Dubai Startup Hub, an initiative of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has announced the launch of the second cycle of its Co-Founder Dubai programme, which connects startups to aspiring co-founders offering industry specific expertise that can support their growth and success in the Dubai market.

The first-of-its-kind programme provides comprehensive matchmaking, training support, expert legal and HR advice, digital tools and pitching sessions with investors and industry experts. Other key benefits of participating in the program include access to a network of top tech startups who are hiring, tailored networking sessions with leading startup founders, customised training workshops, practical business advice, marketing and media exposure.

After the programme’s opening for applications in February 2021, 11 promising startups were selected to take part. The startups are: digital sampling marketplace Hamples, digital speaker platform MENA speakers, executive talent platform Gigthree, online personalised books for children Hikayati, e-commerce website Parfumery, healthcare online education provider Pharma Global, digital events, media and marketing company Viugo, B2B food tech company NutriCal, Storically, an online platform offering personalised books for children, Believe Nutrition, an online provider of nutrition coaching, and Braidboxx, a provider of on-demand beauty services.

Prospective co-founders will have until April 6th to submit their applications and be considered for an opportunity to become a business owner supporting the selected startups, which are listed on the Dubai Startup Hub website.

Natalia Sycheva, Senior Manager of Entrepreneurship and Special Projects, noted that the programme offers a fresh and holistic approach to supporting local and international startups through strengthening their leadership teams, making the business more competitive, resilient and attractive to investors.

“We are encouraged by the strong interest and participation we have seen among promising startups in the Co-Founder Dubai programme, which are bringing innovative business concepts related to creative economy, digital transformation and media, along with e-commerce, which is in line with Dubai government continuous efforts of economy diversification and building a knowledge-based economy. Once paired with the right co-founders, these startups will have the talent and support they need to realise their full potential and further grow their ventures,” she said.

In 2020, Dubai Startup Hub received 140 enquiries from the startups that were searching for business partners, she revealed, adding that more than half of the top 11 business have female led teams. Over 60 applications in the 2021 cycle came from international startups spanning the MENA, Canada, Africa, India, Brazil and Russia regions, all interested in entering the Dubai market.

Established by Dubai Chamber in 2016, Dubai Startup Hub is the first initiative of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa region. The initiative is designed to emphasise the value of public and private sector collaboration and embodies the aim of encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship as a main driver of the economy of Dubai and the UAE.