trusted local car workshop. Markabaty was the award winning Idea at ArabNet Beirut 2013 and is part of SeedStartup, the international accelerator investing corporation.

The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

27

GIST STARTUP GIST BOOT CAMP DEMO DAY

in partnership with

December 16-17, 2013 December 18, 2013

PROFILES

Amman, JORDAN

Mawdoo3

@mawdoo3 mawdoo3.com Incorporated company: Yes Industry: Entretainment & Media Expansion to other markets: Arab World

TEAM

Rami Fayez Al Qawasmi Co-founder

Yazan Hassan Al Hawamdeh Marketing Manager [email protected]

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Mawdoo3.com is an Arab content farm site which supports the Arab language on the web. The company was formed after witnessing the the lack of arabic content online. It created an algorithm for the search engine to collect the most effective tags and keywords using a wiki online structure.

The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

GIST STARTUP GIST BOOT CAMP DEMO DAY

in partnership with

December 16-17, 2013 December 18, 2013

PROFILES

Amman, JORDAN

MobiHealth-Jo

mobihealth-jo.somee.com Incorporated company: Yes Industry: Healthcare/Mobile Apps Expansion to other markets: Gulf countries , Europe & USA

TEAM

Mashhour Bani Amer Founder & CEO [email protected]

MobiHealth is a new company aiming at providing innovative healthcare solutions using mobile phones (smart phones, iPhone, iPads, Pocket PC). The products offered by MobiHealth allow patients to obtain complete self-management procedures of their diseases using their mobile phones, thereby minimizing the number of visits to their doctors and the overhead for hospitals. Furthermore, these solutions alleviate the shortage of medical professionals especially in the developing countries and enhance the healthcare services.

The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

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PROFILES

Amman, JORDAN

Progressive Generation Studios pgstd.com Incorporated company: Yes Industry: Education, Entretainment & Media xpansion to other markets: Yes, KSA, USA & Europe

TEAM Ahmad AlMasri Founder & CEO [email protected]

Progressive Generation Studios makes Children`s Visual Educational-entertainment. They achieve this in three main ways: 3D Animation, 2D Animation, and Visual & Audio Effects.

Feras Khalil AlKiswani Founder & COO

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The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

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December 16-17, 2013 December 18, 2013

PROFILES

Amman, JORDAN

Sajilni

@Sajilni sajilni.com Incorporated company: Yes Industry: Entretainment & Media, E-Commerce Expansion to other markets: Gulf regiom.

TEAM

Hiba Mansour

Founder & CEO @hmansour10 [email protected]

Reem Tabbaa

Sajilni.com is an online event management and e-ticketing platform for event organizers and venue owners. It allows organizers of all sorts of events from small cooking classes to large concerts to add their own event, track ticket sales, accept online payments and promote the event on the internet and across social media platforms. Already selling in Qatar

Marketing Manager

The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

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December 16-17, 2013 December 18, 2013

PROFILES

Amman, JORDAN

Sallaty

@SallatyJordan sallaty.jo Incorporated company: Yes Industry: E-Commerce Expansion to other markets: GCC

TEAM Samia Jarrar

Founder & CEO @SamiaJarrar [email protected] .

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Sallaty.jo is an online hypermarket aimed to help families live easier, happier and less stressful lives by introducing the most convenient shopping experience with the biggest variety of affordable high quality retail products online.

The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

GIST STARTUP GIST BOOT CAMP DEMO DAY

in partnership with

December 16-17, 2013 December 18, 2013

PROFILES

Amman, JORDAN

Skyscreen

@FatoooshTV skyscreen.net Incorporated company: Yes Industry: Entertainment & media Expansion to other markets: The Gulf < MENA

TEAM

Ahmed Barqawi

Co-Founder @barqawi88 [email protected]

Yousef Abusamak

Skyscreen is social video-on-demand platform that provides personalized video experiences for the users. It allows users to seamlessly follow their favorite videos via desktop computers, tablets, mobile phones or Smart TVs. Skyscreen gives the opportunity for TV channels and content producers to benefit by revenue share from premium ads and subscriptions

Business Development Manager [email protected]

The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

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December 16-17, 2013 December 18, 2013

PROFILES

Amman, JORDAN

Shofeedeals shofeedeals.com @Shofeedeals Incorporated company: Yes Industry: E-Commerce Expansion to other markets: GCC

TEAM Emad Salameh

Founder & CEO @ EmadSalameh [email protected]

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ShofeeDeals is an online platform that gives its users the opportunity to find the best discounted travel and entertainment deals up to 75% off across the Middle East, and beyond. Their aim is to provide website members the chance to choose within a variety of discounted travel, hospitality, activities and adventures, with no compromise in the quality at the best discounts.

