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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.

startup

Preregister
now to explore
the UAE

Seats are limited.

Maximum 7 startups in each cohort.

The UAE is a business friendly, strategic market with excellent access to capital and investment opportunities.

It is an enthusiastic, early adopter of innovative technologies and digital transformation.

Understand business culture and the scope of your growth potential in the region.
Preregister
now

Seats are limited.

Maximum 7 startups in each cohort.

Watch the most recent Start2explore Cohort on their UAE Journey

Why you should explore the UAE with Start2

The UAE is determined to be the new global scaleup nation of the world. With its strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and dynamic business environment, the UAE offers an enticing ecosystem for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Dubai is UAE’s startup and scaleup city. The emirate’s forward-thinking policies, tax incentives, and access to a diverse and well-connected market continue to attract foreign startups.

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

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.

Join us and get a close look at the opportunities waiting for you in the UAE

Start Your Journey now

Program Dates

February 03, 2025 – February 18, 2025

Application Deadline: January 31, 2025

In-Country Dates

February 12 – 18, 2025

February 19 – 20, 2025 (optional)

Cost

5.000 € per startup and no equity

Preregister
now

Seats are limited.

Maximum 7 startups in each cohort.

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

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Special Event

Make the UAE the next market for your startup? Register here

Special Event:
Gitex Global in Dubai

The World’s Largest Startup and Investor Connector Event

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