Networking events like GITEX in the UAE can lead to valuable business opportunities, but only if you follow up effectively. With over 170,000 attendees and just seconds to make an impression, a structured follow-up plan is essential to turn fleeting interactions into lasting relationships. Here's how to ensure success:
In the UAE, where trust and relationships are key, thoughtful follow-ups can set you apart. Platforms like Founder Connects can help manage and grow your network efficiently. By being timely, organized, and value-driven, you can turn initial introductions into meaningful partnerships or investments.
Post-Networking Follow-Up Timeline: 24/7/30 System for UAE Startups
Following up promptly after an event is crucial. With professionals receiving over 100 emails daily[7], acting within 24–48 hours ensures you stay top of mind.
Start with a subject line that stands out - skip the generic "Nice to Meet You." Instead, use something specific like "Follow-Up on Our Tech Summit Discussion" or "Fintech Expansion Plans: Our Conversation at GITEX." Keep the email concise, ideally under three paragraphs. Begin with a genuine thank-you, referencing a memorable detail from your conversation. For instance, you might mention their challenge with scaling an AI startup or your shared excitement about Dubai’s regulatory sandbox for fintech.
Add value by including something useful - a relevant article, a resource, or even an introduction to someone in your network. Wrap up with a clear next step, such as suggesting a coffee meeting or connecting on LinkedIn. As Jim Rohn wisely said:
"The fortune is in the follow-up"[3].
Don’t forget to include a professional signature with your name, title, company, and contact details. In the UAE’s relationship-driven business environment, this thoughtful, tailored approach shows respect and builds trust.
Don’t let those business cards gather dust - scan them immediately using apps like CamCard or Evernote. Once uploaded, categorise your contacts based on their potential: "Hot", "Warm", or "Cool." Alternatively, group them by function, such as Referral Partners (from complementary industries), Business Connections (for direct collaborations), or Vibe Partners (for peer support).
Record key details like where you met, shared interests, or specific conversation highlights. Use tools like HubSpot or Asana to set reminders for follow-ups at 7-day and 30-day intervals. If you're a UAE tech founder meeting investors at GITEX, keep your pitch deck ready to share instantly via WhatsApp.
Once your contacts are organised, it’s time to connect digitally.
Strengthen your professional network by connecting on LinkedIn. Avoid generic requests - make it personal. Reference the event and your discussion, such as: "It was great talking about blockchain regulation at the Dubai FinTech Summit. Let’s stay connected and explore opportunities for collaboration." Send your request within 24–48 hours while the interaction is still fresh. Fun fact: about 80% of people accept LinkedIn requests if you’ve already reached out via email[8].
Once connected, stay engaged. Instead of a generic "Nice post", offer thoughtful comments or ask relevant questions to showcase your expertise. Including your LinkedIn profile link in your email signature makes it easier for contacts to find you. As Hussein Hallak, Founder and CEO, puts it:
"Business is about people, and unless you know how to connect with, talk to, and build strong relationships with people, you are doomed"[6].
In the fast-moving UAE startup scene, a personalised follow-up can turn quick introductions into meaningful opportunities. Once you've sorted your contacts, tailor your communication based on whether they're potential investors, referral partners, or fellow founders navigating similar challenges.
Referencing specific conversations - like blockchain scalability discussed at GITEX or AI ethics at Abu Dhabi Finance Week - shows you're genuinely engaged. For UAE tech startups seeking funding, align your message with their industry goals, whether that's fintech regulations, AI advancements, or space tech projects.
Use details from your earlier conversations to demonstrate how your skills or network can address their challenges. As Kyra Durko, Principal at Two Sigma Ventures, puts it:
"Winning them comes down to your ability to help founders and be a thought leader in their space" [9].
In the MENA region, where over 80% of professionals rely on WhatsApp for business [2], choose the right platform for each contact. WhatsApp works well for casual updates, LinkedIn is great for building professional connections, and email suits detailed proposals or formal discussions.
After establishing shared interests, focus on delivering something of value.