The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

GIST STARTUP GIST BOOT CAMP DEMO DAY

in partnership with

December 16-17, 2013 December 18, 2013

PROFILES

Amman, JORDAN

ShopGo

@ShopGoME shopgo.me Incorporated company: Yes Industry: E-Commerce Expansion to other markets: MENA region

TEAM

Mohanad Ghashim Founder & CEO @mohanadgh [email protected]

ShopGo is the easiest and ultimate way to start your online store. You don’t need to have experience nor a background in programming, technical work, or designing. ShopGo’s platform was made in order to provide beginners and experts alike with all the tools they need to run a successful online business.

The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

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December 16-17, 2013 December 18, 2013

PROFILES

Amman, JORDAN

Tamatem Inc.

@tamatemgames tamatem.co Incorporated company: Yes Industry: Gaming Expansion to other markets: MENA < Globally

TEAM

Hussam Hammo Founder & CEO @HussamHammo [email protected]

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Tamatem is a mobile apps and games publisher for Arabic users, taking successful concepts and games from the US market and adapting them to the Arabic market for ease of the user.

The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

GIST STARTUP GIST BOOT CAMP DEMO DAY

in partnership with

December 16-17, 2013 December 18, 2013

PROFILES

Amman, JORDAN

TickyTacky tickytacky.me Incorporated company: Yes Industry: E-Commerce Expansion to other markets: GCC

TEAM

Loay Malahmeh

Founder & CEO @loay11 [email protected]

Hani Morrar

TickyTacky is an online gizmos and gadgets retail portal: “The shoppers’ wonderland for unusual gifts.” It is an eStore for unique gift ideas and brings our customers a curated collection of unusual, special and sometimes hard to find products, especially handpicked for their great design, function, craft & style with a very short time of delivery, multiple payment options & convenient prices.

Business Development Director

The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

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December 16-17, 2013 December 18, 2013

PROFILES

Amman, JORDAN

TravoTech

@TravoTech travotech.com Incorporated company: Yes Industry: E-Commerce Expansion to other markets: GCC then MENA

TEAM

Raed Abd El Haq President [email protected]

Omar Sabella

Travo Tech is a B2B company that sells online travel solutions for travel agents. It allows them enter the “online travel world” and communicate with their customer audience and their business partners in an easy way that saves them time and money. The product will keep travel agents in the business of tourism while progressing their online prescence.

CEO

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The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

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December 16-17, 2013 December 18, 2013

PROFILES

Amman, JORDAN

Websity

websity.me @Websityme Incorporated company: Yes Industry: E-Commerce Expansion to other markets: MENA Region

TEAM Hussam Alikaj

CEO [email protected]

Websity, translated as “my website”, is an online platform that helps users build, publish, and manage custom websites for their personal or corporate needs. Through easy to use drag-and-drop tools, Websity has developed an entity that streamlines the website creation process and empowers the non-technical person.

The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

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December 16-17, 2013 December 18, 2013

ALUMNI

Amman, JORDAN

Handasiyat

AdvanTag

NERMIN SA’D GIST Tech-I 2013

ADAM ELBADA GIST Tech-I 2013

Mallna

ABEDUL-AZEZ KASAJI GIST Tech-I 2012

DAWTEC

Fingers Hear Sounds

SANDRA AOUN WISSAM DAOU GIST Tech-I 2013

SUHA RAFIQ TABAKHI GIST Tech-I 2013

Taquetna

MAHMOUD SHATTEL GIST Tech-I 2011 40

The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

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SPEAKERS, JUDGES & MENTORS

I am an accomplished entrepreneur and innovator in the fields of Internet, e-commerce, and entertainment. Since launching my first software company while still in university, I have founded, grown, and exited a series of successful startup companies throughout my career. I dedicate significant time to mentoring other entrepreneurs. I have presented in over 40 countries worldwide and can be seen on Fox News, CNN, NBC, and other major media outlets.

