Yes! ReplyFabric Accepted for the LEAP Riyadh 2026 Startup Program

So I reached out. And LEAP Riyadh answered.

Today I received an email that made me stop for a moment.

ReplyFabric has been officially shortlisted for the LEAP 2026 Startup Program in Riyadh, taking place from April 13 to 16. Fifth edition. One of the world’s fastest-growing tech events. And suddenly, we are part of that conversation.

I do not have to explain how excited I am. But more than excitement, this feels like confirmation. Again.

This was not luck. This was work.

Before I ever reached out, I took LEAPLEAP seriously.

I compared it with other initiatives. Looked at the market. Evaluated the region. Assessed where ReplyFabric could realistically create value, not just visibility. Only once I was convinced did I take the step.

Just in time, I was invited to a webinar where Dalia Kamar and her team explained how the program works and how startups are evaluated. I switched into lecturer mode immediately. Listening as if this were an exam briefing.

What are they really looking for?
What signals matter?
What gets filtered out?

Every slide matters

From that moment on, the slide deck became a project on its own.

Every slide was challenged. Every assumption rechecked. I reused all the feedback I previously received from Rare Founders in London. Combined it with fresh market evolution insights from McKinsey. Tightened the story. Sharpened the positioning.

No fluff. No buzzwords. Just clarity.

And then… bam. There it is.

Why LEAP matters for ReplyFabric

Being shortlisted means more than a booth.

It means access to:

• Investors and founders in one focused space
• A chance to compete for equity-free funding
• Soft-landing support in Saudi Arabia
• AI-driven matchmaking with real intent behind it
• Pitch coaching that actually raises the bar

This is not about showing up. This is about showing up prepared.

So yes, we secretly hope to make it into the Rocket Fuel Pitch Competition too — it’s only for the happy few, but hey... why not 🤞

Another signal we are onto something

Startup life is full of doubt. Long days where progress is invisible. Decisions that take weeks and show results months later.

Moments like this matter. Not because of the logo. Not because of the event size. But because an external team, with a clear evaluation framework, independently reaches the same conclusion.

There is something here.

Riyadh, here we come.

More to follow.