What LEAP East does

LEAP East is a B2B global technology conference and exhibition platform organized by Tahaluf Events Limited, a private company domiciled in Saudi Arabia and backed by Informa PLC, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP), and the Events Investment Fund (EIF). It operates as the Asia-Pacific expansion of the LEAP flagship event that has run annually in Riyadh since 2021. The inaugural LEAP East edition is scheduled for July 8-10, 2026 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, co-organized by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and SAFCSP, with the Hong Kong SAR Government's Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau (ITIB) as government partner. The platform is designed to bridge technology ecosystems across Asia and the Middle East, positioning Hong Kong as a gateway connecting Middle Eastern and Chinese/Asian markets under the One Country Two Systems framework.

The product is structured around a multi-stage conference programme, a large-scale technology exhibition, and a modular suite of sub-products including DeepFest (a three-day AI, robotics, and deep tech content track), LEAP East Nights (evening networking events), Rocket Fuel East (an equity-free USD $100,000 startup pitch competition), the Startup & Scaleup Program (bootcamps, matchmaking, global soft-landing support), and the Investors Program (curated deal flow and 1:1 founder-investor matching). Technology infrastructure includes Airtable-based application workflows, self-serve website registration, and a dedicated investor and exhibitor sales motion. Headcount is 51-100 employees.

Revenue is generated through four primary streams: conference ticket sales (freemium standard registration plus premium passes), tiered exhibitor and sponsorship packages (Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze), delegate registration fees with cancellation terms (0% beyond 28 days, 50% at 14-28 days, 100% within 14 days), and startup/scaleup program participation fees. Customer segments span technology companies (primary), startups and scaleups (primary), investors and VC firms (primary), with secondary segments including government/policymakers, enterprise executives, and researchers. Named enterprise participants and sponsors include Microsoft, Oracle, AWS, Google Cloud, SAP, Snowflake, Lenovo (Diamond), Huawei (Platinum), Ant Group, Adobe, Alibaba Cloud, Aramco Digital, NTT, and CNTXT. Distribution combines direct website sales, a strategic channel partnership with ewpartners for cross-border Asia-Middle East enterprise facilitation, and a multi-channel marketing approach including media partnerships with Caixin Global, 36Kr, Entrepreneur Middle East, and other regional outlets.

Name

LEAP East

Legal name

Tahaluf Events Limited

Website

https://leapeast.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2026

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

LEAP East is the Asia-Pacific edition of the Saudi Arabia-based LEAP tech event, organized by Tahaluf for its July 2026 inaugural run in Hong Kong. It serves global technology companies, startups, investors, and policymakers with a B2B conference, exhibition, startup competition, and curated investor matchmaking.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Technology Conference and Exhibition

NAICS

All Other Amusement and Recreation Industries (713990)

akta.pro primary industry

Technology & Innovation Expos Organizers (THAHABAE)

Keywords

• Technology conference
• Startup competition
• Investor networking
• Exhibition events
• B2B conferences

Headquarters

HQ city

Riyadh

HQ country

Saudi Arabia

HQ region

Middle East

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Conference Tickets and Registration: LEAP East generates revenue through paid conference registrations including standard free passes and premium passes. Ticket pricing has standard rates ending July 1, 2026.
2. Exhibitor and Sponsorship Packages: The event offers exhibitor booths, sponsorship tiers (Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze), and branded partnership opportunities. Multiple sponsor categories indicate tiered pricing structures.
3. Delegate Registration Fees: Registration fees for delegates attending the event. Terms state payment must be received 48 hours before opening, with cancellation fees of 50% between 14-28 days before event and 100% within 14 days.
4. Startup Program Fees: Startup and scaleup program participation, with Rocket Fuel competition requiring program enrollment to qualify for pitch competition

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

LEAP East is a B2B technology conference and exhibition held in Hong Kong (July 8-10, 2026) as the Asia-Pacific edition of the LEAP brand originating in Riyadh. It brings together enterprise technology buyers, startups, scaleups, and investors through exhibition floors, curated conference programming, co-located AI summit (DeepFest), investor and startup programs, and networking events.

