A new UAE-based startup platform is reshaping how founders connect with capital, shifting the focus from valuation-led pitching to access, trust and long-term alignment. Conceptualised and produced by NKN Media, a global media conglomerate, Falcons of Majlis moves away from conventional pitch-show formats to introduce a structured, multi-stage journey that mirrors how investment decisions are often made in the region.

Rooted in the cultural tradition of the Majlis — a space defined by dialogue, consultation and trust — the platform prioritises credibility and intent over visibility and performance. Rather than public pitches and valuation-driven narratives, the model is designed to offer founders access to curated investor environments where decisions are made through private, relationship-led engagement.

The format unfolds across four stages, beginning with curated founder storytelling followed by a rigorous evaluation phase involving VC analysts, legal experts and industry leaders. A select group of founders then receive the “Ticket to Majlis,” a gateway into closed-door investor sessions. Inside the Majlis, traditional pitching is removed entirely. Instead, investors engage in private discussions focused on conviction, alignment and long-term partnership potential.

Bollywood actor, entrepreneur and investor Suniel Shetty plays a central mentorship role in the format, guiding which founders advance to investor access. His involvement is positioned around assessing founder readiness rather than deal negotiation. According to Shetty, the format is designed to shift attention away from visibility-driven startup culture toward intent, impact and meaningful business building. He emphasises that access to the Majlis represents responsibility as much as opportunity.

The investor group, referred to as the Falcons, includes UAE family offices, private investors and strategic business leaders. Rather than acting as judges in a competition format, they engage as decision-makers evaluating founders on conviction, cultural alignment and long-term vision.

Season one brings together a curated group of Falcons representing significant capital and sector expertise. Outcomes range from immediate investment to mentorship, strategic partnerships or deferred engagement, reflecting how real-world dealmaking often unfolds behind closed doors.

NKN Media, led by media entrepreneur Abdul Majid Khan, supports the platform. With over 24 years of experience across international markets, Khan has built media partnerships across more than 10 countries and operates at the intersection of storytelling, distribution and business ecosystems.

He notes that the UAE has strong capital and ambition, but lacks structured access channels that prioritise founder intent over numbers. The platform is positioned as a bridge between ideas, mentorship and capital, embedding trust as a core mechanism of engagement.

Season one focuses exclusively on startups addressing UAE-specific challenges, aligning with the country’s broader economic direction and innovation priorities. This positions Falcons of Majlis as an ecosystem-driven platform rather than a traditional media product.

The format introduces a shift in startup storytelling — from visibility-driven exposure to access-driven credibility — emphasising long-term value creation over short-term hype. The series will be hosted by Chitrangada Singh and will air across India Today Group channels, including India Today and Aaj Tak, alongside streaming on a leading OTT platform, expanding its reach across broadcast and digital audiences.