SANDBOX Accelerator

Overview

SANDBOX Accelerator is a Dubai-based venture capital-backed startup accelerator program supporting early-stage technology entrepreneurs. The program is designed for pre-Seed to Seed-stage startups, emphasizing investor-readiness, commercial exposure, and growth. It offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes workshops, mentorship, and access to a network of investors and industry experts. The program is structured into two phases: Phase 1 focuses on diagnostics, product-market fit, and positioning, while Phase 2 is more intensive, concentrating on investor-readiness, commercialization, and growth. At the end of Phase 2, startups are invited to pitch at the SANDBOX Demo Day. Since its inception in 2022, SANDBOX has become one of the most sought-after startup programs in the region, enrolling over 30 startups across multiple cohorts. The program is founder-centric, providing unparalleled access to venture capitalists, guidance from seasoned entrepreneurs, and hundreds of hours of hands-on support from some of the region’s best mentors. SANDBOX is uniquely structured into two phases. After the selection process, startups are invited into Phase 1, which lasts 8 weeks and is equity-free. At the end of Phase 1, all startups pitch to the SANDBOX Investment Committee. Those shortlisted are invited into Phase 2, which is much more intensive and lasts 12 weeks. At the beginning of Phase 2, and only for the startups that are shortlisted into Phase 2, Oraseya Capital will invest $150,000 into each startup via a SAFE Note Agreement ($110,000 cash + $40,000 program fee). This capital is expected to be used to propel the startups' growth and also help attract further investment. At the end of Phase 2, startups will be invited to pitch at the SANDBOX Demo Day. The program has received over 2,500 applications and has enrolled more than 30 startups across three cohorts. The secret to its success is simple: founder-centricity. SANDBOX is a comprehensive program for early-stage entrepreneurs. If you are serious about your startup, you should be serious about joining SANDBOX. SANDBOX is a very practical, lively, and founder-need-centric startup program offering mentors of the highest caliber. The program team are big enthusiasts; they really love what they do and are very attentive to every startup and founder. Absolutely fantastic structure supporting startups getting ready for growth. Would recommend to anyone wanting to have their startup setup done correctly from the get-go! Our experience at SANDBOX has been nothing short of exceptional. The environment is one that fosters creativity, collaboration, and hard work, and we are excited to see where this journey takes us. SANDBOX is a really high-quality program that equips startups with all the tools and mentorship one can ask for. From launching a product to scaling in the UAE market, it's a one-stop shop for all your startup needs. As a startup founder, you are exposed to risks and problems on a daily basis, and you have to be relentless in solving such problems and making decisions on your own. Having SANDBOX by your side allows you to solve 10x more problems and make better decisions - day in and day out. SANDBOX has really invested huge time, effort, and money to support its startups....unlike any other program for sure! If you know your WHY, SANDBOX is a good place to learn HOW! A place to make 0 to 1. A perfect environment to work in, SANDBOX is the right place to be if you want to push your startup and learn fast how to navigate out of your comfort zone. I think SANDBOX is a great place to be at; the team is supportive and doing their best to push the startups to unlock their full potential. I also think that the content and the knowledge provided are both amazing. I was really impressed. We know how hard it would have been if we were not part of the SANDBOX program to run our startup. Execution is a lot easier now. The support and help are highly appreciated. In short, SANDBOX is a

Investment Focus

• Team of 2+ full-time founders preferable (but exceptional solo-founders are also considered)
• UAE-based technology-driven startup solving a unique problem with a scalable business model
• Addressable market in MENA with a nexus to Dubai
• MVP to seed-stage, seeking to raise funds in the next 12 months
• Any evidence of early traction will give you an edge

Portfolio Companies