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.
TBC
The Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia. They are at the forefront of driving sustainable progress in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. SIRC actively leads the charge in implementing impactful waste reduction strategies, accelerating the widespread adoption of renewable energy solutions, and championing the principles of environmental justice.
TBC
The ongoing transformation of Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030 is unlocking new opportunities in the Kingdom at an unprecedented pace. The Ministry of Investment for Saudi Arabia (MISA) is facilitating access to these opportunities by developing a reliable, robust, business-friendly ecosystem, working across government to ensure investors and businesses are supported through their investment journey.
TBC
Chalhoub Group is a privately held luxury goods retailer and distributor, headquartered in Dubai, UAE. The Chalhoub Group is the largest retail operator in the Middle East and a member of the International Association of Department Stores since 2023. The company has more than 14,000 employees in 14 countries.
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.
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.
Saeed Abduljabbar
Saeed is a seasoned builder of entrepreneurial and venture capital ecosystems with deep experience in investment management and innovation. As Investors Community Lead at Misk Foundation, he drives programs that connect ambitious founders with investors, advancing Misk’s mission to empower talent and accelerate economic growth. He also hosts Arbah, a podcast from Thmanyah where he breaks down investing and financial market topics for a wide audience. At Misk, Saeed leads high-impact investor initiatives, sourcing and pre-screening deals for venture capitalists and angel investors and fostering collaborations that fuel deal flow and unlock opportunities. Known for bridging capital gaps and cultivating vibrant startup communities, Saeed brings energy, insight, and a sharp eye for innovation to every project.
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.
The 3 Awards for Winning Startups
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
For All 3 Winners:
Beyond the award experiences, every winner also receives: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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Schifflände 22, 1 OG
8001 Zürich
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