Dubai Angel Investors (DAI) is a member-led micro-VC based in Dubai, consisting of over 100 investors including seasoned angels, tech entrepreneurs, and venture partners. They focus on early-stage technology companies in the UAE, investing primarily in Seed and Series A rounds with typical funding amounts between $100,000 and $250,000. DAI stands out by combining capital with mentorship and leveraging their extensive network to support startups' growth, making them a key funding resource for pre-Series A companies in the UAE.
Typical Funding Amount: $100,000 to $250,000
Funding Amount Range: Dubai Angel Investors typically deploy between $100,000 and $250,000 per investment in seed and pre-Series A rounds. With co-investing members, total first-round investments have ranged from $100,000 to $2,000,000.
Time to Funding: Dubai Angel Investors informs companies of the Investment Committee's decision within 24 hours after the pitch night, which is usually held monthly on the second Tuesday.
The application process for Dubai Angel Investors involves several structured steps to evaluate and fund early-stage and pre-Series A startups, particularly in technology. Founders need to prepare a detailed pitch covering key areas such as:
The process typically follows these milestones:
Throughout the process, Dubai Angel Investors provide mentorship and leverage their strong investor network to support startups in the UAE ecosystem.
Startups must have a minimum viable product or prototype with proof of concept and initial traction with active paying or non-paying users. The company should be based in or targeting the UAE market, particularly in technology sectors. The funding is focused on early-stage and pre-Series A startups with high growth potential. To apply, startups need to get a sponsor from the Dubai Angel Investors Investment Committee, typically by attending pitch nights or contacting members directly. The investment committee evaluates applications based on a majority vote, and successful startups receive mentorship and ongoing support from members. Funding rounds typically range from $100,000 to $250,000.
For pre-Series A startups seeking funding from Dubai Angel Investors, it is crucial to have a minimum viable product with evidence of customer traction and some revenue to qualify for investment. Founders should present a defensible valuation and clearly articulate what will drive the business's valuation growth. The quality of the founding team is highly important; investors look for dynamic, focused, and passionate teams with a strong collaborative attitude. Startups should be prepared to engage in a structured investment process, including an initial screening, pitching at monthly pitch nights with a 20-minute presentation followed by Q&A, and prompt responses during due diligence. After investment, founders can expect mentorship and ongoing support from assigned sponsors within the investor network. Co-investment opportunities exist, and follow-on funding is available for companies showing strong traction. Founders should leverage the extensive network and expertise of Dubai Angel Investors to open doors and gain valuable guidance. Overall, preparation should focus on demonstrating traction, a strong team, clear valuation rationale, and readiness for a rigorous but supportive investment process.
| Feature | Dubai Angel Investors (DAI) |
|---|---|
| Type | Member-led Micro-VC investment company |
| Focus Stage | Seed and early-stage (pre-Series A) technology startups |
| Investment Amount | Typically $100,000 to $250,000 per company; co-investments can total up to $2 million |
| Investment Structure | Not a traditional fund; fully-capitalized investment company made up of 100+ investors including seasoned angels, tech entrepreneurs, venture fund partners, and senior executives |
| Application Process | Structured investment process; details available on their website investment process page |
| Eligibility Criteria | Early-stage technology companies with high growth potential; focus on startups with customer traction and scalability potential |
| Mentorship & Network | Strong mentorship and extensive network leverage; members add value through experience and connections |
| Co-investment Strategy | Often co-invest alongside established venture funds; also acts as lead investor in seed and bridge rounds |
| Follow-on Funding | Has reserve capital for follow-on investments in portfolio companies showing strong traction, including Series A rounds |
| Industry Preference | Technology sector focus |
| Location | Based in Dubai, UAE |
| Notable Investments | Investments in companies like Brand Ripplr, App4Legal, ThinkSono, Qureos, Englease, Volt Lines, and others in tech and innovation sectors |
| Advantages | Strong local presence and reputation; member expertise; flexible investment amounts; mentorship; follow-on funding capability |
| Limitations | Primarily focused on tech startups; investment amounts may be modest compared to larger VC funds |
| Summary for Founders | Ideal for pre-Series A tech startups seeking both capital and strategic mentorship in UAE; founders should prepare clear traction evidence and scalable business plans; networking and co-investment opportunities enhance growth potential |
This table summarizes Dubai Angel Investors as a top angel investment option for pre-Series A companies in the UAE technology sector, highlighting their investment size, process, mentorship, and strategic advantages for early-stage founders.
