The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) hosted the first edition of Sheraa Deal Dock on May 29th at its headquarters, bringing together around 200 startups and bridging them with a network of active investors. The event also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Sheraa and Continuous Venture Capital, aimed at expanding access to funding for Sheraa-supported startups, particularly those in the pre-seed and seed stages.

This edition of Sheraa Deal Dock welcomed the participation of six investors: Global Ventures, Continuous Ventures, Oraseya Capital, Wamda Capital, Beco Capital, and Shorooq Partners. Collectively, these firms represent a capital pool exceeding $671 million, underscoring the strength and growing reputation of Sharjah’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, as well as Sheraa’s ability to convene mission-aligned capital partners. Each investor brought distinct sector expertise and investment philosophies, contributing to the event’s goal of facilitating high-value, founder-investor connections that go beyond the pitch.

The event aligns with Sheraa’s wider mission to accelerate access to capital and support the growth of impactful ventures. Each of the participating startups took part in one-on-one meetings with aligned investors. These meetings were matched to ensure mutual interest and sector alignment, maximizing the chances of meaningful outcomes.

The event featured a fireside chat titled Inside the Investor’s Mind, offering founders rare insight into investor expectations and decision-making dynamics. The chat featured Sonia Weymuller, Co-Founder and General Partner at VentureSouq and a Sheraa Advisory Board Member, in conversation with moderator Nader Amiri, General Partner at Homegrown Ventures and a Sheraa alum. As a leading voice in the investment space, Weymuller shared valuable perspectives drawn from her experience supporting startups across the region and beyond.

Strategic Partnership

During the event, Sheraa signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Continuous Venture Capital, marking a strategic collaboration aimed at expanding funding opportunities for Sheraa portfolio startups, specifically targeting those in the pre-seed and seed stages. 

The MoU was signed by HE Sara Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, and Colin Meagle, Founding Partner of Continuous Venture Capital.

This partnership reinforces Sheraa’s commitment to accelerating startup growth by facilitating access to early-stage capital, strengthening investment readiness, and connecting founders with regional and international investors. Through this collaboration, startups will benefit from strategic support, market exposure, and tailored engagement with Continuous VC’s investment network.

HE Sara Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, said: “Sheraa Deal Dock reflects our continued commitment to building platforms that unlock meaningful opportunities for both entrepreneurs and investors. The event was designed to foster strategic, action-oriented connections, enabling startups to present their ventures in a focused environment and gain valuable feedback to accelerate their growth. Through such initiatives, we advance our efforts to position Sharjah as a dynamic hub for entrepreneurship and innovation, supporting purpose-driven ventures that contribute to a more resilient and diversified economy.”

She added: “We recognize that early-stage founders need more than just capital; they need partners who understand the challenges of building a business and are committed to their long-term success. Our partnership with Continuous Venture Capital is a strategic extension of this philosophy. By enhancing access to funding, improving investment readiness, and expanding connections to relevant investor networks, we are creating an enabling environment where bold ideas can thrive. This collaboration reinforces Sheraa’s mission to empower entrepreneurs and turn ambitious visions into tangible, lasting impact.”

Highlighting the strategic value of the collaboration, Mr. Colin Meagle, Founding Partner, Continuous Venture Capital said: "We believe that transformative ventures often begin with a single opportunity; one that’s backed by belief, guidance, and access to the right resources. Partnering with Sheraa allows us to tap into a pipeline of purpose-driven founders who are solving real-world problems with innovation and integrity. Together, we are not just investing in startups; we are building a foundation for sustainable growth, empowering the next generation of changemakers, and strengthening the region’s role as a global hub for entrepreneurial excellence."

Sheraa Deal Dock exemplifies Sheraa’s role in positioning Sharjah as a global hub for entrepreneurship and innovation. Since 2016, Sheraa has supported over 450 startups and helped raise nearly $300 million in funding. Events like Deal Dock represent the next chapter in this journey, where curated access, quality engagement, and measurable outcomes define success.

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