{"id":27731,"date":"2026-04-13T21:41:24","date_gmt":"2026-04-13T17:41:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dubaimagazine.net\/wp\/?p=27731"},"modified":"2026-04-13T21:41:27","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T17:41:27","slug":"falcons-of-majlis-redefining-the-startup-ecosystem-in-the-uae","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dubaimagazine.net\/wp\/?p=27731&lang=en","title":{"rendered":"Falcons of Majlis: Redefining the Startup ecosystem in the UAE"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" dir=\"ltr\">In a region where business is built on trust, relationships, and long-term alignment, a new UAE-based format is reshaping how startups connect with capital. Conceptualised and produced by NKN Media, a global media conglomerate, Falcons of Majlis is not just a conventional pitch show but a structured, multi-stage journey designed to reflect how decisions are actually made in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"511\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dubaimagazine.net\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_0845-511x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-27732\" style=\"width:599px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.dubaimagazine.net\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_0845-511x600.jpg 511w, https:\/\/www.dubaimagazine.net\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_0845-255x300.jpg 255w, https:\/\/www.dubaimagazine.net\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_0845.jpg 766w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 511px) 100vw, 511px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" dir=\"ltr\">Rooted in the cultural significance of the Majlis spaces defined by dialogue, trust, and consultation, the platform goes much beyond public pitches and valuation theatrics. Instead, it centres on credibility, intent, and alignment, where the ultimate reward is not exposure, but access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" dir=\"ltr\"><strong>A Format Built on Access, Not Performance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" dir=\"ltr\">Falcons of Majlis unfold through a four-stage process. It begins with curated founder stories, followed by a rigorous scrutiny phase led by a council of VC analysts, legal experts, and industry leaders. Only a select few founders advance to the defining moment, earning the \u201cTicket to Majlis,\u201d a symbolic and strategic gateway into real investor environments. Once inside, the format changes entirely. There are no presentations or public negotiations. Investors referred to as the Falcons engage in closed-door discussions focused on conviction, trust, and long-term partnership potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Role of Suniel Shetty: Defining Who Gets Access<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" dir=\"ltr\">At the centre of this transition is Suniel Shetty, a leading superstar from Bollywood, who has joined hands as a mentor and Majlis authority. A renowned actor, entrepreneur, investor, and mentor, Shetty has built a strong presence within India\u2019s startup ecosystem, guided by a philosophy that prioritises impact over valuation and founders over hype. His investments in ventures such as Beardo and Fittr reflect his hands-on approach to brand-building and long-term growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" dir=\"ltr\">Within the Falcons of Majlis, his role is not to negotiate deals but to determine readiness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" dir=\"ltr\">\u201cIn today\u2019s startup ecosystem, there is a lot of focus on visibility, but very little on intent. Falcons of Majlis is about shifting that focus to asking whether a founder is truly ready to build something meaningful, not just raise capital,\u201d says Suniel Shetty. He further adds, \u201cThe \u2018Ticket to Majlis\u2019 is not a reward, it\u2019s a responsibility. It represents trust, and the belief that a founder deserves to be in rooms where real decisions are made.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Inside the Majlis: Where Capital Meets Conviction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" dir=\"ltr\">The Falcons, comprising leading UAE family offices, private investors, and strategic business leaders, are not judges, but decision-makers. Season one features a curated group of Falcons, each representing significant capital, sector expertise, and regional influence. Their role is to evaluate founders not through numbers alone, but through conviction, cultural alignment, and long-term vision. Outcomes vary from immediate investments to strategic partnerships, mentorship-led growth, or deferred decisions. Not every interaction leads to funding, but each reflects the reality of how deals are built in the region: privately, thoughtfully, and over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Backed by Media Scale and Strategic Vision<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" dir=\"ltr\">The platform is backed by NKN Media, led by Abdul Majid Khan, a seasoned media entrepreneur with over 24 years of experience across global markets. Having built and scaled media partnerships across more than 10 countries, Khan has played a pivotal role in shaping cross-border content ecosystems and driving strategic growth within the media and advertising landscape. His experience at the intersection of storytelling, distribution, and business expansion brings a distinctive lens to how platforms like Falcons of Majlis are conceptualised.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In a region where business is built on trust, relationships, and long-term alignment, a new UAE-based format is<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":27733,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.dubaimagazine.net\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_0845-511x600.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":"","_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[73],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-27731","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category---en"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Falcons of Majlis: Redefining the Startup ecosystem in the UAE - 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