Saudi Fabric of the Future: Sustainability, Innovation & Investment
An invite-only event shaping the future of fashion & textile innovation in the Kingdom.
November 25th, 2025 | Misk City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Why the Event?
This exclusive gathering unites global and local innovators, investors, and industry leaders to accelerate the sustainable transformation of fashion and textiles. Organised by Collateral Good in collaboration with Saudi Arabia’s Fashion Commission, IE University, Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City "Misk City", Entrepreneurs' Community by Misk, and Proaltus Capital Partners, the event will serve as a hub for knowledge exchange, attract investment into sustainable textile initiatives both locally and globally, and foster meaningful networking opportunities.
Who will attend? A curated mix of investors (institutional investors, family offices, UHNWIs, and corporate stakeholders), industry leaders, government representatives, and entrepreneurs from emerging startups.
Speakers
Burak Çakmak
A preeminent name in the fashion industry, Burak Cakmak joined the Fashion Commission in February 2021, with a mandate to lead efforts to elevate the Saudi fashion sector as it seeks to preserve the Kingdom’s rich fashion heritage and empower domestic talent.
Prior to joining the Saudi Fashion Commission as CEO, Burak Çakmak was the Dean of Fashion at Parsons School of Design between 2015–2020. Before this, he held several key positions in the fashion industry, including vice president of corporate responsibility at Swarovski, corporate responsibility director at Kering, and general manager for the UK and Benelux countries at MADE-BY. Çakmak has vast experience in fashion industry including some of the leading luxury brands such as Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Boucheron, Alexander McQueen among others. He also led the Swarovski Waterschool Initiative’s education program, and continues to act as an expert jury for LVMH Prize. Çakmak was also a visiting professor at SKEMA Business School in France and China and he helped create scholarships at Parsons and Central Saint Martins. In addition to this, Cakmak served as a sustainability consultant at the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and sat on the Advisory Board and Jury Committees for the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). He holds an MBA degree in International Business from San Francisco State University.
Michael Kleindl
Michael is the Founding Partner of Collateral Good, responsible for general management, the firms strategy and leads the investment team with a dedicated focus on driving impactful, sustainable innovation while delivering strong financial returns.
A seasoned venture capital investor and serial entrepreneur, Michael has over 20 years of experience investing, building and scaling digital businesses including some early food tech companies. In the past seven years, he has shifted his focus from technology to addressing climate change, leveraging innovation and capital to transform high-emission industries.
He has developed a proven track record of success, including two IPOs and multiple portfolio company exits to notable acquirers like Amazon, Axel Springer, Deutsche Post DHL, Eventbrite, and Just Eat.
Michael earned a Business Degree from the European Business School in Germany, complemented by formal training in banking, equipping him with a solid foundation in finance and strategy.
Inés Quezada
Inés Quezada is the Academic Director of the Bachelor in Fashion Design at IE University, where she also teaches and mentors students as part of the faculty team.
She graduated from CENTRO de Diseño, Cine y Televisión with a degree in Textile and Fashion Design.
Her career is defined by a strong commitment to education and a dedication to expanding the possibilities of textiles. Her work explores the versatility of knitting across garments, objects, lighting, and other disciplines. She focuses on the intersection of traditional textile craftsmanship and contemporary design, integrating new technologies and sustainable practices in projects that range from handcrafted, one-of-a-kind pieces to collections for industrial production. Her work emphasizes transformation, from an initial source often rooted in nature to a final, refined form.
In addition, she is the co-founder of Kauani, a brand specializing in knitted lamps inspired by native Mexican flora. The brand’s pieces have been exhibited at Maison & Objet in Paris, the Centre del Carme Cultura Contemporània (CCCC) in Valencia, Fernán Gómez Centro Cultural, the Museo del Traje in Madrid, Moneo Brock Gallery, the Fundación Casa de México en España, and AGO Projects Gallery, where it is currently represented. Its pieces have also been highlighted in leading publications including AD, Arquitectura y Diseño, Diseño Interior, VOGUE, Elle Decor, Design Boom, Manera, El País Semanal, THE PLANT, Dwell Magazine, among others.