Offer value before requesting anything. For example, if a fellow founder mentioned struggling to find investors for their UAE startup, share a curated list or introduce them to someone in your network who can assist. A fintech founder exploring regulatory frameworks might benefit from an article about Dubai's sandbox programme. This "give-first" approach builds trust and positions you as a connector - important, as warm introductions lead to deals closing up to 25% faster than cold outreach [9].
Use tools like Founder Connects for curated investor lists, live talks, or expert consultations to provide immediate support. Keep your pitch deck handy on WhatsApp so you can share it instantly when interest arises - something many UAE founders do to seize opportunities quickly [4].
Once you've delivered value, move on to suggesting the next step.
Propose a clear meeting time: "Would you be free for a 30-minute virtual coffee chat next Tuesday at 10:00 AM?" Include scheduling links like Calendly or Acuity to make it easy [4][6].
Be mindful of UAE cultural norms when suggesting times and formats. Traditional business communities often prefer morning meetings or weekly breakfasts, while tech founders lean towards evening meetups in downtown areas [2]. For international contacts - common at events where 40% of attendees are from outside the UAE - virtual meetings may be more practical. Derek Xiao, Investor at Menlo Ventures, stresses the importance of adapting to founders' preferences:
"For me it's all about proactively bringing up the reasons they might not have responded and meeting founders where they are" [9].
Timing is key. Two Sigma Ventures found that follow-up emails sent at 8:00 PM local time had better response rates, as founders are often too busy during the day [9]. Experiment with different times and personalise your subject lines - they can boost open rates by 26% [9].
Once the initial follow-ups are done, keeping the momentum alive is essential. In the UAE's dynamic startup ecosystem - where events like GITEX attract more than 170,000 attendees [2] - it’s all too easy for valuable connections to get lost in the shuffle. A thoughtful, structured approach to managing relationships can make all the difference between seizing opportunities and letting them slip away.
Organising your connections is key. Group them into three categories: Referral Partners, Business Connections, and Vibe Partners [1]. This helps you focus on those with the most immediate or strategic potential.
Pay special attention to connectors - those who can provide warm introductions within the UAE's tech community. As Maryam A. Hassani, Co-founder and CEO of Zealous, points out:
"Professional networking in the tight-knit community is best through warm introductions and a friendly rapport" [2].
Tailor your follow-ups based on the individual and their sector. Whether it's blockchain innovators in Dubai or traditional businesses meeting in coworking spaces, timing and approach matter [2].
Consistency is key when managing relationships. The 24/7/30 system is a practical framework: follow up within 24 hours, engage on social media within 7 days, and aim for a meeting within 30 days [3]. After the first month, set quarterly reminders to check in - this could be sharing a useful resource, updating them on milestones, or even just sending a friendly message [5][9]. Tools like HubSpot or Affinity can help automate these reminders, especially during busy times like GITEX [2][9].
To save time, create templates for emails, meeting requests, and follow-ups. Experts recommend limiting your follow-up efforts to 3–5 messages to avoid coming across as overbearing [9]. A well-planned schedule shows your dedication to building meaningful connections.
Platforms like Founder Connects offer valuable opportunities to maintain and grow your network. These platforms provide access to virtual masterminds, exclusive events, and investor lists designed to help UAE founders stay connected. In a region where relationships are central to success, leveraging these tools can amplify your efforts. They also simplify navigating the UAE's unique social and professional dynamics [2].
Whether you're looking for funding, exploring partnerships with fintech startups, or connecting with tech innovators, these platforms provide structure and mentorship to support your networking journey. Application-based communities and startup programmes often foster relationships naturally through shared experiences and regular interactions [2]. As Maryam A. Hassani wisely notes:
"Meeting someone and adding them to LinkedIn is only the first step; what is really going to make the relationship is what you do afterward" [2].
Once you've organised and nurtured your connections, the next step is to measure your follow-up results. This is critical in fine-tuning your approach. In the UAE's dynamic startup environment, where dealmakers dedicate 40% to 60% of their weekly time to outreach and follow-ups [9], tracking results ensures you focus on the relationships that truly count.