Product overview

LEAP East is a B2B global technology conference and exhibition platform that serves as the Asia-Pacific expansion of the LEAP flagship event. The platform combines multiple interconnected offerings: the core LEAP East conference and exhibition as the primary event, with sub-products including DeepFest (AI and deep tech focused programming), LEAP East Nights (networking events), the Startup & Scaleup Program (startup support with bootcamps and matchmaking), Rocket Fuel East (equity-free startup competition), and the Investors Program (investor networking and deal flow). The event runs from July 8-10, 2026 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• LEAP East Conference & Exhibition Flagship B2B technology conference and exhibition combining exhibition zones, conference stages, and sector-focused content for enterprise technology buyers, vendors, and partners across the Asia-Pacific region.
• DeepFest AI-focused summit co-located with LEAP East, dedicated to artificial intelligence, enterprise AI adoption, and the AI ecosystem for enterprise buyers, vendors, researchers, and investors.
• LEAP East Nights Curated evening networking events running alongside the LEAP East conference, designed to facilitate deal-making and relationship-building among enterprise attendees, investors, and startups.
• Rocket Fuel East High-profile startup pitch competition held live on stage at LEAP East, where selected startups pitch to investor judges for visibility, funding leads, and prizes.
• Startup & Scaleup Program Curated startup and scaleup participation program offering exhibiting startups access to investor introductions, mentoring, and pitch opportunities at LEAP East.
• Investors Program Invitation-based program for venture capital, growth, and corporate investors providing curated deal-flow meetings, demo access, and hospitality during LEAP East.

Quantifiable outcome

• USD $820 million economic impact generated in 2025 alone
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers18 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