For pre-Series A startup founders in the UAE seeking funding from Dubai Angel Investors (DAI), here is actionable guidance tailored to maximize your success:
By following these steps, pre-Series A startups in the UAE can effectively position themselves to secure funding from Dubai Angel Investors and leverage their capital and expertise to accelerate growth in a competitive market. This approach aligns with the realities of the UAE startup ecosystem, balancing investor expectations with local opportunities and resources.
The Emirates Angels Investors Association is a nonprofit organization founded in 2020 and registered under the UAE Ministry of Community Development. Based in Abu Dhabi with a pan-UAE reach, it connects early-stage startups, especially pre-Series A, with a network of passionate angel investors. The association supports the UAE startup ecosystem by providing education, mentorship, and investor networking, aiming to accelerate startup growth and foster innovation through collaboration with government and private sectors.
Typical Funding Amount: Angel investors in the UAE typically provide funding amounts ranging from approximately $25,000 to $1 million for pre-Series A startups. The Emirates Angels Investors Association, as a prominent angel investor network, generally aligns with this range, often investing around $100,000 per deal, which is typical for early-stage and pre-Series A funding rounds in the region.
Funding Amount Range: AED 183,500 to AED 3.67 million
Time to Funding: The average timeline from application to funding decision with Emirates Angels Investors Association typically ranges from 3 to 8 months. This duration aligns with general angel investment processes, where startups undergo evaluation, due diligence, and investor meetings before receiving funding decisions. The timeline assumes the startup is prepared and meets the association's criteria for early-stage investment.
Note: Emirates Angels Investors Association itself does not directly invest but acts as a platform connecting startups to active angel investors within their network, providing education, mentorship, and networking opportunities to maximize funding success.
Startups must be early-stage or pre-Series A companies based in the UAE or the broader region, with innovative and scalable business ideas. The Emirates Angels Investors Association is a non-profit platform that connects startups to a network of passionate and active angel investors who invest individually or through funds. While the association itself does not directly invest, it supports startups through mentorship, education, and networking. There are no strict sector, revenue, or founder background restrictions explicitly stated, but startups should have a viable business model and growth potential to attract angel investors. The association is officially registered under the UAE Ministry of Community Development and supported by the Ministry of Economy, emphasizing compliance with local regulations and ecosystem standards.
For pre-Series A startups seeking funding from the Emirates Angels Investors Association in the UAE, founders should focus on the following actionable tips to maximize success:
These tips reflect the UAE's unique startup ecosystem dynamics and the Emirates Angels Investors Association's focus on early-stage investment, mentorship, and community building, helping founders position themselves effectively for pre-Series A funding rounds. (dopaminecap.com, abudhabistartup.com, ceinterim.com)
| Feature | Emirates Angels Investors Association |
|---|---|
| Location | Abu Dhabi-based with pan-UAE reach |
| Target Startup Stage | Pre-Series A and early-stage startups |
| Recognition | Awarded Startup Community of the Year (Enterprise Agility Awards 2021) |
| Network Type | Angel investor network focused on mentoring, community building |
| Funding Amount | Typical investments around $100K (e.g., convertible notes) |
| Application Process | Connects startups with investors, active mentoring, community engagement |
| Eligibility Criteria | Early-stage startups in UAE, especially pre-Series A |
| Notable Investments | Multiple rounds including $100K convertible notes in 2023 |
| Stage-Specific Tips | Focus on investor approach, documentation, and industry preferences |
| Advantages | Strong local network, mentorship, community support, credible recognition |
| Limitations | Detailed funding terms and application criteria less publicly available |
| Website | https://www.emiratesangels.org/ |
This association is a prominent angel investor network in UAE, ideal for pre-Series A startups seeking funding, mentorship, and community support tailored to their growth stage.
