A new UAE-based format is changing how startups connect with investors, shifting focus from public pitching to structured, trust-driven engagement. Conceptualised and produced by NKN Media, the platform Falcons of Majlis is designed as a multi-stage journey that reflects how investment decisions are typically made in the region.
Majlis-inspired model
The concept draws inspiration from the traditional Majlis, a space associated with dialogue, consultation, and trust-based decision-making. The platform moves away from valuation-focused presentations and instead prioritises founder credibility, intent, and long-term alignment.
According to the creators, the aim is to focus less on exposure and more on meaningful access to investors.
Four-stage process
Falcons of Majlis follows a structured four-stage selection process. It begins with curated founder profiles, followed by an evaluation phase involving venture capital analysts, legal experts, and industry leaders.
Selected founders then receive what is called a “Ticket to Majlis,” which serves as a gateway to closed investor discussions.
In the final stage, investors referred to as “Falcons” engage in private, closed-door conversations with founders. These discussions are centred on trust, conviction, and long-term potential rather than formal presentations or public negotiations.
Suniel Shetty as mentor
Bollywood actor and entrepreneur Suniel Shetty plays a mentoring role in the format and helps assess founder readiness.
“In today’s 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,” said Suniel Shetty.
He added, “The ‘Ticket to Majlis’ is not a reward, it’s a responsibility. It represents trust, and the belief that a founder deserves to be in rooms where real decisions are made.”
Shetty is also known for his investments in startups such as Beardo and Fittr.
Investor-led discussions
The investor group, referred to as the Falcons, includes UAE-based family offices, private investors, and senior business leaders. They evaluate startups based on business strength, cultural alignment, and long-term vision.
Outcomes of the discussions vary, ranging from immediate investment interest to mentorship or deferred decisions. The format emphasizes how deals are often built privately over time in the UAE business environment.
Media-backed platform
The initiative is backed by NKN Media, led by media entrepreneur Abdul Majid Khan, who has over 24 years of experience across global markets and media partnerships in more than 10 countries.
“The UAE has capital and ambition, but there’s been a gap in giving founders structured access to the right investors,” said Khan.
He added, “Too often, they’re judged on numbers rather than vision and intent.”
Khan said the platform is inspired by the traditional Majlis system and aims to bridge the gap between founders and investors.
“In most formats you see a presentation, but in a Majlis, you understand the person,” he said.
UAE-focused startups
Season one will focus exclusively on startups addressing UAE-specific challenges, aligning with the country’s economic priorities and long-term development goals.
The platform aims to bring together media, investment, and entrepreneurship in a single ecosystem-driven format.
Streaming and broadcast
The series will be hosted by actor Chitrangada Singh, who will guide audiences through founder journeys and investor interactions.
It will air on India Today Group channels, including India Today and Aaj Tak, and will also stream on a major OTT platform, expanding its reach across audiences in India and the UAE.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
