Top 10 VCs in Dubai: A Founder’s Guide to Raising Capital in the Region
Dubai has rapidly emerged as one of the most dynamic startup ecosystems in the world, attracting entrepreneurs and investors alike. Known for its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, Dubai offers unparalleled access to global markets, making it an ideal launchpad for startups with regional and international ambitions. Over the past decade, the city has positioned itself as a hub for innovation, supported by forward-thinking government initiatives, a business-friendly environment, and a growing pool of venture capital.
One of the key reasons Dubai is so attractive to startups is its robust infrastructure and supportive policies. The government has introduced several initiatives, such as the Dubai Future Accelerators and the DIFC FinTech Hive, to foster innovation and entrepreneurship. Additionally, the absence of personal income tax and the availability of free zones with 100% foreign ownership make Dubai a highly appealing destination for founders looking to establish and scale their businesses. These factors, combined with a diverse and tech-savvy population, have created fertile ground for startups in industries like fintech, e-commerce, healthtech, and logistics.
However, while Dubai offers immense opportunities, scaling a startup requires more than just a great idea—it demands access to capital and the right network of investors. Venture capital plays a critical role in helping startups grow, providing not only funding but also mentorship, strategic guidance, and connections to key industry players. For founders actively fundraising in Dubai, identifying the right VCs can be the difference between stagnation and exponential growth.
In this article, we'll cover the top ten venture capital firms in Dubai, offering insights into their investment focus. We’ll also explore key trends in Dubai’s startup ecosystem, networking opportunities, and local resources available to founders.
Top 10 VCs in Dubai
BECO Capital
About: BECO Capital provides growth capital and hands-on operational support for early-stage technology companies.
Alpha Intelligence Capital
About: Alpha Intelligence Capital (AIC) is an entrepreneurs-led, entrepreneurs-invested, family of global venture capital funds. AIC invests in deep Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) technology-based companies. To us, AI is the science of self-learning software algorithms that execute tasks otherwise typically performed by humans, or that substantially augment human intelligence.
Thesis: AIC invests in deep Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) technology-based companies
FasterCapital
About: FasterCapital is the #1 online incubator/accelerator that operates on a global level. We have helped more than 473 startups raise more than $1.6B, we have invested over $495M in 190 startups and we have a big worldwide network of +1000 mentors, +1000 representatives, and +300 partners. We help startups that are looking to raise money by connecting them with angel investors and VCs. Our network includes 155,000 angel investors and more than 50K funding institutions most of them are VCs. We provide warm introductions to angel investors and VCs. We have a %92 success rate. We also provide other services such as Loans, grants, crowdfunding, Startup valuation, negotiation with investors and funding advice from early funding to seed to Series A, and Series B.
DIFC FinTech Hive
About: The DIFC Innovation Hub is home to the largest innovation ecosystem in the region and paves the way for early-stage start-ups, growth stage start-ups, unicorns and big Tech firms to accelerate success.
Wamda Capital
About: Wamda Capital is the MENA region's leading venture capital firm investing in exceptional entrepreneurs.
Thesis: We invest in transformational businesses and create meaningful partnerships with entrepreneurs.
DWF Labs
About: DWF Labs is the global digital asset market maker and multi-stage web3 investment firm, one of the world's largest high-frequency cryptocurrency trading entities, which trades spot and derivatives markets on over 60 top exchanges.
Legatum
About: Legatum is a global firm with a portfolio of investments across different sectors. We invest our ideas, energy and capital into companies, initiatives and people we believe will shape the future for the better.
MEVP
About: MEVP is a Middle East-focused venture capital firm that invests in the early and growth stages of innovative technology companies run by talented entrepreneurs in the Middle East Region with a focus on the GCC and Levant countries.
With offices in Dubai, Beirut, Cairo, Bahrain, Riyadh and Abu Dhabi and more than USD 300 million in Assets Under Management, MEVP is one of the largest and most established VC firm in this region, with clear cross border investment appetite.
VentureSouq
About: VentureSouq (VSQ) is a MENA-based venture capital fund manager with a global portfolio. We manage thematic funds, with a current focus on FinTech and ClimateTech.
Thesis: We are thesis-driven partners to exceptional entrepreneurs creating long-term impact.
EQ2 Ventures
About: EQ2 Ventures is a Dubai-based evergreen investment company that invests in Seed to Series B-stage startup companies.
Key Networking Events and Communities for Founders in Dubai
Dubai is a vibrant hub for entrepreneurs, offering many networking opportunities to help founders connect with investors, mentors, and like-minded peers. From high-profile conferences to collaborative coworking spaces, the city provides numerous platforms for building relationships and fostering innovation.
Major Startup Events in Dubai
Dubai hosts several flagship events that bring together entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders from around the world. These events are excellent opportunities for founders to pitch their ideas, gain insights, and expand their networks.
