Beban, an entrepreneurship-themed reality television show produced by Hope Ventures, the investment arm of Hope Fund, announces the launch of its second season on January 4th, 2023, on the region’s first and biggest video-on-demand platform, Shahid, as well as Bahrain TV and AlRai TV.

Beban showcases entrepreneurs pitching their businesses in front of a panel of regional investors for investment and strategic business opportunities. The show aims to shed light and provide high-potential businesses with the opportunity to attract strategic investors who can support the acceleration of their growth into international markets.

Beban 2 will comprise 10 episodes to be aired on a weekly basis every Wednesday, starting January and until March 2023 at 6 PM (GMT+3). Each episode will feature 5 businesses from various sectors of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. The final 50 businesses on the show were shortlisted and selected out of over 350 applicants.

Each episode comprises of three investors representing the private sector, alongside His Excellency Aymen bin Tawfiq Almoayed, Chairman of Hope Fund, who will be representing Hope Ventures on Beban.

In addition to its UAE expansion, the second season is also introducing a new addition, which is Beban Crowdfunding, an equity crowdfunding platform that will allow viewers in the comfort of their homes to invest in opportunities that are pitching on the show. The platform aims to encourage wider investor participation whilst allowing entrepreneurs to have access to a wider network of investors and funding options. The introduction of the platform, which is licensed by the Central Bank of Bahrain, makes Beban TV show the first interactive reality TV show in the world with a crowdfunding element to it, further giving businesses the opportunity to raise investment from numerous investors.

Commenting on the occasion, H.E. Aymen bin Tawfeeq Almoayed, Chairman of Hope Fund, said: “At Hope, the priority is to shed light on merited entrepreneurs and strategically open doors of opportunity to them.”

He added, “With the airing of Beban 2, we look forward to the viewers getting a front-row seat to discussions and negotiations that typically take place behind closed doors between investors and entrepreneurs. These discussions will educate, excite, and, most importantly, inspire viewers to take on the path of entrepreneurship.”

On her part, Fajer Saleh Alpachachi, General Manager of Hope Ventures, said: “We launched the first season of Beban TV Show as a pilot, and now, we are excited to launch season 2, which is bigger, louder, and more exciting as we have invited reputable and experienced investors to join the panel as part of our continuous efforts to accelerate the growth of local businesses into international markets.”

She added, “The results of Season 2 are exciting and in line with our strategy of matchmaking and co-investing into local opportunities with the private sector, which will provide expertise and on-the-ground know-how to support the success of the businesses.”

Beban 2 recognizes its sponsors; Bahrain’s Oil and Gas Company (nogaholding), Tamkeen Bahrain, Al Areen Palace & Spa, TRACCS, BEYON Money, Zain Bahrain, GMI, Ahli United Bank, Kuwait Finance House (Bahrain), The Benefit Company, Bahrain Car Park Company (Amakin), and Al Salam Bank for their affirmed commitment to empowering Bahraini entrepreneurs and accelerating their growth through investment, knowledge, and access to business opportunities.

Hope Ventures thanks His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Affairs and Youth Affairs, for His guidance and unwavering support that led to the creation and development of Beban, which contributes to the shaping of a robust, regional investment ecosystem.

To stay up to date with all-things-Beban, make sure you follow the show’s accounts on social media @bebanme