General Platform Questions

What is Catalyst MENA?

Catalyst MENA is a platform designed to connect startups with investors and support municipalities in raising funds for their projects. We facilitate the process of startups seeking investment, investors finding promising opportunities, and municipalities building trust through transparency to secure funding for community initiatives.

Who can use the Catalyst MENA platform?

The platform is designed for three main user groups: startups looking for investment, investors looking for opportunities, and municipalities seeking to raise funds for community projects. Each group has dedicated features tailored to their needs.

Is the platform free to use?

Basic access is available for all startups, but premium features require upgrading to a paid account. Municipalities and investors have their own access models. Please contact our team for detailed pricing information.

What languages is the platform available in?

The platform is currently available in Arabic and English, with full support for Arabic language and numerical formats.

How does Catalyst MENA ensure the security of my information?

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect all user data. Your information is encrypted and only shared with verified members according to your privacy settings.

For Startups

How do I register my startup on the platform?

Registration is a simple process. Click on the "Register" button, select "Startup", fill out the required information, and submit your profile for approval.

What information do I need to provide about my startup?

You'll need to provide company information (name, website, description, industry), founder details, business information (problem statement, solution, target market), and supporting documents like a pitch deck.

Can I update my startup profile after submission?

Yes, you can update your profile information at any time through your dashboard.

How do I connect with investors?

Once your profile is complete, you can view investor profiles and send introduction requests. If an investor is interested, they can approve your request, creating a direct communication channel.

What makes a startup profile attractive to investors?

A complete profile with clear information about your business model, market opportunity, traction, and team background tends to attract more investor interest.

Do I need to have a pitch deck ready?

While not mandatory, having a pitch deck significantly increases your chances of attracting investor interest. It's a standard document investors expect to review.

What types of investors are available on the platform?

Our platform hosts various investor types, including angel investors, venture capital firms, corporate investors, family offices, and accelerators/incubators.

What stages of startups do you support?

We support startups at all stages from idea stage to mature companies, though most investors on our platform focus on pre-seed through Series B investments.

For Investors

How do I register as an investor?

Click on the "Register" button, select "Investor", and complete the application form with your investment preferences and criteria.

What information do I need to provide as an investor?

You'll need to provide personal information, organization details, investment preferences (stage, size, industry focus), and information about your investment process.

How do I find startups that match my investment criteria?

Our platform automatically suggests startups that match your specified investment criteria, but you can also browse and search through all available startups.

Can I request introductions to multiple startups?

Yes, you can request introductions to any startup that interests you on the platform.

What happens after I approve an introduction request?

Once approved, a direct messaging channel opens between you and the startup, allowing for further discussions and document sharing.

How is the due diligence process handled?

While you conduct your own due diligence, our platform facilitates secure document sharing and communication throughout the process.

For Municipalities

What is the primary purpose of Catalyst MENA for municipalities?

Catalyst MENA helps municipalities raise funds for their projects by providing tools to improve communication with citizens, enhance transparency, and build trust with potential donors and investors.

How does Catalyst MENA help municipalities raise funds?

Our platform offers dedicated crowdfunding features that enable municipalities to create and manage fundraising projects, track donations, monitor funding progress, and integrate payment gateways—all while maintaining complete transparency to build donor trust.

What transparency tools does Catalyst MENA offer municipalities?

Municipalities can document and publish meeting agendas, record municipal decisions, maintain detailed meeting minutes, and share all this information publicly. This transparency builds credibility with potential donors and citizens.

How do the communication tools help with fundraising?

Our multi-channel communication system allows municipalities to send targeted messages to specific citizen groups based on demographics or other criteria. This helps in promoting fundraising campaigns, updating donors on project progress, and demonstrating accountability.

What features support project accountability and trust-building?

Municipalities can upload supporting documents for projects, track and publicly report on funding progress, document project milestones, and maintain transparent records of all decisions and expenditures, which significantly increases donor confidence.

How does the committee management system support fundraising efforts?

The system allows municipalities to create dedicated fundraising committees, document their meetings and decisions, track action items, and demonstrate organized governance—all factors that increase trust from potential donors and funding partners.

Can municipalities create different types of fundraising projects?

Yes, the platform supports various municipal initiatives, from infrastructure projects to community services. Each project can have its own funding goal, description, supporting documents, and progress tracking.

How does Catalyst MENA help with donor management?

The platform tracks all donations, allows for donor recognition, maintains communication with supporters, and provides transparent reporting on how funds are being used—creating a positive donor experience that encourages continued support.

Technical Support

How do I reset my password?

Click on the "Forgot Password" link on the login page and follow the instructions sent to your registered email address.

Who do I contact if I encounter technical issues?

You can reach our support team through the "Help" section in your account dashboard.

Is there a mobile app available?

Currently, Catalyst MENA is accessible through web browsers optimized for both desktop and mobile devices. A dedicated mobile app is in development.

How secure is the donation process?

The platform implements robust security measures for all financial transactions, adhering to industry standards for payment processing and data protection to ensure donor confidence.