December 16-17, 2013 December 18, 2013 Amman, JORDAN

I have over a decade of senior executive experience in engineering, marketing, business development and building startups, helping to secure venture capital funding for several key startups in both the energy and technology sectors. Before joining CMEA, I helped to build three companies all of which became successful through IPO, merger or acquisition. I am a member on the board of American Pakistan Foundation, an organization that engages the diaspora and the private sector by building partnerships with key takeholders in the U.S. and Pakistan.

FAYSAL SOHAIL Venture Capitalist, CMEA Capital

JEFF HOFFMAN CEO of ColorJar, Co-Founder of Priceline.com @SpeakerJeff The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

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SPEAKERS, JUDGES & MENTORS

My research and teaching interests are institutions and technology entrepreneurship. My studies aim to identify the individual attributes, strategies and institutional arrangements that optimally drive highgrowth entrepreneurship and, ultimately, economic growth. My work has been funded by Sequoia Capital, the Kauffman Foundation, the MIT Entrepreneurship Center, and Stanford Technology Ventures Program (STVP). I earned my bachelor’s degree from Duke University and doctorate from the MIT Sloan School of Management.

December 16-17, 2013 December 18, 2013 Amman, JORDAN

I’m a technology executive with a passion for entrepreneurship, innovation and business strategy. I have worked as an investor, advisor, and CFO for numerous technology startups since the mid 90’s. Most recently, I developed and ran the Stanford SEED Design Lab, an accelerator for Stanford University science and technology projects with an emphasis on international consumers. I was previously a Trustee Scholar at New York University’s Stern School of Business where I obtained my MBA with a focus on finance and entrepreneurship.

KARI HANSON Former Project Director SEED Design Lab Stanford University

CHUCK EESLEY Assistant Professor, Stanford University in the Department of Management Science and Engineering (MS&E) 42

The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

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SPEAKERS, JUDGES & MENTORS

December 16-17, 2013 December 18, 2013 Amman, JORDAN

I am Chief of Staff and Senior Investment Associate at N2V, an Internet Holding Group with offices in the Middle East and the U.S. Prior to that, I worked 6 years at Microsoft - both as Program Manager in the U.S. and Technology Evangelist in Jordan. I worked with startups in the Silicon Valley in California for 5 years as Senior Developer - focusing on Electronic Design Automation and Online Marketing fields. I am an entrepreneur with solid online business knowledge and skills. I specialized in SEO, SEM, Social Media, lean startups and UX. I am a trainer and consultant for many online business companies in MENA. I am also a software engineer who started my career as a live radio shows presenter. I also worked for leading online business companies in Jordan and Saudi Arabia such as Jeeran and N2V.

MUHAMMAD R. ARRABI, Chief of Staff and Senior Investment Associate, N2V

MOTEA ALWAN Product Manager, SEO, SEM, UX and AARRR

The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

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SPEAKERS, JUDGES & MENTORS

I have over 18 years of experience in technology, government and venture capital space. I serve as Board Director of Silicon Badia, Jeeran, Shoofee TV, Media Scope, Gate2Play, Arab Media Holding, Dakwak and NetCorps. I also serve as Vice President at Accelerator Technology Holdings (ATH) and CEO of IV Holdings (IVH) – the early stage investment arm of ATH. Prior to this, I was the Director of ICT Promotion & Advisor to the Ministry of ITC, Jordan.

December 16-17, 2013 December 18, 2013 Amman, JORDAN

I am a driven individual who believes in social change in the Arab region through youth empowerment. I believe that youth can be empowered through entrepreneurship and organized, constructive events in the region. I founded numerous NGOs that cater to the advancement and development of youth, including the MIT Enterprise Forum of the Pan-Arab Region. I am also the Founder and Chair of the first carfree event in the Middle East.

HALA FADEL Chair MIT Enterprise Forum of the Pan Arab Region @halafrangie

EMILE CUBEISY Managing Partner, Silicon Badia

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The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

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SPEAKERS, JUDGES & MENTORS

I am Chairman of Oasis-500, an appointment resulting from King Abdullah II of Jordan in 2010 to help create a tech startup ecosystem in MENA. I am also Chairman & CTO of ChoozOn Corp/Blue Kangaroo, a personalized mobile search engine for offers based in Burlingame, CA, USA. Up until September 2008, I was Yahoo!’s chief data officer & Executive VP where I applied Big Data techniques to content and advertising targeting and built the world’s largest group of data scientist.

