These are the 12 Startups that Got 500 Startups' Attention for its MENA Dojo's 2nd Round

Silicon Valley-based powerhouse 500 Startups, the most active early-stage Venture Capital firm in the MENA region, has just announced 12 pre-Series A regional companies participating in its second MENA Dojo Series A programme. According to UAE-based Magnitt, each new startup will receive an investment of up to $150,000 from the 500 Startups MENA-focused fund, 500 Falcons, and will enjoy hands-on mentorship and advice on growth.

These startups are Eyewa, online glasses and contact lenses retailer, GymNadz, fitness app for millennials; Keno, on-demand car wash app; La Reina, marketplace for renting dresses, At Home Doc, at home doctor service app, Melltoo, second-hand goods marketplace app, Mr Draper, personalised clothing stylists for men, MyU, education platform for parents, teachers and students, Nawah, scientific outsourced laboratory service, Plantshop, online nursery commerce, SocialDice, human resources platform for recruiters, and vbout, marketing technology platform.

"In line with this strategy, our internal growth team of internationally renowned experts transfer knowledge and best practices around rapid growth and distribution during the one-on-one mentor sessions," says Hasan Haider, Partner, 500 Startups MENA. "The growth techniques help startups to fine-tune their product positioning and prioritise the next stage of development on their roadmap to scale their key metrics." 

The first 'Doha Dojo' program was held by 500 Startups in collaboration with the Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP) in May 2017. Nine companies participated in the programme and were able to raise significant funding after Investor Day; Souqalmal for example raised $10 million, Eventtus, $2 million and eat, $1.8 million.

Main photo: 500 Startups.