Latest news with #DFDF
Zawya
8 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
UAE reinforcing its place as world-class startup hub with ecosystem built for success
Dubai, UAE: The UAE is reinforcing its position as one of the world's most attractive and secure destinations for startups, as fresh data and investor sentiment point to rising momentum across the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem. MENA startups raised a combined $289 million in May, a 25% increase from April, with a Wamda report showing that the UAE contributed $86.7 million across 14 deals. Coinciding with the announcement, the Dubai Future District Fund (DFDF) reported more than $1.65 billion in capital commitments last year, offering strategic backing to over 190 portfolio companies. UAE-based entrepreneur and tech investor Abdumalik Mirakhmedov says DFDF's influence is part of a wider, sustained effort by government authorities in the UAE that have created a dynamic, pro-business landscape appealing to both regional and international founders. 'The business environment here is phenomenal,' says Mirakhmedov, Director and co-founder of Scalo Technologies, the UAE tech venture company. 'The government has established a regulatory framework that is so comfortable, and allows startups to build with confidence. 'The country's appeal to entrepreneurs goes well beyond funding. Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer everything a startup needs to grow - access to capital, innovation infrastructure, talent, and a quality of life that's hard to beat.' Added Mirakhmedov: 'The UAE allows us communicate with more prospective partners as a global technology group focused on fast growing sectors of the digital economy.' 'Startups here have easy access to venture capital and angel investors. Accelerators, co-working spaces, and research centres help early-stage companies get off the ground, creating a fast-moving and supportive startup scene. 'Sectors like fintech, AI, mobility, and e-commerce have grown rapidly, thanks to policy reforms, long-term visas, and government-backed funds aimed at helping young companies scale.' Mirakhmedov points to both Dubai and Abu Dhabi offering the ideal setup for growth, with free zones built for tech firms, simple licensing, and no income tax all making it easier to launch and expand. 'There's also real respect here for people who succeed,' he says. 'Entrepreneurs feel welcome, and that's backed by a professional business culture and a strong sense of personal safety. As more global startups look for stable places to grow, the UAE stands out - not just for its tools and support, but for creating the right conditions to succeed.' For further press information please contact: Tony Lewis / Narayan Marar Total Communications Email: tony@ / narayan@
Mid East Info
9 hours ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
UAE reinforcing its place as world-class startup hub with ecosystem built for success - Middle East Business News and Information
Tech investor and entrepreneur Abdumalik Mirakhmedov hails sustained government drive to create dynamic, pro-business landscape for founders Dubai, UAE, 23rd June, 2025: The UAE is reinforcing its position as one of the world's most attractive and secure destinations for startups, as fresh data and investor sentiment point to rising momentum across the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem. MENA startups raised a combined $289 million in May, a 25% increase from April, with a Wamda report showing that the UAE contributed $86.7 million across 14 deals. Coinciding with the announcement, the Dubai Future District Fund (DFDF) reported more than $1.65 billion in capital commitments last year, offering strategic backing to over 190 portfolio companies. UAE-based entrepreneur and tech investor Abdumalik Mirakhmedov says DFDF's influence is part of a wider, sustained effort by government authorities in the UAE that have created a dynamic, pro-business landscape appealing to both regional and international founders. 'The business environment here is phenomenal,' says Mirakhmedov, Director and co-founder of Scalo Technologies, the UAE tech venture company. 'The government has established a regulatory framework that is so comfortable, and allows startups to build with confidence. 