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Left : LEAP 2024
This year ’ s event will also offer enhanced matchmaking , investorto-investor workshops and more mentorship sessions . LEAP will bring in more than 1,500 global investors and start-ups to Riyadh 9-12 February . The Investor Programme consists of dedicated lounges for investors to connect with General Partners , Limited Partners and Funds of Funds .
How does LEAP contribute to Saudi Arabia ’ s vision of becoming a global technology hub ? As one of the world ’ s largest and most influential technology events , LEAP serves as a pivotal platform for showcasing the Kingdom ’ s commitment to innovation and technological advancement on the global stage . Since the launch edition four years ago , the exhibition has attracted leading tech companies , investors , and innovators – from NASA , LALIGA , Zoom , to PlayStation inventor Ken Kutaragi , tech visionary and CEO of TikTok Shou Chew and Saudi female astronaut Rayyanah Barnawi and more . LEAP has seen US $ 27.5bn committed in public and private deals announced onsite over the past three editions .
Beyond attracting investment , LEAP plays a vital role in cultivating a culture of innovation within Saudi Arabia .
Hosting the recurring Rocket Fuel Competition , the event provides a platform for budding tech entrepreneurs to gain exposure to experts , funding and mentorship . With 1,100 expert speakers and an array of international exhibitors , LEAP 2025 will solidify Saudi Arabia ’ s annual tech mega-event ’ s position
as the global meeting place for the regional and international technology industry .
At LEAP 2025 a new SportsTech Track will see sports meet the latest tech trends . Attendees will be able to step into the future of sports and experience live demos and the latest technology innovations from pioneers of the sector .
Confirmed speakers include Patrice Evra , the successful entrepreneur and former Manchester United footballer and France national team captain , as well as Mathieu Pierre Flamini , another former French international and co-founder of GF Biochemicals .
The Tech Arena is also a new addition to LEAP 2025 , where attendees will witness live product demos , get hands-on with prototypes , and see cutting-edge technology in action . The Tech Arena will host a line-up of interactive engagements . The Start-up Stage will see LEAP dedicate a platform to the brightest innovators .
LEAP 2025 is expanding beyond the convention halls this year with LEAP Nights . Attendees can immerse themselves in Riyadh ’ s vibrant cultural scene , with an exciting line-up of dinners , meetups and live entertainment .
LEAP 2025 is the first ticketed edition of the event . What are the key benefits of this ? Being held under the theme ‘ Into New Worlds ,’ LEAP 2025 will be our first ticketed outing to date , encompassing a higher percentage of influential industry attendees . Transitioning to a ticketed model will allow exhibitors and participants to benefit from direct access to a highly engaged and laser-focused audience , leading to more meaningful collaborations and opportunities .
LEAP will be more of an exclusive experience for attendees and relevant to today ’ s global technology elite .
As the co-creator of LEAP , where do you envisage the event going in the next five years ? In the next five years I envision LEAP will further solidify its position as the world ’ s leading technology event , expanding its reach and impact . I expect the event to deepen its focus on emerging technologies , such as AI , blockchain and the metaverse , providing a deeper dive into the latest advancements and their potential impact .
LEAP will also continue to attract significant investment and continue driving Saudi ’ s opportunity-laden start-up ecosystem for homegrown tech companies .
Beyond its economic impact , I am confident LEAP will increasingly focus on the social impact of technology , addressing critical challenges such as sustainability , healthcare and education . EW
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