For pre-Series A startups in the UAE seeking funding from the Emirates Angels Investors Association, founders should focus on building strong connections with the network's active and passionate angel investors. The association is known for supporting early-stage startups and facilitating investor-startup matchmaking, making it crucial for founders to engage in networking events and mentorship programs offered by the association. Founders should prepare clear, innovative business proposals that highlight scalability and alignment with UAE's economic priorities, such as technology, science, and research sectors. Documentation should include a solid business plan, financial projections, and a compelling pitch that demonstrates potential for growth and impact. Leveraging the association's educational resources on angel investing and startup fundamentals can enhance founders' readiness and credibility. Since the association has a strong presence in Abu Dhabi and pan-UAE reach, startups should also consider regional market dynamics and tailor their approach accordingly. Collaborating with the association can provide not only funding but also valuable mentorship and community support, which are critical for success at the pre-Series A stage. Founders are advised to visit the Emirates Angels Investors Association website for detailed application processes and to stay updated on upcoming investor networking opportunities. This strategic approach aligns with the UAE's vibrant startup ecosystem and the association's mission to boost entrepreneurship and innovation in the region. (abudhabistartup.com, magnitt.com)
Womena is a UAE-based angel investor network that focuses on accelerating and funding early-stage and pre-Series A startups, particularly those led by women or promoting gender diversity. Operating primarily out of Dubai, Womena facilitates investments through a supportive network of proactive women investors, providing access to pre-screened entrepreneurs, due diligence, mentorship, and a collective investment vehicle. This hands-on approach helps startups secure funding while benefiting from expert guidance and community support, making Womena a key player in the UAE's early-stage startup ecosystem.
Typical Funding Amount: Approximately $500,000 to $2 million USD (about AED 1.8 million to AED 7.3 million) is the typical funding amount provided by Womena, a UAE-based angel investor network focusing on early-stage and pre-Series A startups, especially those led by women or promoting gender diversity.
Funding Amount Range: Womena typically facilitates angel investments in the range of approximately $50,000 to $500,000 USD for early-stage and pre-Series A startups in the UAE. This range aligns with the general angel investment range in the UAE, which is between $25,000 and $500,000 USD, with many angel investors writing checks between $25,000 and $100,000 USD per startup. Womena's model involves collective investing through a protected legal structure, allowing members to diversify and co-invest in portfolio companies.
Time to Funding: The average timeline from application to funding decision at Womena typically ranges from 4 to 8 weeks. This estimate is based on their detailed due diligence process involving 30-50 hours of expert contributions and the comprehensive investment process from deal sourcing to deal closing. Angel investment rounds generally take several weeks to complete, and Womena's structured approach with pre-screened entrepreneurs and member meetings supports this timeframe.
The application process to become an angel investor with Womena involves several steps designed to ensure alignment with their community and investment goals:
This process ensures that Womena members are well-prepared, supported, and part of a strong network focused on early-stage and pre-Series A startups, especially those led by women or promoting gender diversity. The process is designed to be seamless and educational, with ongoing mentorship and community impact as core values. (Womena: https://womena.co/angel-investors, Application Form: https://womena.co/application-form/, Contact: https://womena.co/contact-us/)
Womena is a UAE-based angel investor network focused on empowering women investors to support early-stage and pre-Series A startups, especially those led by women or promoting gender diversity. To qualify for funding through Womena, startups typically need to be based in Dubai, UAE or the MENA region and be at the early or pre-Series A stage. Womena looks for startups that can benefit from hands-on mentorship and active community support. The network prioritizes companies with female leadership or those advancing gender diversity. Investors in Womena are proactive women who understand investment risks and want to contribute actively to their community. Womena facilitates investments through a collective vehicle and provides due diligence, education, and post-investment support to maximize startup success. Startups should be prepared to engage with a network that offers mentorship, reporting, and community impact focus. International startups and investors can participate through online platforms provided by Womena. Specific sector preferences are not explicitly stated but focus is on innovation and entrepreneurship with a gender diversity lens in the UAE and MENA region.
