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The DIFC Innovation Hub Hosts 500 Participants, Experiencing A $600 Million Increase In Investments.
The DIFC Innovation Hub recently concluded its annual flagship Investor Day, where over 500 attendees, including key figures from the investor community and finalists from the ninth edition of the FinTech Accelerator Programme and the seventh edition of AccelerateHer, witnessed a significant milestone in Dubai’s startup ecosystem. Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, and Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority, actively engaged with speakers, investors, and entrepreneurs during the event.
Mohammad Al Blooshi, CEO of DIFC Innovation Hub, delivered the opening keynote, highlighting the success of the FinTech Accelerator Programme in empowering startups to transform ideas into unique financial market offerings. Al Blooshi shared impressive statistics, noting that over 200 startups graduated from the program, collectively raising an impressive $600 million in funding. The 2023 program received an unprecedented 700 applicants for a single cohort, with 19 startups graduating, setting a new record.
A panel discussion on the “Future of Investment: Tech Investment Trends in the Region” followed, featuring industry thought leaders such as Sharif Elbadawi, CEO of Dubai Future District Fund, Khaled Talhouni, Managing Partner of Nuwa Capital, and Khaled Lababidi, Operating Partner at Arbor Ventures. The discussion, moderated by Saqr Ereiqat, Co-founder of Crypto Oasis, provided insights into the evolving landscape of technology investment trends in the region.
The Investor Day served as a graduation ceremony for the 19 startups from the FinTech Accelerator Programme, showcasing more than 20 proof-of-concepts. Additionally, 10 women financial services professionals from AccelerateHer presented their business plans and enhanced skillsets, mentored by leading banks and insurance companies in the region.
This year, participants in AccelerateHer received endorsement and mentorship from Dubai Islamic Bank, while the FinTech Accelerator Programme received support from prominent institutions such as Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company (ADNIC), Emirates NBD, Emirates Post Group (EPG), HSBC, Mauritius Commercial Bank (MCB), Visa, and Zurich. The event celebrated innovation, entrepreneurship, and the continued growth of the startup ecosystem in Dubai.
