‘Shark Tank’ reality show set for Egypt

LONDON: The reality show “Shark Tank” is set for Egypt in December, according to an announcement on the show’s official Instagram page.
The Middle East’s version of the hugely successful American program will make its regional debut in Egypt, tapping into the country’s growing startup market.
The media post read: “The critically acclaimed and multi-Emmy Award-winning entrepreneurial-themed reality show by Sony Pictures is now taking place in Egypt.”
The show features aspiring innovators who pitch their product and service ideas to a panel of investors, known as “sharks,” who decide whether to invest money in their idea and negotiate an equity percentage.
The program has attracted a dedicated following in many countries. It has also made entrepreneurship appear accessible to a wider audience.
Innovative Media Productions acquired the license to produce the show from Sony Pictures Television earlier this year, as it looked to reproduce its success in the Middle East.
Registrations are officially open and aspiring entrepreneurs can register their interest on the Innovative Media Productions’ website.
Although the judges have yet to be announced, sources close to the show confirmed the sharks for the Egyptian version have already been selected.
“Shark Tank” first aired in 2009 as an adaptation of “The Tigers of Money,” the 2001 Japanese TV show from which the format originated. There have been several versions of the program screened across the world since.
“The ecosystem in Egypt is booming and startups are more established, so the market was ready,” said Innovative Media Productions’ founder and CEO Ahmed Luxor.

‘Shark Tank’ reality show set for Egypt