December 16-17, 2013 December 18, 2013 Amman, JORDAN

I am a Strategist, Economist, & Entrepreneur, yet I feel that the most powerful catalyst for growth & achievement is a “Vision” delivered by a focus on excellence in people and organization structure. I love entrepreneurship, but keeps pushing for more innovation, more measured risk taking, and for the economics to work all around – a multiplier effect.

YOUSEF HAMIDADDIN CEO, Oasis500

USAMA FAYYAD Executive Chairman, Oasis500 & Chairman & CTO, ChoozOn (Blue Kangaroo) The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

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SPEAKERS, JUDGES & MENTORS

December 16-17, 2013 December 18, 2013 Amman, JORDAN

I am President of Kawar Group, entrepreneur, former diplomat and angel investor. I am also Chairman of Kawar Energy and Chairman of IrisGuard, and have served as Jordan’s Ambassador to the US 2002-2007. I led the EDAMA Initiative: Jordan’s blueprint for a green economy. I graduated from Boston College with a BSc in Management, Finance and Computer Science. I graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Before co-founding the online recruitment site Akhtaboot in late 2006, I was a Vice President at Rasmala Investments, a regional Asset Management firm based in Dubai, where I worked with a range of Middle Eastern and Gulf clients. While working at Akhtaboot, I also co-founded the card gaming site Jawaker.

KARIM KAWAR President, Kawar Group

MOHAMAD HAJ HASSAN COO & Head of Product Development, Akhtaboot

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The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

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SPEAKERS, JUDGES & MENTORS

Getting an economics degree from Brigham Young University did not stop me from getting heavily involved with the online world in the late nineties. At the age of 20, after experimenting with several models online and witnessing the rise and fall of several Internet giants, I and a group of friends launched Jeeran in 2000 during university. 5 years and two VC rounds later, Jeeran is the largest User Generated Content portal in the Middle East with several offices in the region.

December 16-17, 2013 December 18, 2013 Amman, JORDAN

Before my current positions, I worked at the Queen Rania Center for Entrepreneurship as the Executive Director and the founding Project Manager of Queen Rania National Entrepreneurship Competition. I was also in charge of managing the “Google Award for The Best Online Business” and the “Cisco Entrepreneur Institute”. Earlier in 2001, I co-founded my first business in the domain of content management solutions. I am an active member of Tech, VC and geek communities in the Arabia and one of the co-creators of the global bestsellers: “Business Model Generation” & “Business Model You”.

MOHAMMAD KHAWAJA CEO, Startappz Executive Director, N2V

OMAR F. KOUDSI CEO & Co-Founder , Jeeran.com

The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

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I am Founder and Partner of Foursan Group. I joined Foursan from J.P. Morgan, where I was a Vice President in the Investment Banking Group, with a focus on financial institutions. My experience includes mergers, acquisitions and advisory assignments in the US, Europe and Latin America. I received a Masters of Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School, and a Bachelors of Arts in Economics from Harvard University.

December 16-17, 2013 December 18, 2013 Amman, JORDAN

I have built a successful track record of deal origination, placement, and execution, during my career in private equity and investment banking. I cofounded Levantcorp Advisory & Financial Services in September 2009, a firm dedicated to the advancement of SMEs in Jordan and the West Bank. With an ethos of promoting socially impactful outcomes alongside financial returns, Levantcorp has shifted its strategy in 2012 to service the ICT & Media sectors in the region under a new brand name: Sequence Labs.

NASHAT T. MASRI Founder and Partner, Foursan Group

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The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

HAMED MASRI Partner, Sequence Labs

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SPEAKERS, JUDGES & MENTORS

I am marketing and communication specialist who is focused on moving companies and organizations onto the digital space to connect with and engage their consumers. I am the cofounder and former Director of Client Strategy at The Online Project where I developed social strategies for Fortune 500 companies and high profile organizations operating in the Middle East and North Africa.

December 16-17, 2013 December 18, 2013 Amman, JORDAN

In addition to being the Senior Deputy CEO of Jordan Ahli Bank, I am Managing Partner, co-founder and co-owner of ALNABIL LLC, a member and key shareholder of the Y.I.Mouasher Group of Companies, considered by many as one of the largest and most successful business groups in the Levant. In addition, I am an angel investor, focused specifically on Web 2.0 opportunities that present unique value propositions and exhibit viral growth potential. I received a MBA from Stanford University.