For pre-Series A startups in the UAE seeking funding from angel investors like Womena, focus on these actionable tips to maximize success:
These steps focus on traction, team strength, clear metrics, and thorough preparation tailored to early-stage startups, increasing chances of securing angel investment in the UAE. (Stripe)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Womena |
| Location | Dubai (headquarters), active in Sharjah and wider UAE |
| Focus | Female-led startups, gender diversity, early-stage and pre-Series A startups |
| Investment Stage | Seed and pre-Series A |
| Funding Amount | Not explicitly stated; facilitates angel investments via pooled investment vehicle |
| Application Process | Application form on website; membership requires active participation and adherence to code |
| Eligibility Criteria | Women investors who are proactive, understand risk, contribute to community, and meet US accreditation if applicable; startups led by women or promoting gender diversity |
| Notable Investments | 11 investments (as of 2025), focused on female-led tech startups in UAE |
| Mentorship & Support | Hands-on mentorship, post-investment support, regular reporting, board seat opportunities |
| Community & Network | Exclusive network of like-minded women investors, workshops, events, online deal room access |
| Founder Tips | Emphasize storytelling and authentic journey, not just numbers; be proactive and engaged |
| Advantages | Strong focus on gender diversity, collective investment reduces risk, educational resources, strong community support |
| Limitations | Focused on female-led startups, which may limit applicability for other founders; funding amounts not publicly detailed |
| Additional Resources | Online workshops, recorded pitch meetings, due diligence reports, access to investment vehicle |
| Website | [https://womena.co/](https://womena.co/angel-investors) |
| Contact | Phone: +971 4 305 0646, Email: contact@womena.com |
Womena is a premier UAE-based angel investor network that specializes in accelerating and funding early-stage and pre-Series A startups, with a strong emphasis on women-led ventures and promoting gender diversity. For founders at the pre-Series A stage, Womena offers a highly supportive environment characterized by access to a curated deal flow of pre-screened entrepreneurs, thorough due diligence processes, and a collective investment vehicle that facilitates seamless and diversified investing.
Founders seeking funding from Womena should prepare to engage in their exclusive monthly pitch meetings where startups present to a network of proactive women investors. The application process involves submitting to a pre-screening to ensure alignment with Womena's focus and quality standards. Womena values startups led by forward-thinking entrepreneurs who are ready to leverage mentorship, governance support, and community impact opportunities.
To maximize success with Womena, founders should focus on clearly demonstrating their startup's growth potential, commitment to gender diversity or women leadership, and readiness for active investor engagement. Documentation should be thorough, including a solid business plan, financial projections, and evidence of market traction. Founders should also be prepared to engage in post-investment collaboration, as Womena often supports portfolio companies with mentorship and board involvement.
Womena’s network not only provides capital but also strategic support and educational workshops, making it ideal for founders who seek both funding and growth partnerships. The collective investment approach also offers investors better terms and risk diversification, which translates into a more stable and supportive funding environment for startups.
In summary, Womena is a top choice for pre-Series A startups in the UAE, especially those led by women or promoting gender diversity. Founders should leverage Womena’s structured investment process, active mentorship, and strong community network to enhance their chances of successful funding and sustainable growth.
For more information and to apply, founders can visit Womena’s official website and engage with their application and membership process to gain access to this unique angel investment ecosystem.
