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The United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The UAE is committed to becoming a global innovation hub and is heavily investing in emerging technologies and digital transformation.

The Start2explore program provides access to cutting-edge infrastructure, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities with corporates and government entities. Deep dive into the thriving UAE market and validate your business model in the region now.

The hybrid eight-week program allows participation from anywhere globally, offering a pivotal one-week, in-country experience in Dubai for an authentic immersion into the local ecosystem.

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Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’ Goals:

"Raising" 30 global unicorns by 2031 through specific scale-up support

Being the leading IPO market in the world and strengthening the VC ecosystem with Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs)

Becoming the major global innovation hub for testing and commercializing new technologies ("Sandbox Dubai")

Growing their digital economy to over US$140 billion (from today’s US$38 billion), attracting 300 new digital economy startups in 2024 alone

Watch the most recent Start2explore Cohort on their UAE Journey

Your Toolbox for the Successful Entry into the UAE:

Navigate Legal and Technical Best Practices

Understand the essential legal and technical aspects for market entry and business setup, guided by best practices.

Harness Diverse Support Systems

Receive guidance on navigating the multifaceted support systems, including opportunities to engage with and pitch in front of the most important ecosystem players.

Gain Investor Perspectives

Learn from local investors about their criteria and preferences, meet them 1:1, and discover distinctions from European investor expectations.

Business Development

Dive into business development with 1:1 face-to-face meetings, connecting with potential clients, partners, and peers to fine-tune your strategies based on real-world interactions.

Four-phased
hybrid program

Phase 1:
Get Ready

Connect with your industry expert mentor and initiate a comprehensive market exploration through virtual 1:1 mentoring sessions complemented by diverse workshops covering business practices, ecosystem overviews, and more.

Phase 2:
Strategize

Dive deep into refining your market entry strategy and constructing a robust sales funnel during a focused six-week period, setting the stage for impactful face-to-face meetings in the final phase.

Phase 3:

In-country Immersion

Get to know the vibrant UAE ecosystem during a week of immersive experiences. Engage in workshops, personalized 1:1 sessions with experts, strategic sales meetings with potential clients, and participate in roundtables and networking events.

Phase 4:
Next Steps

Conclude the program with a comprehensive review meeting alongside your mentor and the program team. Consolidate the insights gained and collaboratively strategize for the next steps in your journey.

Start Your Journey now

Program Dates

September 10 – October 13, 2024

Application Deadline: August 31

In-Country Dates

October 7 – 13, 2024

GITEX Conference

October 14 – 18, 2024 (optional)

Cost

5.000 € per startup and no equity

UAE special event hosted by startup

PS: Participate in GITEX Global 2024 : Startups interested in the UAE can join our special offer with NS Scaleups: a partially sponsored trip to Dubai, including flights, accommodations, GITEX conference access, and a free booth at the event.

The program is partly funded by Start2 Group GmbH and Dubai Silicon Oasis.

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