SAAD MOUASHER Senior Deputy CEO, Jordan Ahli Bank

NINA MUFLEH Social Media Consultant and Strategist

The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

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SPEAKERS, JUDGES & MENTORS

Prior to Dash, I was a Venture Principal at IV Holdings, a pioneering Arab Venture Capital firm and whollyowned subsidiary of Accelerator Technology Holdings, that focuses on investments in earlystage technology ventures in the Online Services and Digital Media domains across the Arab World. I serve on the boards of several start-up ventures and provides additional support to the entrepreneurial community via various mentorship programs including Seed Startup, Endeavor, and Oasis500.

December 16-17, 2013 December 18, 2013 Amman, JORDAN

I am co-founder and CEO of d1g.com, a leading regional portal focused on providing a range of media rich and socially enabled services. Prior to d1g.com, I was the Director for the Jordan Education Initiative (JEI) focusing on creating a replicable model for Education Reform through Public Private Partnerships. In 1996, I co-founded the first regional portal, Arabia.com. Arabia quickly grew to be the largest Arabic community that same year.

OMAR J. SATI Venture Capitalist, Dash Ventures

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The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

MAJIED QASEM CEO, d1g.com

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GIST MENTOR HIGHLIGHT

December 16-17, 2013 December 18, 2013 Amman, JORDAN

Scott Gillespie is Founder and Managing Partner of the Jigsaw Group; an investor, civic entrepreneur, mentor and advisor to early stage ventures; and has three decades of global experience. Currently, Scott is Managing Partner of the Jigsaw Group, an early stage investment and advisory group, andCommercialization Partner for T2VC, a team that manages a technology venture fund and designs innovation ecosystems in emerging markets (see www.t2vc.com). With T2VC, Scott developed and delivered the Bedaya program to early stage ventures in Palestine. This included global mentors and EiRs, group trainings in sales, business models, partnering, funding, tailored training and support programs, personalized venture roadmaps, new market initiatives with Jordan, Iraq, Canada and the UAE; this activity has led to follow-on projects for T2VC in the region. Scott shares his insights and experiences at conferences, seminars, networking events, angel groups, universities and nonprofits. He lectures on innovation and entrepreneurship, strategic marketing and management, risk management and environment management. Scott is also a co-founder and convener of Power of Angel Investing in Australia, and is active with the nonprofit Yacht Aid Global (YAG), which sources education and medical supplies and transports them to regions struck by disaster using mega yachts (see www.yachtaidglobal.org). Scott’s entrepreneurial career began in 1996 as the founder of the Jigsaw Group. In over 15 years at the Jigsaw Group, Scott has has invested, co-founded, organized funding, guided, and turned around ventures in electric vehicles, new media, software, net tools, composite building materials, VOIP, community portals, broadcast tools, business tools, F&B, new media and publishing. While investing and growing early stage ventures, Scott and the Jigsaw Group have assisted in the operational transformation of corporations and governments, including the Australian Institute of Commercialization (in training and new services), Sabre (in RHQ and sales process), ADI (in commercialization of defense), Telstra (in wireless), and Standards Australia (in new products and services). Scott led the ExpatriateCONNECT Initiative, which became a virtual network of more than 2500 mentors who have supported more than 400 export-motivated Australian ventures. Scott has a bachelor’s degree in business (finance), an MBA (in marketing); and is a Certified Licensing Professional, a Certified Financial Planner (academic pending practical), and life learner. Currently, Scott is on the advisory panel for YAG. He has been on the boards and advisory panels of numerous ventures, associations, and companies, including: • Australia & New Zealand Association of Business Incubators (ANZABI), • Greater Northern Adelaide Regional Development Organization (GNARDO), • Technology Parks Australia (TPA), • CommerceNet Australia (CNA), • Sydney Angels, and the Australian Association of Angel Investors (AAAI), • Leading Links Club and Committees of the Certified Licensing Professionals (CLP).

The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

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GIST ADVISORY GROUP

I head the Investment Affairs department, which is responsible for managing the investment environment and competitiveness agenda of Saudi Arabia. I have been the President of the National Competitiveness Center since 2010 and am on the board of Saudi Industrial Property Authority (MODON), King Faisal Foundation, the Global Federation of Competitive Councils, and several other government commissions and regional investment councils. Previously, I worked as a financial analyst with Saudi Aramco.

