The Ethara 1TW Innovation Hub
The UAE's Dedicated Hub for
Sports & Entertainment Innovation
Fast tracking talented entrepreneurs through our access to expertise, commerce and capital.
Programmes
Incubator · Xcelerator · Venture Studio
Location
Abu Dhabi · Yas Marina Circuit
Events
Pitch · Innovation Forum · Entrepreneurs Studio
Who We Are
Mission
From Our Home In Abu Dhabi, E1H Fast Tracks Sports And Entertainment Entrepreneurs Via Our Access, Commerce And Capital.
Vision
ATTRACT THE BEST FOUNDERS, CAPITAL AND PARTNERS TO REIMAGINE HOW SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT IS DELIVERED, EXPERIENCED AND MONETIZED.
What We Do
E1H UNLEASHES THE
POWER OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP
FROM ABU DHABI
Access
Commerce
Capital
Glocal
Innovation
Strategy
Six pillars · One ecosystem · Abu Dhabi
Inside E1H
The ecosystem in action. Founders, partners and moments that move progress.
Our Founding Partners
Ethara
Ethara, meaning 'thrill' in Arabic, is shaping the future of live entertainment in the Middle East. Headquartered on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, with offices in Dubai and Riyadh, the company delivers and commercially represents marquee events such as the Formula 1® Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, while also staging festivals and concerts with leading international artists. Ethara also manages a portfolio of world-class venues including Yas Marina Circuit and Yas Conference Centre and has a venue management joint venture called OVG Middle East with Oak View Group.
Learn moreOneToWatch (1TW)
ONETOWATCH (1TW) is a sports investment business. We provide our partners with valuable insights and recommendations on all aspects of the business of sport, delivering capital, commerce and investor returns. Based in Abu Dhabi Global Markets, with unique connectivity in the MENA region, we have over 20 years of experience of working in all areas of both sports and entertainment.
Learn moreOur Programmes
Incubator
The E1H Incubator provides a 6-week membership programme for early-stage startups. With unique access to industry experts, members follow a unique mentorship programme including business plan / proof of concept support, marketing exposure and access to investors. Select members from each cohort are invited to continue in the Innovation Hub.
- Local + international mentorship
- Business model & business plan development
- Validation support (MVP, go-to-market, proof points)
- Commercial introductions and partner opportunities
- Investor research + targeted introductions
- Showcase preparation & Marketing
- Pathway to Xcelerator (subject to selection)
Xcelerator
A 26 or 52-week programme designed to help members scale through mentorship, access and execution support.
- Local and international mentorship
- Access to business development opportunities
- Marketing support and showcase opportunities
- Use of the E1H Innovation Hub
- Invitations to E1H's regular events
- Annual showcase at the E1H Investment Forum
Venture Studio
The E1H Venture Studio considers unique entrepreneurs for both regional and global joint venture partnerships. The partnerships are by invitation only and designed around E1H's specific objectives.
Incubator · Cohort 1
Q2 - 2025
Incubator · Cohort 2
Q2 - 2026
Advisors & Mentors
Our startups benefit from the guidance of world-class advisors and mentors across sports, entertainment, investment and technology.
Ahmed Lahri
Chief Corporate Services Officer ·
Ethara
Cohort 2
Alex Kamara
Transformation Executive Director ·
Ethara
Cohort 1 & 2
Alexandre Caperonis
General Manager ·
One to Watch
Cohort 1 & 2
Amna Al Hosani
Human Capital Executive Director ·
Ethara
Cohort 2
Andy Moss
Chief Executive Officer ·
RAL6010 Limited
Cohort 1
Baraa Khamis
Chief Digital & Technology Officer ·
Ethara
Cohort 1 & 2
Brandon Bagley
Chief Operating Officer ·
JesserCo
Cohort 1
Chris Chaney
Founder & Managing Partner ·
C4+
Cohort 2
Colin McDonald
Advisory Board Member ·
One to Watch
Cohort 2
Dr. Arouge Agha
Sustainability Manager ·
Ethara
Cohort 2
Douglas Billman
President ·
Sports Solution International
Cohort 2
Gasant Jacobs
International Tax Lead ·
TAXTech Global
Cohort 1
Guillaume Dufond
Strategic Development Executive Director ·
Ethara
Cohort 1 & 2
Jamie Cunningham
Executive Director ·
One to Watch
Cohort 1 & 2
Joanna Bates
Business Development Executive Director ·
Ethara
Cohort 1 & 2
John Larkins
Director of Sport ·
Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub
Cohort 2
Kushal Shah
Investor ·
Cohort 2
Mashal Waqar
Mashal Waqar ·
Octant
Cohort 1
Mazen Abou Chalbak
General Manager ·
SportiveWays
Cohort 1
Michael Golding
Marketing & Communications Executive Director ·
Ethara
Cohort 1 & 2
Omar Nour
Founder ·
EnduroSupply
Cohort 2
Patrick Carney
Founder ·
Tribe Gaming
Cohort 1
Paul Berger
Chief Executive Officer ·
Arena Group
Cohort 1
Ravi Bhusari
Co-Founder & CEO ·
Duplays
Cohort 1
Ross Whittow-Williams
Chief Strategy Officer & Co-Founder ·
Copa 90
Cohort 2
Teemu Koski
Chief Business Officer ·
YaLLa Esports
Cohort 1E1H Events
E1H Innovation Forum
Our annual summit bringing together leaders from sports, entertainment and investment to explore what's next — from new ideas and emerging technology to the partnerships shaping the industry. Hosted during F1 week in Abu Dhabi.
The Pitch
The Pitch is E1H’s Incubator showcase, held every Q2, where each cohort presents to investors, partners and industry leaders. It connects emerging sports and entertainment founders with access, capital and commercial opportunity.
E1H Entrepreneurs Studio
Designed to inspire and fast-track the next generation of Emirati and UAE-based student entrepreneurs in sports and entertainment.
Strategic Partners
Creative Media Authority
Government Partner
Creative Media Authority (CMA) is Abu Dhabi’s driving force behind the growth of the creative industries, supporting sectors including film, television, gaming digital media and publishing.
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City Football Group
Venture Partner
City Football Group is the world’s leading private owner and operator of football clubs, with a global network spanning five continents.
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