'The country's appeal to entrepreneurs goes well beyond funding. Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer everything a startup needs to grow – access to capital, innovation infrastructure, talent, and a quality of life that's hard to beat.' Added Mirakhmedov: 'The UAE allows us communicate with more prospective partners as a global technology group focused on fast growing sectors of the digital economy.' 'Startups here have easy access to venture capital and angel investors. Accelerators, co-working spaces, and research centres help early-stage companies get off the ground, creating a fast-moving and supportive startup scene. 'Sectors like fintech, AI, mobility, and e-commerce have grown rapidly, thanks to policy reforms, long-term visas, and government-backed funds aimed at helping young companies scale.' Mirakhmedov points to both Dubai and Abu Dhabi offering the ideal setup for growth, with free zones built for tech firms, simple licensing, and no income tax all making it easier to launch and expand. 'There's also real respect here for people who succeed,' he says. 'Entrepreneurs feel welcome, and that's backed by a professional business culture and a strong sense of personal safety. As more global startups look for stable places to grow, the UAE stands out – not just for its tools and support, but for creating the right conditions to succeed.' Ends
Arabian Business
04-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Dubai Future District Fund reports $1.65bn boost, support for 190 startups
Dubai Future District Fund (DFDF), has unveiled a dynamic performance update for 2024 at its Annual General Meeting, highlighting more than $1.65bn in capital commitments and strategic support for more than 190 portfolio companies. The announcement cements DFDF's position as a key driver of innovation, talent development, and venture capital growth aligned with the emirate's Economic Agenda (D33). Throughout 2024, dubbed the UAE's Year of Sustainability, DFDF accelerated its mission to foster long-term value through responsible innovation and community-focused investment. The Fund's impact extended beyond capital, playing a pivotal role in advancing public-private partnerships that align government priorities with startup-led solutions. Dubai Future District Fund Support for more than 190 startups and scale-ups in the city Engagements with Land Department and Dubai Health to co-create innovation strategies Pilots with Nestlé and AWS to drive tech adoption and operational excellence Ongoing ecosystem partnerships through 12 Fund of Funds initiatives Khalfan Belhoul, the DFDF Board of Directors Chairman and CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation said: 'These achievements underscore the central role that the Dubai Future District Fund plays in driving the growth of Dubai's digital economy – one that thrives on innovation and leverages the latest future technologies across key sectors.' As 2025 is officially designated by the UAE as the Year of the Community, DFDF is setting its sights on deepening collaboration across the innovation landscape—from startup founders and global investors to government bodies and regulators. Arif Amiri, DFDF Board Member and CEO of DIFC Authority, said: 'Innovation thrives not in isolation, but within inclusive, connected communities. As the Fund continues to position Dubai as a global pioneer for innovation, we are more committed than ever to cultivating collaboration with partners globally who are also committed to driving future economic growth.' For 2025, DFDF's strategic focus will include: Expanding capital deployment to funds and startups that drive economic resilience in the emirate Strengthening ecosystem platforms that connect founders, operators, investors, and policymakers Scaling impact-driven innovation aligned with Dubai's vision as a global hub for future economies Nader Albastaki, Managing Director at DFDF said: '2024 marked a pivotal year for DFDF, where purpose met performance. We scaled our investments, aligned with Dubai's strategies, and supported innovators driving meaningful change. 'As we enter 2025—the Year of the Community—we're excited to focus on deeper collaboration, ecosystem resilience, and a shared vision of Dubai as a global capital of innovation and opportunity.'