Sheraa Angel Network is an angel investment group anchored in Sharjah, UAE, dedicated to funding and mentoring pre-Series A startups, particularly in tech and innovative sectors such as AI, healthcare, agri-tech, fintech, and wellness. It operates within the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) ecosystem, connecting early-stage startups with a network of UAE-based angel investors, including the Emirates Angels Investors Association. Sheraa offers diverse support programs and facilitates one-on-one interactions between founders and investors to help startups access capital and scale sustainably. This network plays a crucial role in bridging gaps in early-stage funding and fostering innovation in the UAE startup ecosystem.
Typical Funding Amount: Typically, Sheraa Angel Network provides funding in the range of approximately AED 183,500 to AED 3.67 million (about USD 50,000 to USD 1 million) for pre-Series A startups, aligning with common angel investor funding amounts in the UAE. Additionally, Sheraa offers significant non-equity support including mentorship, business licenses, co-working spaces, and software perks valued at over AED 3 million as part of their Sharjah Startup Studio (S3) program.
Funding Amount Range: AED 92,000 to AED 367,000 (approximately USD 25,000 to USD 100,000)
Time to Funding: The average timeline from application to funding decision for angel investors typically ranges from 4 to 6 weeks for angel groups, with some variation depending on the specific group and startup readiness. For Sheraa Angel Network, which is an angel group focused on pre-Series A startups in the UAE, the timeline can be expected to fall within this general range, approximately 4 to 6 weeks from application to funding decision.
The application process for Sheraa Angel Network's Sharjah Startup Studio (S3) program, designed for pre-Series A startups, includes the following detailed steps:
This process emphasizes personalized support, accountability, and strategic growth opportunities tailored to early-stage startups in priority sectors. Founders must commit to bi-weekly sessions and be present in the UAE for key program milestones. (startups.sheraa.ae)
Startups must be UAE-based with a tech-enabled, scalable idea, primarily in tech and innovative sectors. The network targets early-stage startups, especially pre-Series A, including Idea Lab (idea stage), Pre-Seed (validated MVP), Seed (3-6 months traction), and Series A (operational 2+ years). Commitment to capitalize on Sheraa's programs, including mentorship, funding, and ecosystem access, is required. Startups should be ready to engage in Sheraa's support offerings such as grants, co-working space, and legal/financial consultations.
For pre-Series A startups seeking funding from Sheraa Angel Network in the UAE, founders should focus on demonstrating clear product-market fit and early customer traction to validate their business model. Building a strong, complementary founding team with relevant industry expertise and a track record of execution is critical to instill investor confidence. Founders should prepare detailed financial and operational metrics that highlight growth potential, unit economics, and scalability. Engaging with Sheraa's programs like the Sharjah Startup Studio (S3) can provide valuable mentorship, investor readiness training, and access to a network of aligned investors. Founders should leverage Sheraa Deal Dock events to secure one-on-one meetings with investors, ensuring their pitch is tailored to investor expectations and sector alignment. Preparation should include a polished pitch deck, clear articulation of the problem being solved, competitive advantage, and a realistic funding ask with planned use of proceeds. Emphasizing commitment to long-term growth and strategic partnerships will enhance appeal to Sheraa's investor community, which values innovation and sustainable impact in tech and innovative sectors in the UAE.
