THE START-UP CAPITAL OF THE REGION

THE START-UP CAPITAL OF THE REGION

Dubai is a global hub for start-ups and entrepreneurs, built for the next generation of business. As a fast-moving, business-friendly city that is strategically committed to creating a culture of innovation, the government nurtures this ecosystem with policies that create attractive opportunities for innovators, start-ups and SMEs alike.

With its world-class physical and digital infrastructure, pro-business regulatory environment and global logistics power, the city gives entrepreneurs and start-ups the tools they need to easily set-up and quickly scale their business.

An entrepreneur-ial environment brings together policymakers, enterprises, academia, business and finance to create a region-leading innovation hub, and a strong network of incubators and accelerators make the city fertile ground for start-ups to develop. Dubai plays host to a wide range of community events focused on start-ups and innovation, and the city’s vast conferencing and events infrastructure brings investors and other companies from around the region together, creating a vibrant community for networking and collaboration.

The result is an environment that’s uniquely suited to the creation of innovative, forward-thinking businesses. A city built on an ambitious vision of the future is a natural home for start-ups looking to change the world.

Incubators & Accelerators

When it comes to incubators and accelerators to help launch exciting start-ups with ambitious growth potential, Dubai is spoilt for choice. There are a wide variety of options such as In5 (Dubai Design District (d3), Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City), AstroLabs (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)) and Dtec (Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus) at Dubai Silicon Oasis, as well as FinTech Hive (Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) . Co-working options in Free Zones across the city cater to a wide range of businesses with flexible plans.

AstroLabs - DMCC (Dubai Multi-Commodities Centre)

AstroLabs is a capability building company, that improves the digital network of the Middle East and Africa region. Since 2013, the Academy has upskilled thousands of alumni and partnered with the largest organizations in the region to enable their digital transformations. From broad-scale enterprise training to managed incubators and accelerators, AstroLabs designs and deploys custom programs for corporates, universities, and government entities.

AstroLabs is increasing the innovation economy in the area by backing up hundreds of international entrepreneurs and business men with local business licensing and collaborating at a network of collective spaces in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

DIFC FinTech Hive - Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)

The DIFC FinTech Hive is the major and primary fiscal technology accelerator in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, aiding the acceleration of any form of startup through enthusiastic accelerator programs that ensure them the prospects to reach the region's prime stakeholders and organizations. It also provides a devoted cooperative space to work, and a community of individuals with similar mindsets, as well as access to the leading financial community in the region.

Dtec (Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus) - Dubai Silicon Oasis

An initiative of Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), Dtec is intended to support business men to suitably set up a business in Dubai. From fast WiFi, visa processing, full business ownership, a variety of meeting and events spaces, Dtec detains everything. Setting up a business has never been easier!

For technology startups and entrepreneurs looking for flexible co-working or office space in Dubai for rent, Dtec offers a nurturing, supportive community from which to set up their new business. The largest technology innovation hub in the Middle East and North Africa region, the 10,000 sqm workspace detains an integrated network, home to hundreds of small and medium enterprises, startups, and international technology entrepreneurs from around the world.

Do you want to see your innovative vision realized? Everything you need can be found in Dtec. Our coworking space inspires cooperation, our accelerator agendas and financial backing give a fresh business set up in the Emirates an advantage.

Dtec’s Accelerator programs offer intense education aimed at accelerating the growth of disruptive startups in Dubai. They also give entrepreneurs access to a co-working space and a network of mentors and advisers to help get them ready to pitch their business ideas to investors. Dtec also helps these startups set-up their company once the program has been completed. Dtec offers two such programs:

• Dubai Smart City Accelerator - powered by Startupbootcamp
• Intelak Incubator  - for startups in the travel and aviation industry

Dtec Ventures is the venture capital fund of DSOA and invests in early-stage technology companies in the region that are disrupting traditional industries. Dtec invests in talented, passionate and ambitious technology founders to build companies that have the potential to impact the region. If you think Dtec Ventures is the right partner for you, please contact us.

in5 - Dubai Design District, Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City

Through its inventive spaces, mentorship curriculums, dedicated industry hub, community-wide interactive programs, and access to investors, in5 fosters concepts and industries to their next stage to grow their business.

The business incubator was created to address the practical needs of a growing community of creative professionals and entrepreneurs across the Tech, Design and Media industries. Focusing on businesses, professionals and enthusiasts at various stages of their journeys, in5’s mission is to support, harness and encourage talent to develop their ideas and projects by providing a platform where they can exchange ideas, collaborate and take concepts to the next level of growth. In5’s offerings include:

• Incubation – License, visa, office space (Co-working space, dedicated office)

• Community Membership

• Venue and facilities booking – Venues, meeting rooms, industry specialized facilities, equipment etc.

• Networking, workshops and access to investors

GETTING FUNDING

With such attentiveness and sensational companies, Dubai is a safe harbor for both venture capitalists and tech financiers, and needs a highly advanced funding and support network for newly established companies looking for investment.

The city is a vibrant financial environment and is home to a large number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals for which tech investments prove popular. One third of the region’s investors are based here and there is a ready supply of enthusiastic investors looking to back the next big thing.

Peer-to-peer funding is also becoming popular in Dubai, with companies such as Eureeca and Beehive giving start-ups the option of approaching the general public for investment. Islamic funding options are also gaining in popularity.

The Dubai Government understands the importance of start-ups to the innovation ecosystem and supports the space with a number of initiatives uniting government and private sector entities to give start-ups a boost.

A US$27 million fund was earmarked by Dubai Chamber to be invested in innovative start-ups through the Dubai ‘Smartpreneur’ Competition, the Dubai Start-up Hub and the Dubai Innovation Index, and a US$272 million fund was announced for supporting companies operating out of the Dubai Future District.

The government has also committed to allocating 20% of all capital projects to start-ups and SMEs, with all public sector payments to be paid within 90 days.