
ABH x FutureList Boat Party: Bridging Founders, Investors, and Ecosystem Builders
By Monica Pun
The ABH x FutureList Boat Party was more than just an evening of beautiful views and good vibes—it was a true meeting of minds, uniting founders, investors, operators, and ecosystem builders from across the African continent. As we sailed along, in our all-white outfits, the boat became a dynamic space where connections were made, ideas were exchanged, and visions for the future of African tech and innovation were charted.
The event was attended by 90+ leading innovators and business leaders, including Mina Shahid from Numida, Tesh Mbaabu from Chptr, Hassaan Mahdy from Edventures, Michael Mang from ABH, Nour Abdelghaffar from ALX Ventures, Shahenda Ayman from Flat6Labs, Kristine Pearson from LifeLine energy and many others.
This event was a part of our ongoing mission to foster collaboration and accelerate ecosystem development, combining the best of both the ABH (Africa’s Business Heroes) initiative and The FutureList’s commitment to ecosystem building and entrepreneurial growth.
Founders and Investors in Sync
As founders and investors mingled, the boat buzzed with conversations about scaling businesses, securing investment, and navigating the unique challenges of the African market. The informal setting provided a relaxed environment, allowing for genuine, insightful discussions and even a synchronized dance off. Several founders shared their stories about building resilient businesses in challenging conditions, while investors were keen to discover the next big thing from Egypt and Africa’s vibrant startup scene.
Spotlight on Egypt’s Thriving Startup Ecosystem
One of the key reasons for this collaboration was connecting with stakeholders within the Egyptian startup ecosystem during the ABH semi-finals. As part of Africa’s “Big Four”—alongside Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa—Egypt has emerged as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurial activity. The country’s startup scene is thriving, especially in sectors such as fintech, e-commerce, healthtech, and renewable energy.
Egypt’s strategic location and large, youthful population offer significant opportunities for businesses targeting both local and regional markets. Additionally, the Egyptian government has shown strong support for entrepreneurship, rolling out policies and initiatives that make it easier for startups to thrive. In April 2021, the minister of planning and economic development announced the “One Million Entrepreneurs” by 2030 campaign. The government believes entrepreneurs will help resolve Egypt’s economic problems, including unemployment, and increase local manufacturing and exports.
With Cairo as a focal point, Egypt has also attracted considerable international attention, both in terms of investment and partnerships. For example, Flat6Labs launched a US$95 million Africa Seed Fund (headquartered in Egypt) to nurture the growth and development of early-stage tech startups on the African continent.
Charting a Course for the Future
The ABH x FutureList Boat Party was more than just a one-time networking event—it was a catalyst for meaningful connections and spotlighting of innovators. As Africa continues to rise as a global innovation hub, events like these are critical in breaking down barriers and fostering an ecosystem where founders, investors, and ecosystem builders can collaborate and work together to create lasting change.
Our journey across the Nile may have been brief, but the relationships forged on that boat will undoubtedly shape the next wave of Africa’s entrepreneurial future.

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