39 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• ewpartnersflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 June 2025ewpartners is the exclusive strategic partner for LEAP East, selected for its extensive expertise in cross-border business between Middle East and Asia and strong local presence in Hong Kong. The partnership was announced June 3, 2025, during the opening luncheon of ewpartners' new Hong Kong office. ewpartners has facilitated partnerships with leading Hong Kong-based tech companies including Alibaba Cloud, J&T Express, and Leshines (Lenovo subsidiary).
• TahalufcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTahaluf is the organizer behind LEAP East, backed by Informa PLC, Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP), and Events Investment Fund (EIF). Tahaluf also organizes LEAP, Black Hat, and Cityscape events.
• Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau (ITIB) - Hong Kong GovernmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHKSAR Government's Innovation Technology and Industry Bureau serves as the Hong Kong Government Partner for LEAP East, driving innovation, technology policy, and strategic support. Prof. Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, serves as speaker.
• Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) - Saudi ArabiacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSaudi Ministry of Communications and Information Technology serves as Government Partner alongside co-organizing LEAP East. H.E. Abdullah Alswaha, Minister of Communication & Information Technology, serves as opening keynote speaker.
• Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSAFCSP co-organizes LEAP East. Faisal AlKhamisi, Chairman of SAFCSP, announced LEAP East at LEAP Riyadh 2025, stating it will serve as a catalyst for growing the global tech ecosystem.
• InvestHKcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerInvest Hong Kong serves as Investor Supporting Partner, supporting investor engagement and international business expansion into Hong Kong. Alpha Lau, Director-General of Invest Hong Kong, speaks at LEAP East.
• Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerHKSTP serves as Tech Ecosystem Partner, providing access to Hong Kong's innovation ecosystem, technology infrastructure, and startup network. Terry Wong from HKSTP speaks at LEAP East.
• Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company LimitedcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCyberport serves as Digital Tech Hub Partner, with Simon Chan (Chairman) speaking at LEAP East. Cyberport has a vibrant ecosystem of over 2,300 tech companies and 500+ network partners.
• Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerOASES serves as Innovation Gateway Partner, supporting enterprise participation, investors, speakers, exhibitors, and international business partnerships. Peter Yan, Director-General, speaks at LEAP East.
• Belt and Road Office - Hong KongminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBelt and Road Office serves as Supporting Partner, supporting awareness and engagement across Belt and Road markets including governments, companies, and business associations. Nicholas Ho, Commissioner for Belt and Road, speaks at LEAP East.
• Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in DubaiminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Dubai serves as Supporting Partner, providing strategic and operational support across the Middle East for LEAP East market development.
• Alibaba Entrepreneurs FundcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAlibaba Entrepreneurs Fund serves as Supporting Partner, supporting startup participation from Hong Kong, Greater Bay Area, and Mainland China. Cindy Chow, Executive Director and CEO, speaks at LEAP East.
• HuaweicoreOthersHuawei serves as Platinum Sponsor at LEAP East 2026
• LenovocoreOthersLenovo serves as Diamond Sponsor at LEAP East 2026. Leshines (supply chain platform under Lenovo Group) was facilitated by ewpartners for regional partnerships.
• NTTcoreOthersNTT serves as Diamond Sponsor at LEAP East 2026
• CNTXTcoreOthersCNTXT serves as Diamond Sponsor at LEAP East 2026
• EYcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerEY serves as Knowledge Partner at LEAP East 2026
• Aramco DigitalcoreOthersAramco Digital serves as Strategic Sponsor at LEAP East 2026
• Ant GroupcoreOthersAnt Group serves as Gold Sponsor at LEAP East 2026
• AdobecoreOthersAdobe serves as Gold Sponsor at LEAP East 2026. Ben Goodman, President JAPAC, provides support and testimonials.
• Alibaba CloudcoreOthersAlibaba Cloud serves as Gold Sponsor at LEAP East 2026. ewpartners facilitated partnership with Alibaba Cloud.
• OASEScoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOASES (Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises) serves as Supporting Partner, helping attract strategic enterprises to Hong Kong and supporting LEAP East participation.
• HSBCminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHSBC serves as a supporting organization. Luanne Lim, CEO of HSBC Hong Kong, is a featured speaker.
• HKEXminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHKEX supported the announcement event. Johnson Chui, Managing Director and Head of Global Issuer Services at HKEX, speaks at LEAP East.
• UBSminorGTM or Marketing PartnerUBS supported the announcement event. John C. Lee, Vice Chairman and Co-Head of Asia Country Coverage, Global Banking at UBS, speaks at LEAP East.
• J.P. MorganminorGTM or Marketing PartnerJ.P. Morgan serves as participant. Benson Wong, Managing Director and Head of Digital at J.P. Morgan International Private Bank, speaks at LEAP East.
• IBMminorGTM or Marketing PartnerIBM serves as participant. Hans Dekkers, General Manager Asia Pacific & China, provides testimonials.
• SenseTimeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSenseTime serves as participant. Dr. Li Xu, Chairman and CEO, speaks at LEAP East.
• WeLabminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWeLab serves as participant. Simon Loong, Founder and Group CEO, speaks at LEAP East.
• Hong Kong Data Centre AssociationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHong Kong Data Centre Association serves as Supporting Partner at LEAP East 2026.
• Fintech Association of Hong KongminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFintech Association of Hong Kong serves as Supporting Partner at LEAP East 2026.
• HKAI LabminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHKAI Lab serves as Supporting Partner at LEAP East 2026.
• HKVCAminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHong Kong Venture Capital and Private Equity Association serves as Supporting Partner at LEAP East 2026.
• AirwallexminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAirwallex (Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund portfolio company) serves as participant. Kai Wu, Chief Revenue Officer, speaks at LEAP East.
• stcminorOthersstc serves as Digital Enabler at LEAP East 2026.
• Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA)minorOthersSDAIA serves as Strategic Sponsor at LEAP East 2026.
• Saudi Exports Development AuthorityminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSaud Hamad Algublan, Vice President of Services Exports at Saudi Exports Development Authority, speaks at LEAP East.
• British Consulate-General Hong KongminorGTM or Marketing PartnerChris Woodward, Director General, Trade & Investment at British Consulate-General Hong Kong, speaks at LEAP East.
• Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerBing Liu, Deputy Consul-General (Commercial) & Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner at Austrade, speaks at LEAP East.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Web Summit: One of the world's largest technology conferences, originating in Lisbon and expanding to multiple geographies (Vegas, Qatar, Rio). Similar model combining multi-stage content, exhibitions, investor matchmaking, and startup competitions for enterprise and venture audiences.
• GITEX Global: Major Middle East technology exhibition held annually in Dubai with extensive sponsor and government backing (Dubai World Trade Centre). Direct comparable as a large-scale B2B tech expo with startup pitch competitions and investor programs targeting emerging-tech markets.
• RISE (Hong Kong): Asia's largest tech conference held annually in Hong Kong. Directly competes for the same regional sponsor dollars, enterprise attendees, and startup showcases in the same Hong Kong venue ecosystem.
• LEAP (Riyadh): Parent flagship event held annually in Riyadh since 2021. Same organizing team (Tahaluf), same brand and content framework (DeepFest, Rocket Fuel), and same target audience of tech companies, startups, and investors — making it the most directly comparable event.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/leapeast
• Facebookfacebook.com/leap.east
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/leapeast
• Instagraminstagram.com/leap.east

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about LEAP East