Marcelo A. Benitez
Mr. Benitez has over 25 years of experience in finance and in the management and selection of alternative investments. He is the CEO and Founding Partner of Proaltus Capital Partners, where he leads the firm’s global strategy and investment initiatives. Throughout his career, he has held senior positions at Cemex, Boston Consulting Group, and Violy & Company, gaining extensive expertise in corporate finance, strategic consulting, and international business development.
In addition to his role at Proaltus, Mr. Benitez founded the Fidelis International Institute, an academic institution dedicated to leadership and values-driven education. He currently serves on multiple boards in Mexico and Spain, contributing his experience in governance and investment oversight.
Mr. Benitez is a Public Accountant from ITESM (Mexico) and holds an MBA from Stanford University.
Alwaleed Alzahrani
Business Development Manager, Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC)
Show moreAlwaleed Alzahrani
Alwaleed Alzahrani is the Business Development Manager at the Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC), a fully owned PIF company. He plays a leading role in driving Saudi Arabia’s transition from a linear to a circular economy, managing an investment portfolio exceeding SAR 2 billion. Alwaleed focuses on building strategic partnerships that enhance national recycling capabilities and advance the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. He holds an MSc in International Business Management from Kingston University in the United Kingdom and a Postgraduate in Strategic Management and Leadership from the UK Chartered Management Institute (CMI). Passionate about sustainability, he is dedicated to transforming environmental challenges into opportunities for economic and social growth.
Florence Bulté
Florence Bulté is the Chief Sustainability Officer at Chalhoub Group. In her current role, she is responsible for fostering a culture of Business Ethics and Integrity for the Group by developing and sharing the code of ethics, creating training programs for employees as well as monitoring and auditing the ethics compliance framework. She also drives transformational change for people in the company, promoting sustainability through advocacy and partnerships and engaging employees to give back to the community.
Florence has been working in the luxury business for 19 years in Australia, Singapore and in the Middle East. She was VP of Business Development for The Wellness Group in Singapore, developing markets for beauty products in the Middle East and India. She then joined Chalhoub Group in 2004, overseeing the “Art de vivre” and Beauty retail business in UAE and Qatar. She was later appointed as GM for the Group “Art de Vivre” retail business, managing the development of the boutiques network in UAE, KSA, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Egypt.
Florence has graduated from EM Normandy Business School, Strathclyde University and INSEAD. She is the Secretary of the Global Compact UAE network, Member of Middle-East Fashion Council Board and Member of Pearl Initiative Integration Board. She has also been nominated amongst the 15 ESG leaders in the region by Business Chief.
Rasha Al-Masoud
Rasha Al-Masoud is a seasoned professional with 15 years of experience in Banking and Investment Development.
Rasha began her career in the financial sector at SAMBA Financial Group, one of the largest banks in the Middle East. After obtaining, a postgraduate degree from the UK, Rasha joined the Ministry of Investment in 2014 playing key roles in Strategic Initiatives, Renewable Energy projects and Culture, she is currently the Investment Development Director for Culture at the Ministry of Investment in Saudi Arabia.
Rasha has played a vital role within the development of the Creative Industries in Saudi Arabia, and is one of the key players in the 2018 launch of Cinemas. She has been playing an integral role in the development of opportunities, incentives and regulation enhancement in the Cultural and Creative Eco system in KSA.
Giulio Dal Dosso
Italian-French senior finance executive with 15+ years of experience in luxury and fashion retail, currently Regional Finance & Operations Director at Hugo Boss for Emerging Markets based in Dubai. Formerly with KPMG, LVMH, both in Paris HQ and Loro Piana, with expertise in financial strategy, M&A, and retail operations across EMEA. A passionate public speaker and moderator and dedicated mentor for fashion business students, empowering future industry leaders.
Saudi Arabia
MISK CITY
25th of November 2025
MISK CITY
25th of November 2025
Pitch to Win: Showcase Your Startup at Saudi’s Leading Textile & Fashion Innovation Event
Do you have an innovative solution shaping the future of fashion and textiles? This is your chance to present your startup at “Saudi Fabric of the Future: Sustainability, Innovation & Investment”, organised by Collateral Good in collaboration with Saudi Arabia’s Fashion Commission, IE University, Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City "Misk City", Entrepreneurs' Community by Misk, and Proaltus Capital Partners.
