Startups Called To Compete In FHS World 2025’s PitchPoint Contest In Dubai

Hospitality brands and tech startups from around the world are being invited to participate in PitchPoint, a new competition being staged at this year's edition of the Future Hospitality Summit, aka FHS World 2025, which runs from October 27-29 at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, UAE.

PitchPoint will thus see its participants present their offering before a panel of top investors and industry leaders for the chance to secure mentorship, funding, as well as visibility among 1,600+ C-level hospitality investment decision-makers present at FHS World 2025.

In a statement, Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of The Bench, organizer of FHS World, said, “This brilliant new matchmaking feature is an enhancement of our traditional startup competition that, over the years, has recognized and rewarded countless entrepreneurs of today who are shaping the hospitality sector of tomorrow and beyond. With PitchPoint, startups are even more under the spotlight, with their very own platform that brings greater focus, more opportunities, connects them with the right investors and experts, and creates a real impact. It’s one of the many exciting new features at FHS World 2025, and we can’t wait for its debut at Madinat Jumeirah this October.”  

PitchPoint is open to startups developing technology to improve hospitality operations and enhance guest experiences, as well as established brands planning to expand into the Middle East and Africa within the next two years. Startups also have the chance to showcase their businesses at discounted exhibition stands, available to early-stage companies in travel, hospitality, and food and beverage with under US$1 million in annual revenue, operating for less than three years, and employing two to 30 people. 

The competition will feature two pitching categories. The first is for hospitality-tech startups driving innovation in operations and guest experience, with pitches scheduled for October 27, 2025. The second, which will be held on October 28, 2025, is for established hospitality brands active in regions such as Europe, Asia, or the Americas but not yet present in the Middle East or wider EMEA. To qualify, brands must demonstrate a clear strategy to enter the region within 12 to 24 months and be actively seeking investors, operating partners, or regional developers.

Shortlisted participants will receive a complimentary pass to FHS World 2025 as well as the opportunity to pitch before a panel of investors, with five minutes to present, and ten minutes for Q&A. PitchPoint will thus allow its participants to gain access to more than $1.7 billion in business opportunities, as well as direct exposure to hundreds of global investors. Applications are open through this link until September 30, 2025.

Image courtesy Future Hospitality Summit.