December 16-17, 2013 December 18, 2013 Amman, JORDAN

I am the founder of N2V, one of the largest internet holding companies in the MENA region that invests capital in web ventures and offers essential infrastructure services to help accelerate their growth. I am also a board member of National Technology Group (NTG), the region’s largest ICT conglomerate and key provider of financial technology and services. Before N2V, I spearheaded regional business development efforts of Mubasher, the first e-trading solution in the MENA region and founded Direct Broker for Financial Services (DBFS).

Rashid Al Ballaa CEO, National Net Ventures (N2V)

H.R.H. Prince Saud Bin Khalid Al-Faisal Deputy Governor for Investment Affairs

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The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

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GIST ADVISORY GROUP

I have focused on emerging markets for most of my 36-year career with responsibilities in due diligence, selection and monitoring of funds and co-investments, performance benchmarking, research, and client advisory work. In my current position at Siguler Guff & Company, which I began in 2004, I manage their $2 billion BRIC private equity investments. Prior to that, I worked with Cambridge Associates, British Telecommunications (BT), and Hughes Communication, expanding expand their business ventures.

December 16-17, 2013 December 18, 2013 Amman, JORDAN

I am best known as the founder of Atari Corporation and Chuck E. Cheese’s Pizza Time Theater. I am passionate about enhancing and improving the educational process by integrating the latest in brain science, and truly enjoy motivating and inspiring others with my views on entrepreneurship, creativity, innovation and education. Currently, I am devoting my talents to fixing education with my new company, Brainrush, which uses video game metrics to addict learners to academic subjects; my beta software is teaching academic subjects with over 90% retention.

Nolan Bushnell Founder, Atari Corporation, Chuck E. Cheese Pizza and Brainrush @NolanBushnell

Dr. Pat DinneenManaging Director, Siguler Guff & Company

The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

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GIST ADVISORY GROUP

I have built a successful career in international finance. In 2004, I joined Esas Holding Corporation and advanced to my current position at Pegasus Airlines when it was purchased by Esas. I am a board member of Esas’s partner companies Izair Corporation and Air Berlin as well as a member of TYD, TÜSIAD, ISO and TAIK. Since 2009, I have also been a director of Air Berlin PLC & Co. Luftverkehrs KG and AFM Uluslararasi Film Produksiyon A.I.

December 16-17, 2013 December 18, 2013 Amman, JORDAN

I am an accomplished entrepreneur and innovator in the fields of Internet, e-commerce, and entertainment. Since launching my first software company while still in university, I have founded, grown, and exited a series of successful startup companies throughout my career. I dedicate significant time to mentoring other entrepreneurs. I have presented in over 40 countries worldwide and can be seen on Fox News, CNN, NBC, and other major media outlets.

JEFF HOFFMAN CEO of ColorJar, Co-Founder of Priceline.com @SpeakerJeff

Ali Ismail Sabanci Chairman and Director, Pegasus Airlines @aliismailsabanc

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December 16-17, 2013 December 18, 2013

GIST ADVISORY GROUP

Amman, JORDAN

I have led the development of agriculture, nutraceuticals, health and wellness, and industrial biotechnology projects at Burrill & Company, a leading life sciences company that manages $1 billion in venture capital. I am on the board of 11 private companies and have over 30 years of experience as an internationally-recognized scientist and dean at two major research universities. I speak globally about biotechnology applications and policy in food, agricultural and bio-clean tech, and the use of venture capital as a component of an open innovation strategy for emerging economies.

Dr. Roger Wyse, Managing Director & General Partner Burrill & Company

The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

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December 16-17, 2013 December 18, 2013 Amman, JORDAN

I manage the GIST Initiative, a global endeavor that builds entrepreneurial ecosystems in 54 countries across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. I speak globally on professional networking, innovation, entrepreneurship and partnership building. Previously, I was Senior Associate at Rudyard Partners, a private equity firm focused on investing in consumer technologies. I serve as Chairman of the Board of Advisors of AIESEC DC and as Vice Chairman of MIT Enterprise Forum DC. I founded LEADERS, an organization that impacts lives of about 10,000 young leaders and entrepreneurs in Romania and Southern-Eastern Europe.

