24six9 in 2024 - Celebrating a Year of Growth and Innovation

It’s been an incredible year for the 24six9 community, full of creativity, collaboration and growth that we got to witness first-hand. As we come to a close, we want to celebrate each and every one of you who attended the 24six9 meetups in 2024; the ones who gave the community their precious time, who gave out advice, mentorship and invaluable insights into what defines entrepreneurial success. We’ve witnessed an explosion of creativity, innovation, and growth among our founders, entrepreneurs, and supporters. From Founders Talks to Pitch Roasts, and from Masterclasses to Deep Tech Disputes, let’s delve into the memorable experiences that shaped our vibrant ecosystem this year.

Pitch Roasts: Serving up tough love 24six9 style

For us, the 24six9 Pitch Roasts are high up on the list of events that reflected our values. Each Pitch Roast held was a hit, continuing the trend of (lovingly) scathing feedback given to budding entrepreneurs to refine their pitches. We witnessed founders improving their pitches in real time, taking on constructive feedback and hitting the stage stronger the next time. It takes guts to share your uncooked ideas on a stage, facing a crowd of entrepreneurial veterans and leaders, and we commend each and every one of you that used the 24six9 Pitch Roast platform to their advantage. Pitch Roast participants had the chance to present their visions to a panel of seasoned investors and business leaders, garnering critical insights to enhance their business strategies. Suffice it to say the enthusiasm and talent showcased during these sessions reaffirmed our belief in the potential of our community members. We cannot wait to continue hosting Pitch Roasts in 2025, and hear more crazy ideas and crazier feedback.

Founders Talks: Worldwide Entrepreneurial Wisdom

The 24six9 Founders Talk series has been a highlight of our calendar, featuring key figures in the entrepreneurial landscape. Insightful conversations with industry leaders opened doors for knowledge-sharing and networking. Among the dynamic speakers this year were Lars Kolind 孔林德, Dusan Duffek, Obediah Ayton, Gil Petersil, Mashfique Chowdhury, Michelle Wong, 🪄 Maher Elusini , Zaid Rahman, Sophie Smith سوفي سميث and Adel Hameed (عادل حميد), our deepest gratitude to you all! Each leader shared insights from their incredible entrepreneurial journeys and advice on overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities in the startup realm. The Founders Talk series is 24six9’s way of giving back to the community; the wisdom shared during these talks has been immeasurable and our hope is they help you on your own startup journey.

Networking made meaningful (and FUN!)

Since 24six9 is, at its core, a networking community, it has been the networking meetups that are most meaningful to us. From Speed Networking, Theatrical Networking, Pitch Roulette, Networking Bingo and Innovation Showdown, we made sure to include plenty of non-conventional ways for our community members to connect with one another. Each networking meet-up was set up in a way that transcended traditional mingling, ensuring meaningful connections were forged. With a focus on actionable outcomes, these gatherings allowed entrepreneurs and investors to collaborate, discuss potential partnerships, and share resources in an inclusive atmosphere. We couldn’t be prouder of the energy everyone brought, as new friendships were formed and burgeoning ideas took root!

Idea Labs: Innovation meets collaboration, 24six9 style!

This year, the Idea Labs provided a creative space for founders to brainstorm and develop new projects collaboratively. The synergy among members was evident as teams formed around exciting ideas, integrating diverse perspectives and expertise. The collaborative environment sparked innovative solutions to pressing challenges in various industries, showcasing the power of collective creativity. We met so many founders who managed to connect with, and recruit members for their teams. We also witnessed creative ideas take shape through Idea Lab, and investors reaching out to those with that extraordinary spark. We’re excited to continue this trend into 2025, so watch this space!

Deep Tech Disputes: Exploring the Future

AI has been an integral part of every startup conversation held at 24six9 in 2024, and to encourage further discussion, we held several editions of Deep Tech Disputes hosted by Hood Khizer. These delved into the technical advancements shaping the future of industries, with thought leaders leading the conversations, community members exploring topics ranging from AI and blockchain to sustainable tech solutions. These thought-provoking discussions inspired our members to think critically about the role of technology in advancing entrepreneurial ventures and societal impacts.

Global Expansion: Connecting 24six9 members worldwide

What started as casual conversations over coffee in a Dubai restaurant has blossomed into a global movement. In 2024, we celebrated the growth of 24six9’s chapters around the world, each contributing to the spirit of collaboration and resilience. Each chapter stands as a testament to our commitment to supporting entrepreneurs in their unique ecosystems, reinforcing the notion that together we can challenge the status quo. At 24six9, we believe in actionable outcomes and mutual benefits. Our community is built on the premise of fostering innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity. This year, we’ve emphasized social mobility, ensuring that all members have the resources and support needed to thrive in their entrepreneurial journeys. In 2025, you’ll be seeing the official 24six9 app, and the opening of our new global chapters, starting with Armenia, Georgia, Brazil and Cairo.

The collective ambition of our community continues to grow, and we at 24six9 are committed to providing ongoing support, mentorship, and resources to empower each member on their entrepreneurial journey.

Thank you for being part of this incredible year at 24six9. We can't wait to see how our community continues to rise and shine in the year ahead. Here’s to an incredible new year full of surprises, creativity and collaboration at 24six9!

Upcoming Events in January:

Riyadh Chapter: Tuesday January 7, 2025 - Founders Talk

Dubai Chapter: Friday, January 10, 2025 - Founders Talk

Join the 24six9 Dubai Community

Connect with fellow 24six9 community members on our social media. Engage in tech-infused discussions, share your ideas and insights, find the best resources and mentors to collaborate with, and stay updated on the latest industry news. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn to be part of the thriving network that is 24six9.

24six9 - Share Your Stories and Innovations with Tech Revolt

Are you driving the future of technology in the Middle East? Whether it’s a game-changing innovation, cutting-edge AI development, or a remarkable startup journey, Tech Revolt wants to spotlight your story! Share your news, insights, and achievements to inspire others and amplify your impact on the region’s growing tech ecosystem. Share you stories at: hello@tech.revolt