Questions
Frequently asked questions.
The things people ask most often, answered plainly. If yours isn't here, ask us directly.
About the platform
What actually is RAKPRENEUR.com?
A venture platform combining four things: a community and events engine, a full stack of business services, an accelerator programme, and — over time — an investment vehicle. The awards sit on top as the ecosystem's convening point.
How is this different from a government incubator?
Government-backed incubators are excellent at subsidised space and grants, and we're not going to out-subsidise them. What they typically refer out — company setup, compliance, banking, insurance — we run ourselves. That means a founder gets the operating stack in one place, and we earn from day one rather than waiting on a distant exit.
Is it free to join?
Listing in the directory, attending Idea Challenges and appearing in the members' directory are free permanently. Paid tiers exist for the operating stack and for investor access.
Where are you based?
The UAE, with our home venue at Rotana Business Center in Ras Al Khaimah and sessions across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. We also run a UAE–UK market-entry pathway.
For founders
Do I need a company to list?
No. Plenty of listings are pre-incorporation. Sorting the structure is something we help with, not a prerequisite for being in the room.
What do you take?
It depends on the track. Services-for-equity is typically 4–8%. Paid programme is a cash fee. Success-fee is 3–7% of capital raised. Nothing is taken from a directory listing — that's free.
Will you sign an NDA?
For accelerator applications and diligence, yes. For a directory listing or a public pitch at the Idea Challenge, no — and honestly, if an idea can't survive being described out loud, the idea is the problem rather than the disclosure.
What if my idea gets copied?
It's a fair worry and a rare outcome. Execution, timing and access matter far more than the idea itself, which is why the panel scores team and traction as heavily as it does.
For investors and experts
How do you vet startups?
Every startup that pitches is scored live against five criteria by a panel of investors and operators. Scores are recorded, so by the time a company reaches you it has a track record inside our process rather than just a good deck.
Is there a fund I can invest into?
Not currently. Co-investment happens deal-by-deal through SPVs, which means you see and choose each company rather than committing to a blind pool. A fund structure is a later-stage step.
What does empanelment involve?
Mentoring at meetups, judging awards, and taking on paid advisory work referred through the platform. The commitment is genuinely flexible — some experts do one session a quarter, others take on regular engagements.
Do experts get paid?
Advisory engagements referred through the platform are paid at your rates. Mentoring at meetups and judging awards are voluntary — that's the give side of the exchange.