At the recent Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2023, a compelling fireside chat illuminated the transformative shifts shaping the capital's tech startup landscape. Against the backdrop of Abu Dhabi's evolving investment strategies, global financial leaders gathered to explore the theme, 'Investing In The Transition Era.'

Moderated by Sonia Gokhale, Co-Founder & General Partner at VentureSouq, the discussion featured insights from Ahmad Ali Alwan, Deputy CEO of Hub71, and Mahmoud Adi, Founding Partner at Shorooq Partners. The focus was on how collaboration, sustainability, and talent development are taking centre stage in Abu Dhabi's investment narrative.

Ahmad provided insights into Abu Dhabi's tech startup evolution, attributing international opportunities to collaborative efforts between Hub71 and venture capital partners. The diversity of sectors represented and the integration of cutting-edge technologies underscored Abu Dhabi's strategic importance as a global hub.

Mahmoud delved into the city's unique positioning as the "capital of capital," emphasising collaborations in areas like cloud computing and healthcare innovation. Collaboration emerged as crucial for innovation, with both speakers highlighting Abu Dhabi's regulatory agility and government support as catalysts for a thriving ecosystem.

Recognising the need for more capital, Mahmoud called for increased participation from various sources. The conversation turned to Abu Dhabi's potential to lead in catalysing market dynamics. Ahmad shared Hub71's success in fostering a community-centric space, encouraging local deployment over-reliance on foreign investors.

In conclusion, both speakers expressed optimism about an imminent tipping point in Abu Dhabi's tech startup landscape. Entrepreneurs were urged to capitalise on the city's unique attributes as a hub for innovation. The fireside chat not only offered insights into the current scenario but also painted a promising picture of substantial growth and global recognition on the horizon.

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