Three winning startups will receive exclusive immersive experiences with:
- HUGO BOSS
- IE University
- Collateral Good
How it works
Apply by submitting your details and pitch deck via the form below until November 8th.
Our jury will select the top 6 finalists to pitch live on stage during the event in
Riyadh.
Winners will be announced at the event and rewarded with unique
opportunities to accelerate their growth.
Why apply?
- Gain global visibility in front of top textile & fashion executives, local & international investors, and
innovators.
- Access unparalleled networking opportunities in the sustainable textile & fashion
ecosystem.
- Secure strategic partnerships and mentorship from industry leaders.
1. Apply online via the form below
2. Get shortlisted by our expert jury
3. Pitch live at the event in Riyadh
4. Win big and scale your impact
Jury
Michael Kleindl
Michael is the Founding Partner of Collateral Good, responsible for general management, the firms strategy and leads the investment team with a dedicated focus on driving impactful, sustainable innovation while delivering strong financial returns.
A seasoned venture capital investor and serial entrepreneur, Michael has over 20 years of experience investing, building and scaling digital businesses including some early food tech companies. In the past seven years, he has shifted his focus from technology to addressing climate change, leveraging innovation and capital to transform high-emission industries.
He has developed a proven track record of success, including two IPOs and multiple portfolio company exits to notable acquirers like Amazon, Axel Springer, Deutsche Post DHL, Eventbrite, and Just Eat.
Michael earned a Business Degree from the European Business School in Germany, complemented by formal training in banking, equipping him with a solid foundation in finance and strategy.
Burak Çakmak
A preeminent name in the fashion industry, Burak Cakmak joined the Fashion Commission in February 2021, with a mandate to lead efforts to elevate the Saudi fashion sector as it seeks to preserve the Kingdom’s rich fashion heritage and empower domestic talent.
Prior to joining the Saudi Fashion Commission as CEO, Burak Çakmak was the Dean of Fashion at Parsons School of Design between 2015–2020. Before this, he held several key positions in the fashion industry, including vice president of corporate responsibility at Swarovski, corporate responsibility director at Kering, and general manager for the UK and Benelux countries at MADE-BY. Çakmak has vast experience in fashion industry including some of the leading luxury brands such as Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Boucheron, Alexander McQueen among others. He also led the Swarovski Waterschool Initiative’s education program, and continues to act as an expert jury for LVMH Prize. Çakmak was also a visiting professor at SKEMA Business School in France and China and he helped create scholarships at Parsons and Central Saint Martins. In addition to this, Cakmak served as a sustainability consultant at the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and sat on the Advisory Board and Jury Committees for the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). He holds an MBA degree in International Business from San Francisco State University.
Inés Quezada
Inés Quezada is the Academic Director of the Bachelor in Fashion Design at IE University, where she also teaches and mentors students as part of the faculty team.
She graduated from CENTRO de Diseño, Cine y Televisión with a degree in Textile and Fashion Design.
Her career is defined by a strong commitment to education and a dedication to expanding the possibilities of textiles. Her work explores the versatility of knitting across garments, objects, lighting, and other disciplines. She focuses on the intersection of traditional textile craftsmanship and contemporary design, integrating new technologies and sustainable practices in projects that range from handcrafted, one-of-a-kind pieces to collections for industrial production. Her work emphasizes transformation, from an initial source often rooted in nature to a final, refined form.
In addition, she is the co-founder of Kauani, a brand specializing in knitted lamps inspired by native Mexican flora. The brand’s pieces have been exhibited at Maison & Objet in Paris, the Centre del Carme Cultura Contemporània (CCCC) in Valencia, Fernán Gómez Centro Cultural, the Museo del Traje in Madrid, Moneo Brock Gallery, the Fundación Casa de México en España, and AGO Projects Gallery, where it is currently represented. Its pieces have also been highlighted in leading publications including AD, Arquitectura y Diseño, Diseño Interior, VOGUE, Elle Decor, Design Boom, Manera, El País Semanal, THE PLANT, Dwell Magazine, among others.
Marcelo A. Benitez
Mr. Benitez has over 25 years of experience in finance and in the management and selection of alternative investments. He is the CEO and Founding Partner of Proaltus Capital Partners, where he leads the firm’s global strategy and investment initiatives. Throughout his career, he has held senior positions at Cemex, Boston Consulting Group, and Violy & Company, gaining extensive expertise in corporate finance, strategic consulting, and international business development.