- GITEX Global: One of the largest tech events in the world, GITEX Global showcases innovations in AI, 5G, and digital transformation. It attracts startups, investors, and tech leaders, making it a must-attend event for founders.
- STEP Conference: Known as the leading tech festival in the Middle East, STEP Conference features startup pitches, panel discussions, and networking sessions. It’s a hotspot for connecting with investors and exploring the latest trends in technology and entrepreneurship.
- Dubai Venture Capital World Summit: This event focuses on connecting startups with global investors. It provides a platform for founders to pitch their ideas and secure funding.
- Founders 2.0 Conference: A premier entrepreneur summit, this event gathers innovative leaders and visionaries to discuss strategies for scaling businesses. It’s an excellent opportunity for founders to network with peers and investors.
Coworking Spaces and Incubators
Dubai’s coworking spaces and incubators are more than just office spaces—they are thriving communities that foster collaboration and innovation. These hubs often host workshops, networking events, and mentorship programs.
- AstroLabs: A leading coworking space and digital skills academy, AstroLabs is designed for tech startups. It offers a collaborative environment, access to mentors, and regular networking events.
- in5: Supported by TECOM Group, in5 provides startups with access to coworking spaces, prototyping labs, and a network of investors and mentors. It also hosts events and workshops to help founders grow their businesses.
- AREA 2071: Located in Emirates Towers, AREA 2071 is a creative ecosystem that connects startups with government entities, corporates, and investors. It’s a hub for innovation and collaboration.
Online Communities and Forums
In addition to physical events and spaces, Dubai-based entrepreneurs can leverage online platforms to connect with the startup community.
- Global Startups Club: This online and offline community hosts monthly networking events in Dubai, providing a platform for founders to collaborate and share ideas.
- We Founders Collab: A vibrant online community that also organizes in-person meetups, We Founders Collab is designed for entrepreneurs seeking networking opportunities and mentorship.
- LinkedIn Groups: Groups like “Dubai Entrepreneurs Network” and “Startup Dubai” on LinkedIn are excellent for connecting with local founders, sharing resources, and staying updated on upcoming events.
Essential Resources for Startups in Dubai
Dubai’s startup ecosystem is supported by a wide range of resources designed to help entrepreneurs launch, grow, and scale their businesses. From government-backed grants to legal and financial services, the city offers a robust infrastructure for startups to succeed.
Government Programs and Grants for Startups
Dubai’s government has implemented several initiatives to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, providing financial and non-financial support to startups across various industries.
- Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF): This AED 2 billion fund supports innovative projects in sectors like technology, healthcare, and renewable energy. It offers financial backing through grants and guarantees, as well as accelerator programs for mentorship and market access.
- Dubai SME: A division of Dubai’s Department of Economic Development, Dubai SME provides seed funding, grants, and incubation services to startups. It also offers advisory services and access to government procurement programs, which allocate 5% of budgets to UAE national SMEs.
- Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus (Dtec): Located in Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dtec is one of the largest tech hubs in the region. It provides coworking spaces, funding opportunities, and access to networking events and mentorship programs.
- Dubai Future Accelerators: This program connects startups with government entities to co-create solutions for future challenges. It provides funding, mentorship, and access to Dubai’s innovation ecosystem.
Legal and Financial Resources for Startups
Navigating the legal and financial landscape is crucial for startups in Dubai. The city offers a range of services to simplify business setup and ensure compliance with local regulations.
- Free Zones: Dubai’s free zones, such as Dubai Internet City and Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), offer 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and simplified business setup processes. These zones are ideal for startups looking to minimize regulatory hurdles.
- Dubai SME Business Incubators: These incubators provide startups with legal and financial advisory services, helping them navigate licensing, permits, and compliance requirements. Programs like the Intelaq initiative also offer interest-free loans to Emirati entrepreneurs.
- Accounting and Tax Services: Firms like Profitz Advisory specialize in helping startups manage their accounting, VAT compliance, and financial planning, ensuring they meet regulatory requirements while optimizing their financial operations.
- Startup Visa: Dubai offers a dedicated startup visa to attract global entrepreneurs. This visa simplifies residency and business setup, providing access to accelerators and other support services.
Connect With Investors in Dubai Using Visible
At Visible, we often times compare a fundraise to a B2B sales and marketing funnel. At the top of your funnel, you are finding new investors. In the middle, you are nurturing and pitching potential investors. At the bottom of the funnel, you are working through diligence and ideally closing new investors.
With the introduction of data rooms, you can now manage every aspect of your fundraising funnel with Visible.
- Find investors at the top of your funnel with our free investor database, Visible Connect and find a filtered list of Dubai's investors here.
- Track your conversations and move them through your funnel with our Fundraising CRM
- Share your pitch deck and monthly updates with potential investors
- Organize and share your most vital fundraising documents with data rooms
Manage your fundraise from start to finish with Visible. Give it a free try for 14 days here.
