Image: Supplied
Abu Dhabi is set to become a global hub for sports and entertainment entrepreneurship with the launch of E1H, a pioneering innovation hub by Ethara and OneToWatch.
Designed to support startups from ideation to commercialisation, E1H offers mentorship, investment opportunities, and industry access to entrepreneurs in sectors such as esports, fan engagement, sustainability, and digital experiences.
Here, Guillaume Dufond, ED Strategic Development at Ethara, and Jamie Cunningham, ED at OneToWatch, discuss how E1H aims to shape the future of sports and entertainment in the UAE and beyond.
Jamie Cunningham
What inspired the creation of the E1H?
E1H was created to stimulate the sports and entertainment economy. We’re here to support entrepreneurs and foster the next generation of innovative businesses, whether they’re based in the UAE or internationally. Through our access to expertise, commerce and capital, we will also connect entrepreneurs and investors to drive meaningful growth in the industry from our hub at Yas Marina Circuit.
How does E1H intend to help local and international startups and entrepreneurs move from ideation to commercialisation? What’s the USP?
Joining the E1H ecosystem will hugely benefit new startups and entrepreneurs, both in the UAE and internationally. It is a unique opportunity to join the region’s first dedicated sports and entertainment Innovation Hub. E1H offers a six-week structured Incubator programme featuring a dedicated mentor, access to industry experts, regular events, a unique workspace and a pitch to investors. We will announce our Xcelerator programme soon.
What kind of mentorship, investment, and industry access can entrepreneurs expect to receive?
Each E1H member will be paired with a mentor with relevant business experience to help refine, challenge and grow their business or concept. Members will also participate in weekly workshops covering topics from capital raising to business modelling to strategic partnerships, all of which are essential to new business growth.
We will connect entrepreneurs to our partner network of both corporate and government partners to test member products/services with a view to a commercial partnership. At the end of the Incubator, each member will pitch to local and international investors.
What are the key selection criteria for applicants looking to join E1H across both programmes?
E1H is open to startups across all sectors of sports and entertainment, with a focus on those driving innovation. Key sectors include content, experiential, esports and gaming, health and wellness, sustainability and technology. Obviously, a business with a specific concept which is relevant to Ethara’s portfolio of venues and events stands a good chance of being considered for the incubator programme. Ultimately, E1H is looking for founders with fresh ideas ready to shape the future of the industry.
What is an ideal outcome for the E1H Incubator? What does success look like?
Success for the Incubator programme is seeing startups progress from a concept into a commercially viable proposition, securing investment and having an impact in the sports and entertainment industry locally – and eventually globally. Overall E1H aims to create an ecosystem in sports and entertainment in Abu Dhabi which is driven by innovation.”
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–
Guillaume Dufond
How did the partnership between Ethara and 1TW come about?
The partnership between Ethara and ONETOWATCH came together as we share the vision to drive innovation and growth in Abu Dhabi’s sports and entertainment economy. At Ethara, we have incredible industry experience from the events we run and venues we operate, while ONETOWATCH specialise in sports investment. Together, we’re creating an ecosystem to give the next generation of entrepreneurs the expertise and resources they need in the industry to succeed.
Why is the UAE, and MENA more broadly, an ideal environment for fostering entrepreneurial growth in sports and entertainment — especially in the case of international entrepreneurs?
The UAE and the wider MENA region are great places to develop a sports or entertainment startup. With the attraction of global events and a strong focus on community participation, there is an opportunity for entrepreneurs to innovate and grow.
International entrepreneurs will gain access to our network of local experts, investors and industry contacts, assisting development in the region and advancing business growth.
Building on the success of F1 and the sold-out Coldplay concerts, there’s a growing demand for cutting-edge solutions in fan engagement, venue tech, sustainability, digital experiences, and much more. Where do you see the most exciting growth potential in the sector over the next five-10 years and how does E1H aim to nurture entrepreneurs to advance innovation in these areas?
With the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and Coldplay concerts drawing a combined 400,000 people, it’s clear there’s a huge demand for sports and entertainment in Abu Dhabi. The industry is constantly evolving, with exciting growth in sustainability, fan experience, health and wellness, technology, esports, gaming and content.
E1H is here to drive innovation in these areas by giving entrepreneurs access to mentorship, industry connections and investment, helping turn great ideas into successful businesses.
These events show the UAE’s ability to blend global appeal with local execution. What kind of long-term impact will E1H have on the local sports and entertainment ecosystem?
E1H will strengthen Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s sports and entertainment ecosystem by supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs and start ups. As global events continue to thrive here, E1H will bring innovative ideas to areas across fan engagement, technology and sustainability. In the long term, E1H will reinforce the UAE’s position as a global hub of sports and entertainment attracting talent from around the world to Abu Dhabi.
What’s next for E1H beyond its initial launch?
We will soon announce the launch of our Xcelerator, a 52-week programme for established businesses looking to develop Abu Dhabi as a regional or global headquarters. Applications for our 6-week Incubator programme are open until February 21st, with the programme set to begin on April 28.
In June, we will host our first investment forum, bringing together our partners and marking the official launch of the Xcelerator programme.
!function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod?
n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;
n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version=’2.0′;n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0;
t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window,
document,’script’,’https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js?v=next’);