In addition to his role at Proaltus, Mr. Benitez founded the Fidelis International Institute, an academic institution dedicated to leadership and values-driven education. He currently serves on multiple boards in Mexico and Spain, contributing his experience in governance and investment oversight.
Mr. Benitez is a Public Accountant from ITESM (Mexico) and holds an MBA from Stanford University.
Loay Alalfi
An accomplished executive with more than 18 years of experience in launching, accelerating, and managing initiatives, programs, investments, and ventures.
Significant expertise in strategy and partnerships, business development, and innovation management. Experienced in public, private, and nonprofit sectors locally and globally, covering a broad spectrum of sectors.
Alwaleed Alzahrani
Business Development Manager, Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC)
Show moreAlwaleed Alzahrani
Alwaleed Alzahrani is the Business Development Manager at the Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC), a fully owned PIF company. He plays a leading role in driving Saudi Arabia’s transition from a linear to a circular economy, managing an investment portfolio exceeding SAR 2 billion. Alwaleed focuses on building strategic partnerships that enhance national recycling capabilities and advance the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. He holds an MSc in International Business Management from Kingston University in the United Kingdom and a Postgraduate in Strategic Management and Leadership from the UK Chartered Management Institute (CMI). Passionate about sustainability, he is dedicated to transforming environmental challenges into opportunities for economic and social growth.
Thomas Li
Thomas Li is the CEO of Doforsys, a digital marketing and internet technology company in China that delivers end-to-end solutions encompassing marketing strategy, mini program development, and digital ecosystem creation.He is also among the most active Chinese entrepreneurs building partnerships in Saudi Arabia.
Previously, as General Manager of Tencent Smart Retail, Thomas led digital system design initiatives for major enterprises such as Yonghui, Wanda, Carrefour, and Walmart, contributing to the growth of China’s mini-program ecosystem from 100 billion RMB in 2018 to about 4 trillion in 2023.
Ahmed A Hassan
Ahmed Akmal is an active figure in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, currently leading the Entrepreneurs' Community at Misk Foundation. In this role, he is dedicated to building an ecosystem that provides founders with the resources, mentorship, funding, and strategic connections needed to scale their impact. Prior to Misk, Ahmed honed his expertise in strategic partnerships and product management within the demanding environments of tech leaders such as Microsoft and Acer, as well as the strategic consultancy TAM. It is, however, his experience as an entrepreneur and angel investor that defines his unique value. Ahmed is passionate about bridging the gap between concept and commercialization to create meaningful impact, actively investing in and mentoring teams to navigate the complexities of growth. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering and an Executive MBA from Prince Mohammed Bin Salman College (MBSC), and is a sought-after voice on building sustainable ventures in the region.
The 3 Awards for Winning Startups
Three outstanding startups will be selected as winners, each recognised in one of the following categories: Best Sustainable Innovation, Best Business Model, and Best Pitch.
Awards will be granted based on the jury’s evaluation criteria, reflecting innovation, impact, and business excellence.
1) Immersion Day at HUGO BOSS
- Exclusive behind-the-scenes access to HUGO BOSS Headquarters in Metzingen, Germany
- Half-day deep-dive sessions with senior experts from HUGO BOSS & Collateral Good
- Focused exchanges on R&D, innovation, and sustainability in fashion
- A rare opportunity to spark strategic collaborations with industry pioneers
2) Executive Training at IE University
- World-class training program at IE University, a leader in innovation & business education
- Specialised focus on fashion, sustainability, and entrepreneurship
- Practical, actionable insights to supercharge your startup’s growth and leadership potential
3) Strategic Mentoring with Collateral Good
- A one-day intensive mentoring experience with a leading climate-tech & fashion-focused venture capital fund
- One-on-one guidance with partners & advisors from Collateral Good
- Expert sessions on IP strategy, scaling technology, business strategy, fundraising, and project financing
- Designed to sharpen your investment readiness and growth trajectory
Beyond the award experiences, each winning startup will also win:
Sponsors
This is an invite-only event. Applying does not guarantee participation. Selected startups will be contacted by email.
Apply to Pitch
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