Aqaba Launches Sword-Fish Fund to Support Startups in South Jordan - إنت عربي

ASEZA has launched the first phase of the Aqaba Sword-Fish Fund (ASFF), a three-month qualification track aimed at preparing startups and entrepreneurial projects in Aqaba and the southern governorates of Jordan for investment, growth and regional expansion. The initiative, delivered through ASEZA’s Directorate of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, kicked off with an intensive three-day investment readiness boot camp held at the Zain Innovation Campus (ZINC) in Aqaba and is described as the first investment-focused startup fund of its kind in the city.

Direct quote

“The launch of ASFF comes as part of the Authority’s efforts to strengthen the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem and create a supportive environment for startup growth in Aqaba,” said Dr. Thabet Al‑Nabulsi, Commissioner for Tourism and Youth Affairs at ASEZA. “The program represents an important step toward preparing a new generation of companies capable of competing, attracting investment, supporting the local economy, stimulating investment, and creating quality jobs.”

Program details and partners

The first phase of ASFF focuses on a structured investment readiness curriculum developed in collaboration with Princess Sumaya University for Technology through the Queen Rania Center for Entrepreneurship. Rima Al‑Tabaa, Director of the Directorate of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at ASEZA, said the program equips founders with targeted skills and tools: “The investment readiness program is a key pathway to supporting and empowering startups by equipping participants with the tools needed to understand investor expectations and build scalable business models.”

• Duration and structure: a three-month qualification track divided into three stages—Investment Readiness, Evaluation and Investor Matchmaking.
• Stage 1 — Investment Readiness: refining business models, improving pitches, accelerating digital transformation and strengthening administrative and financial capabilities.
• Stage 2 — Evaluation: companies are assessed against clear investment criteria on readiness, scalability and growth potential.
• Stage 3 — Investor Matchmaking: qualified startups are connected with investors and strategic partners to explore funding and regional expansion opportunities.

Context and regional focus

The fund targets entrepreneurs and startups in Aqaba and South Jordan, expanding access to investment opportunities beyond Amman. Backed by ASEZA and the Aqaba Governorate Council, ASFF aims to position Aqaba as a more active hub for entrepreneurship, innovation and business development in the southern governorates. The initial boot camp at ZINC gathered founders from across South Jordan for concentrated training, mentorship and investor-readiness sessions.

Outlook

ASEZA presents ASFF as a pipeline designed to move early-stage companies from preparation to investor engagement within a defined timeframe, providing training, mentorship, business development support and a network of investors and strategic partners. If the program advances as planned, participating startups will leave the three-month track with refined investment plans, improved business models and enhanced capacity to pursue funding and scale regionally—contributing to job creation and economic activity in Aqaba and the southern governorates.