Little Thinking Minds, leading startup in online educational solutions for MENA region, was awarded a $100K equity-free grant, to boost Arabic language digital business development in Sharjah.
Access Sharjah Program, developed by Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), was launched to celebrate ‘Sharjah World Book Capital 2019’ title, and to honour firms working in the publishing and digital content of 250+ applications worldwide, Little Thinking Minds was shortlisted out of 14 digital content startups, followed by BoBu, Narrativa, and almentor.net, in second position, with a $20K equity-free grant.
Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Head of Advisory Committee of Sharjah World Book Capital (SWBC), said: “Investing in young entrepreneurs in the publishing sector is an investment in the future of the global book market.The aspirations of these businesses, combined with their sustainable products and services, drive the growth and success of the publishing industry. It also stimulates cultural entities to embrace projects and initiatives which advance knowledge and culture.”
Najla Al Midfa, Sheraa CEO, said: “Access Sharjah Program”s first edition, focused on startups in the book and digital content industry, in honor of Sharjah being named World Book Capital 2019 by UNESCO.”
“We received 250+ applications worldwide and we look forward to having these high-caliber startups call Sharjah their home and shall continue to work with them as they grow their ventures,” she added.
Despite COVID-19 crisis and consequent travel bans, Access Sharjah Program
was delivered online, offering remote pitch training, mentorship, and final pitch day with external judges.