Business Recorder
04-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Dubai Future District Fund supported 190 startups in 2024
The Dubai Future District Fund (DFDF) reported over $1.65 billion in capital commitments and support for more than 190 portfolio companies in 2024. The support came in the form of both direct investments and 12 'Fund of Funds' initiatives, which DFDF in a statement on Tuesday said aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). The figures were released during the Fund's Annual General Meeting. DFDF, whose founding shareholders are Dubai International Financial Centre and Dubai Future Foundation and whose fund size is AED 1 billion, said its efforts reinforced its role in advancing technology, talent, and venture capital in the region. Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy backs 127 startups in Q1 Khalfan Belhoul, DFDF Board of Directors Chairman and CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, said: 'These achievements underscore the central role that the Dubai Future District Fund plays in driving the growth of Dubai's digital economy – one that thrives on innovation and leverages the latest future technologies across key sectors.' Meanwhile Arif Amiri, DFDF Board Member and Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority said, that 'as the Fund continues to position Dubai as a global pioneer for innovation, we are more committed than ever to cultivating collaboration with partners globally who are also committed to driving future economic growth.' Pakistan's tech startups shine at Dubai's GISEC In 2024, DFDF 'went beyond its core investment activities' to showcase how venture capital can serve as a conduit for public-private collaboration and scalable innovation, it said. DFDF invest in funds in early to growth stages, across key sectors in technology that align with Dubai's Economic Agenda D33, including PropTech, HealthTech, LogisticsTech, DeepTech, Circular Economy and Web3. According to its website, it aims to do this 'by boosting venture capital availability through our Fund of Fund investments into local, regional, and international funds, as well as co-investing in their portfolio of startups.' The website explains that DFDF's fund structure is evergreen, which means 'we are not beholden to the 10-year lifespan of a typical VC fund, which allows us to focus on investing into opportunities with various return horizons and take a longer-term view on returns.'
Fintech News ME
04-06-2025
- Business
- Fintech News ME
Dubai Future District Fund Backs Over 190 Startups in 2024, Raises Over $1.65B
At its Annual General Meeting, the Dubai Future District Fund (DFDF), anchored by the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), shared key updates from its 2024 performance. The meeting highlighted a year marked by strategic growth, closer alignment with Dubai's economic goals, and steps towards supporting a resilient and inclusive innovation environment. The AGM also set the tone for DFDF's direction in 2025, which has been nationally designated as the Year of the Community. In reference to the UAE's declaration of 2024 as the Year of Sustainability, DFDF reiterated its focus on long-term value creation, responsible innovation, and community-focused investment. Over the course of the year, the Fund strengthened its partnerships with founders, investors and stakeholders addressing real-world challenges, reinforcing its dual role as both a capital provider and a facilitator within the broader ecosystem. The Board of Directors reported that DFDF supported more than 190 portfolio companies through a combination of direct investments and 12 Fund of Funds initiatives. These funds collectively secured over US$1.65 billion in capital commitments by the end of 2024. The Fund also maintained its alignment with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), contributing to the development of the technology, talent and venture capital landscape in the region. Khalfan Belhoul, Chairman of the DFDF Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai Future Foundation, said: 'These achievements underscore the central role that the Dubai Future District Fund plays in driving the growth of Dubai's digital economy, one that thrives on innovation and leverages the latest future technologies across key sectors.' In 2024, DFDF extended its efforts beyond investment, aiming to demonstrate the broader role of venture capital in fostering public and private collaboration and scalable innovation. The Fund published a number of value creation case studies in cooperation with institutions across various sectors, underscoring its expanding function as a strategic enabler. Engagements included exploratory partnerships with the Dubai Land Department and Dubai Health, designed to connect government priorities with startup-led solutions. The Fund also piloted projects with Nestlé and AWS to identify opportunities for technology adoption and business enablement. These activities form part of DFDF's wider aim to convert capital into tangible outcomes, supporting not only financial returns but also operational value, strategic direction and innovation capacity among stakeholders in the region's future economy. Looking towards 2025, DFDF signalled a renewed emphasis on building connections across the innovation ecosystem, in line with the UAE's Year of the Community theme. The Fund aims to enhance linkages between founders and funders, startups and regulators, and regional and global networks. 'Innovation thrives not in isolation, but within inclusive, connected communities,' said Arif Amiri, DFDF Board Member and Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority. 'As the Fund continues to position Dubai as a global pioneer for innovation, we are more committed than ever to cultivating collaboration with partners globally who are also committed to driving future economic growth.' For 2025, DFDF will focus on expanding capital deployment, prioritising investments that contribute to ecosystem development and economic resilience. It also plans to increase engagement across the innovation community, using dedicated platforms to bring together leading founders, investors, operators and policymakers.