| Feature | Sheraa Angel Network (Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center) |
|---|---|
| Funding Focus | Pre-Series A startups, especially tech and innovative sectors |
| Funding Amount | Access to investor introductions; program includes AED 3M+ in software perks value |
| Application Process | Online application; screening call with live demo; deep-dive call on solution, business model, legal, financial; rolling review |
| Eligibility Criteria | Scalable tech-enabled business model; early customer traction and revenue; commitment to Sharjah/UAE; full-time founders; sectors: EdTech, Sustainability, Manufacturing, Creative Industries |
| Program Duration | Four-month equity-free program |
| Program Benefits | 1-year free business license; co-working spaces; 15 credits for mentorship and investor introductions; access to Sheraa Centers of Excellence partners; pitch preparation and investor relations support; showcase at Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival |
| Support & Mentorship | 50+ experts in residence; bi-weekly 1:1 check-ins with Entrepreneurs in Residence and staff; personalized roadmap and KPI tracking |
| Notable Investments | Documented record of investments in UAE early-stage companies through network |
| Industry Preferences | Focus on priority sectors: EdTech, Sustainability, Manufacturing, Creative Industries |
| Advantages | Equity-free; strong local ecosystem; government-backed; extensive support and perks; strategic investor and partner access; community building |
| Limitations | Requires presence in UAE for key events; commitment to business licensing in Sharjah; limited to selected cohort (20 startups) |
| Additional Resources | Access to AED 3M+ software perks; connection to Sharjah's innovation hubs and strategic partners |
This table summarizes Sheraa Angel Network as a top angel funding option for pre-Series A startups in the UAE, highlighting actionable criteria for founders to assess fit and maximize success.
Sheraa Angel Network is an excellent funding and mentoring option for pre-Series A startups in the UAE, especially those in tech-enabled and innovative sectors such as EdTech, Sustainability, Advanced Manufacturing, and Creative Industries. The network offers a four-month equity-free program called Sharjah Startup Studio (S3), which provides personalized mentorship, access to strategic partners and investors, software perks valued at over AED 3 million, and a free one-year business license in Sharjah. Founders benefit from bi-weekly 1:1 check-ins, expert advisory sessions, and opportunities to showcase their startups at major events like the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival.
To maximize success with Sheraa Angel Network, founders should ensure their startups have a scalable business model with early customer traction and revenue generation. They must be committed to operating and expanding within Sharjah and the UAE and be led by coachable, collaborative leaders open to feedback. The application process includes submitting an online application, a screening call with a live demo, and a deep-dive evaluation covering solution, business model, legal, and financial aspects.
Sheraa's strong focus on Sharjah's priority sectors and its extensive network of Centers of Excellence partners, including government bodies and universities, provide startups with valuable industry connections and growth opportunities. The program's no-equity, no-fee structure and comprehensive support make it highly attractive for startups at the pre-Series A stage looking to scale efficiently in the UAE market.
Founders should apply early, prepare a compelling demo and business case for the screening calls, and be ready to engage actively throughout the program. Leveraging Sheraa's community and resources can significantly enhance a startup's growth trajectory and investor readiness in the UAE's competitive ecosystem.
The ADIO Business Angel Fund, initiated by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, is a government-backed funding program that brings together local and international angel investors to co-invest in early-stage, pre-Series A startups in the UAE. It focuses on innovative and high-growth potential businesses, providing not only capital but also mentorship and strategic support to accelerate their growth. This fund plays a crucial role in the UAE startup ecosystem by bridging the gap between angel investors and promising startups, fostering innovation and economic development in Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE region. The fund typically supports sectors such as technology, healthcare, and sustainability, with investment amounts ranging from $100K to $3M depending on the program.
Typical Funding Amount: The ADIO Business Angel Fund typically provides funding in the range of approximately AED 1 million to AED 5 million (around USD 270,000 to USD 1.36 million) for pre-Series A startups in the UAE. This aligns with common angel investment amounts targeting early-stage, innovative businesses, supporting them with capital and mentorship to accelerate growth before Series A rounds.
Funding Amount Range: The ADIO Business Angel Fund typically matches every AED 1 committed by an established investor up to AED 10 million (approximately $2.7 million) and can invest up to AED 50 million (approximately $13.6 million) for Series A funding. For funds, ADIO invests between AED 10 million ($2.7 million) to AED 20 million ($5.4 million), with exceptions considered on a case-by-case basis. This indicates that for pre-Series A startups, the funding amount generally ranges up to AED 10 million ($2.7 million) from the ADIO Business Angel Fund, with potential for higher amounts depending on the stage and specifics of the investment opportunity.