I develop and oversee Entrepreneurship & Innovation Programs at CRDF Global. I expand and generate new opportunities with the private sector, foundations, and international organizations that share CRDF Global’s mission of advancing technology entrepreneurship in emerging economies. A critical part of my current position is developing vision and outreach strategies as well as overseeing a portfolio of programs that source and provide support to tech companies. I execute several programs, including GIST and VentureOut Initiative, that support hundreds of early stage entrepreneurs in the Middle East, Africa, Eurasia, South East Asia, and the Caribbean regions by providing education, technical skills, seed funding, and U.S. market access to entrepreneurs. I advise on policy and programs that promote all aspects of entrepreneurial ecosystem building. I hold a M.A. in International Relations from the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), Johns Hopkins University.

NATALIA PIPIA Associate Program Director, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, CRDF Global @NataliaPIpia

OVIDIU BUJOREAN GIST Senior Program Manager, CRDF Global @ovidiubujorean 56

The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

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December 16-17, 2013 December 18, 2013

CRDF GLOBAL GIST TEAM

Amman, JORDAN

FIDAN KARIMOVA I over five years of experience in international program management. For the last two years, I have been actively engaged in implementing programs focused on entrepreneurship support and working with a diverse group of entrepreneurs and startups from all over the world. I have helped develop a network of entrepreneurs, angel and venture investors, incubators, business accelerators, universities and other stakeholders to support these aspiring entrepreneurs. I have coordinated a number of programs funded by local and international agencies, and lived in countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe.

YURITZI ACOSTA Associate Program Manager, CRDF Global

Associate Program Manager, GIST Initiative

I joined GIST in October 2012, focusing on media messaging and communications, but I hav been on staff at CRDF Global for three years already, working on client relationship management, website development, and promotional materials. I have traveled extensively, including living abroad in China, Italy, and Spain and working for a summer at the UN in Azerbaijan. I also bring my entrepreneurial spirit to GIST, having started my own painting business and dabbled in environmental fashion design in college.

I joined GIST in March 2012, working with international partners to organize startup boot camps and virtual mentorship programs. I have long had the entrepreneurship bug, selling bracelets on the beach of my hometown since middle school, an experience that inspired me to study international development with the hope of empowering others to realize their dreams by starting their own businesses. I support my local community by organizing the annual “Glover Park Day,” which showcases local area businesses and non-profits; I also lead service-oriented ecotourism trips to Nicaragua to promote travel and cultural exchange.

AMANDA GANT Associate Program Manager, GIST Initiative

The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE GIST TEAM I came to the U.S. Department of State from the Science and Technology Directorate of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security where I managed a diverse S&T portfolio of risk analytics, simulation modeling, and health security projects aimed at supporting science based decision making in health security and counterterrorism program investments in DHS and the broader homeland security enterprise. My federal service began through an AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowship and included a year serving in the U.S. House of Representatives as a Brookings Institution Legis Congressional Fellow.

DR. SARA KLUCKING Global Engagement Team Lead, U.S. Department of State

Amman, JORDAN

DR. ANNA QUIDER GIST & Innovation Program Manager, U.S. Department of State

I work to improve local and global communities through international cooperation by supporting U.S. Department of State policies and programming at the intersection of science, innovation, and diplomacy, including the GIST Initiative. Previously, I developed strategies to address local, national, and international issues spanning education, science, innovation, and foreign affairs for the Office of Rep. Russ Carnahan, U.S. House of Representatives. I am an astrophysicist who regularly engages broad audiences on topics including astronomy, professional development, and policy.

I manage programs that enhance the impact of science, technology, and innovation to solve global and local challenges, including the Global Innovation through Science and Technology (GIST) initiative. Previously, I used my chemistry masters degree to help a start-up sustainable natural care company receive a worldwide exclusive patent from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. I have also worked with USAID in Egypt, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Indonesia.

MS. KATHRYN PHARR, Science, Technology & Innovation Program Manager, U.S. Department of State 58

The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

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OASIS 500 TEAM

Amman, JORDAN

SERENE SHALAN Networks Manager, Oasis500 I am a Strategist, Economist, & Entrepreneur, yet I feel that the most powerful catalyst for growth & achievement is a “Vision” delivered by a focus on excellence in people and organization structure. I love entrepreneurship, but keeps pushing for more innovation, more measured risk taking, and for the economics to work all around – a multiplier effect.

