Majid Al Futtaim (MAF), one of the leading companies in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has launched a collaborative concept store called Launchpad X. The concept store aims to connect local startups with the extensive go-to-market opportunities provided by MAF’s shopping malls.
Launchpad X will feature local startups and winners from MAF’s Launchpad Accelerator Programme, which was established last year to support entrepreneurship and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Located in the City Centre Mirdif, the store will serve as a home to a variety of local brands that have exhibited exceptional innovation, creativity, and growth potential.
The launch of Launchpad X demonstrates MAF’s commitment to supporting homegrown brands and assisting them in their journey towards global recognition. The X in Launchpad X represents the spirit of collaboration, aligning with MAF’s ongoing efforts to promote startups in the region.
Fuad Mansoor Sharaf, the managing director of the UAE Shopping Malls at Majid Al Futtaim Properties, expressed his excitement about the inauguration of Launchpad X, stating that it is the region’s first collaborative commercial store for startups and entrepreneurs. He believes that the concept store will not only provide new opportunities for startups to expand their commercial footprint but will also drive innovation and contribute to the region’s economic development.
Launchpad X will feature a diverse range of brands, including startups from MAF’s Launchpad Accelerator Programme, as well as other small and medium-sized businesses from the region that have shown promise in terms of their products or services.
MAF launched its Launchpad Accelerator Programme in 2022 as a means to uplift startups and SMEs in the MENA region. The programme provides participants with access to innovative technology, mentorship, training, and go-to-market opportunities. Some of the brands showcased at Launchpad X include Wallace & Co, a luxury home fragrances company; Reform, a sustainable luxury fashion and home essentials brand; LC, a premium active and loungewear brand; Koala Picks, a provider of healthy snacks for families; and HypeSelection, an upcoming sneaker and streetwear boutique.
Majid Al Futtaim’s Launchpad Accelerator Programme, in partnership with AstroLabs, Microsoft, and DIFC Launchpad, focuses on partnering with and investing in innovative startups and SMEs that can benefit from the wide reach and scale of the Majid Al Futtaim ecosystem. The Launchpad programme supports local entrepreneurs across various segments such as fashion, lifestyle, leisure, climate, and community.
The launch of Launchpad X signifies a significant milestone in MAF’s efforts to support startups in the region. With the store’s collaborative approach and the opportunities it provides for startups to showcase their offerings, it is expected to drive the growth and success of local brands while fostering entrepreneurship in the UAE.