Time to Funding: The average timeline from application to funding decision for the ADIO Business Angel Fund typically ranges from 4 to 8 weeks. This estimate is based on common angel investor funding timelines, which generally take 2 to 4 weeks for initial decisions, plus additional time for due diligence and approval processes, especially for government-backed funds like ADIO. Founders can expect a process involving application submission, background checks, and review before final funding decisions are made.
This process ensures a thorough evaluation of early-stage, innovative startups seeking pre-Series A funding in Abu Dhabi, combining capital with strategic investor mentorship to accelerate growth. (investinabudhabi.ae)
Startups must be incorporated and registered in Abu Dhabi or UAE. They should be at the pre-Series A funding stage, seeking capital typically between 1 to 50 million AED. The company must provide a detailed overview including founding date, mission, and founder backgrounds. Key personnel CVs and company presentation are required. Applicants and principals must not have been convicted of misdemeanors related to business conduct in the past 5 years or felonies in the past 10 years, and must not be under investigation for any felony. The startup should be innovative and early-stage, aligned with ADIO's focus on supporting pre-Series A startups with capital and mentorship. The application process includes submission of detailed company and founder information and is subject to ADIO's approval and background checks.
For pre-Series A startups seeking funding from the ADIO Business Angel Fund in the UAE, focus on the following actionable tips to maximize success:
These steps will help pre-Series A startups align with the expectations of ADIO Business Angel Fund investors, improving chances of securing capital and mentorship support in the UAE's competitive startup environment. (internationalinvestorsummit.com)
| Feature | Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Fund Type: Government-backed Program | Provides credibility and stability through ADIO’s backing. (menagrid.co) | May involve additional compliance and reporting requirements. (menagrid.co) |
| Target Stage: Pre-Series A | Specifically designed to meet early-stage funding needs. (menagrid.co) | Not accessible for seed or later-stage rounds. (menagrid.co) |
| Average Ticket Size: $100K–$3M | Flexible range accommodates diverse capital requirements. (menagrid.co) | Upper limit may be insufficient for rapid scaling needs. (menagrid.co) |
| Sector Focus: AgriTech, CleanTech, HealthTech | Targets high-impact industries with tailored support. (menagrid.co) | Excludes startups outside specified sectors. (menagrid.co) |
| Value-Add: Funding with Mentorship | Offers investor mentorship alongside capital injection. (menagrid.co) | Mentor availability may vary based on portfolio capacity. (menagrid.co) |
For pre-Series A founders in the UAE, the ADIO Business Angel Fund offers a powerful blend of capital (typically USD 100K–3 M per deal) and structured mentorship from both local and international angels co-investing alongside the Abu Dhabi Investment Office. Opt for ADIO when:
• You’re in an innovation-driven sector that aligns with Abu Dhabi’s strategic priorities (e.g., fintech, cleantech, MedTech, AI) and can commit to a local presence or expansion.
• You need more than just capital—look to leverage ADIO’s Investor Care team and curated mentor network to refine your growth strategy, governance and operational playbooks before you hit Series A.
• You can demonstrate early traction (pilot customers, partnerships or IP) and have a clear path to hitting the key milestones (revenue, user growth or regulatory approvals) that justify a larger institutional round.
Action steps:
Decision criteria vs. other angels or incubators:
– Speed: Private angel networks (e.g., Emirates Angels, Womena) may close in 4–6 weeks but offer less formalized support.
– Validation: ADIO’s government-backed co-investment de-risks your cap table and signals credibility to VCs in later Series A rounds.
– Equity & terms: Expect to negotiate 10–20% equity stakes at sub-USD 5 M pre-money valuations; compare with VC term sheets that demand higher growth metrics and tighter liquidation preferences.
By choosing ADIO, you secure both funding and a strategic partnership that accelerates your path to a successful Series A in the UAE ecosystem. For detailed application guidelines and deadlines, visit https://investinabudhabi.ae/contact-us.