YOUSEF HAMIDADDIN

In 2010,I got a Post-Graduate Certificate in Business Studies from the University of California, Berkeley. I am a hard worker and even as I achieved my educational qualifications I has also amassed some valuable work experience. I worked in Public Relations and Publicity at “Full Picture PR” between Los Angeles and New York City where she executed key events and acted as a point person,

CEO, Oasis500

I graduated from Princess Sumaya University for Technology with a BSc in Electronic Engineering in 2006, and attained the Ministry of Higher Education Competency Exam, ranking third among all university students. My Academic excellence, however, did not get in the way of my extra-curricular activities. During my years in university, I Co-founded the first student entrepreneurship society, DART, as well as the SAMT Project: advocating youth to create their own documentaries.

OMAR AL SHARIF Marketing Manager, Oasis500

The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

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GIST ACTIVITIES

Amman, JORDAN

TECH CONNECT

BOOT CAMP JORDAN MOROCCO ALGERIA SENEGAL INDONESIA MALAYSIA TANZANIA TURKEY

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GIST @ GES TURKEY UAE MALAYSIA

ARMENIA AFGHANISTAN ALGERIA AZERBAIJAN BANGLADESH BRAZIL COLOMBIA ECUADOR

EGYPT GEORGIA GHANA GUATEMALA INDIA JORDAN KUWAIT LEBANON

MALAYSIA MEXICO NIGERIA OMAN PAKISTAN QATAR SAUDI ARABIA SENEGAL

The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

STOCKHOLM TUNISIA TURKEY USA VENEZUELA

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RESOURCES

Amman, JORDAN

Entrepreneur and Business News Entrepreneur – www.entrepreneur.com

News and resources for business, finance, technology, marketing, startups, etc.

Inc.com – www.inc.com

News resource for business, finance, technology, leadership & management, sales, start-ups, etc.

Red Herring – www.redherring.com

Technology news resources

VentureBeat – www.venturebeat.com

News resource for technology and finances

Afriqueitnews - www.afriqueitnews.com

The leading West African website for tech startup news

Non-Government Programs Entrepreneur Week - www.entrepreneurweek.net Entrepreneur Meetup - entrepreneur.meetup.com Global Community for Advancing Studies on Entrepreneurship - www.gcase.org 10,000 Women Initiative - www.goldmansachs.com/citizenship/10000women/ Global Entrepreneurship Leadership Symposium - entrepreneurship.intel.com/community/gels-community Global Entrepreneurship Week - www.unleashingideas.org Microsoft BizSpark - www.mitef.org OPEC Fund for International Development - www.ofid.org Global Student Entrepreneur Awards - www.gsea.org YoungEntrepreneur.com - www.youngentrepreneur.com/about-us

U.S. Government Programs A New Beginning: Entrepreneurship & Business Innovation – anewbeginning.eonetwork.org Youth Livelihoods Alliance - www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2012/10/198490.htm TechGirls - exchanges.state.gov/non-us/program/techgirls TechWomen - www.techwomen.org The Global Entrepreneurship Program - www.state.gov/e/eb/cba/entrepreneurship/gep/index.htm Partners for a New Beginning - www.aspeninstitute.org/policy-work/new-beginning Global Women’s Mentorship Program - exchanges.state.gov/citizens/professionals/fortunepartnership.html Center for Entrepreneurship and Executive Development - www.ceed-global.org/web/default.aspx The Entrepreneurship Toolkit - egateg.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/USAID_State%20Entrepreneurship%20Toolkit_0.pdf

The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

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GIST PARTNERS MEDIA PARTNER

Amman, JORDAN

MALAYSIA

JORDAN

INDONESIA

SENEGAL

TURKEY

KENYA

PAKISTAN

TUNISIA

EGYPT

ALGERIA

BAHRAIN

NIGERIA

REGIONAL

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TANZANIA

The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

BANGLADESH

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BEST OF

Amman, JORDAN

THREE IDEAS I HAD NOT THOUGHT OF BEFORE:

PEOPLE I WANT TO FOLLOW ON TWITTER: @ @ @ @ @ @

PRESENTATIONS I MUST CHECK ON LATER:

FAVOURITE QUOTES:

WEBSITES I HAVE TO CHECK OUT:

TOP FIVE PEOPLE TO FOLLOW UP WITH:

THINGS I FEEL INSPIRED TO DO AFTER BOOT CAMP:

MOST INTERESTING IDEA I HAD:

The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

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NOTES

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GIST STARTUP GIST BOOT CAMP DEMO DAY December 16-17, 2013 December 18, 2013 Amman, JORDAN

The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

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in partnership with

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66 The GIST Initiative is not responsible for information provided by third parties.