Keep an eye on response rates, engagement levels, and meeting conversion rates - these are the follow-ups that lead to coffee chats, discovery calls, or one-on-one meetings [9]. These metrics give you a clear picture of initial interest and help you figure out which strategies are working best.
Leverage your "Hot", "Warm", and "Cool" contact categories to guide your performance tracking. It's also worth noting the importance of referral sourcing - contacts who provide warm introductions can be just as valuable as direct clients. Research shows that deals from warm introductions close up to 25% faster than those from cold outreach [9].
Additionally, track how many interactions are needed to move a relationship forward. For complex deals, this could mean hundreds of touchpoints, so understanding this pattern helps you set realistic goals [9].
Numbers tell one part of the story, but qualitative feedback is just as important. Direct responses from your contacts can help you fine-tune your approach. Pay attention to which resources, UAE startup news, or introductions they find helpful [9][8]. When following up, ask open-ended questions that encourage them to share their challenges. This positions you as a helpful problem-solver rather than someone simply chasing a deal [9].
If a contact doesn't respond after multiple attempts, try sending a brief message to check if they're still interested or to propose another time to connect [10]. Derek Xiao, an Investor at Menlo Ventures, highlights:
"For me it's all about proactively bringing up the reasons they might not have responded and meeting founders where they are" [9].
Also, track how quickly you receive feedback - faster responses often signal stronger relationship potential [10].
Platforms like Founder Connects can play a big role in helping you measure and improve your networking efforts. These platforms offer tools like group-matched virtual masterminds, exclusive events, and curated investor lists to help you track which connections are delivering meaningful results. For UAE founders, these tools simplify relationship management, whether you're seeking fintech partnerships or investor introductions. By leveraging these platforms, you can ensure your follow-up efforts drive measurable outcomes and long-term success in the UAE startup ecosystem.
Networking in the UAE startup scene doesn’t end when the event wraps up. As Jim Rohn aptly put it:
"The fortune is in the follow-up" [3].
Whether you’re navigating the massive crowd at GITEX with its 170,000+ attendees or mingling at a smaller community event, every interaction hinges on a well-timed and structured follow-up [2].
The first 24–48 hours after meeting someone are crucial. This is your window to turn a brief introduction into a meaningful connection. In the UAE’s tight-knit and multicultural startup ecosystem, how you follow up can shape your credibility, open doors to investors, and set the tone for long-term success. Sending personalised thank-you messages, keeping your contacts organised, and adopting a "give-first" mindset can make all the difference between building lasting relationships and being forgotten.
Practical tools can make this process easier. For UAE founders tackling fintech partnerships, AI collaborations, or investor outreach, platforms like Founder Connects provide resources to manage relationships effectively. With features like group-matched virtual masterminds, curated investor lists, and exclusive events, such tools can help ensure your follow-up efforts lead to tangible results - whether that’s securing funding, forming strategic alliances, or gaining mentorship from seasoned experts.
In the UAE, where over 80% of people rely on WhatsApp for professional networking [2], your follow-up approach needs to be both culturally sensitive and tech-savvy. Track your progress, gather feedback, and adjust your strategy as needed. Startups thriving in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are those that prioritise consistent, value-driven follow-ups.
Use your networking checklist as your guide. With personalised and thoughtful follow-ups, those brief introductions can evolve into the partnerships that drive your startup’s growth in the UAE’s dynamic tech ecosystem.
The 24/7/30 follow-up strategy provides a straightforward way to maintain and deepen connections after networking events or meetings. Here's how you can put it into action:
This timely approach helps UAE startup founders build genuine, long-term professional relationships in the fast-paced startup world.
To make your follow-up messages stand out, focus on personalising them by referencing specific details from your earlier conversation. Highlight something memorable that shows you were genuinely engaged and paying attention. Aim to send your follow-up within 24 hours, including a note of appreciation for their time or insights.
It’s also important to add value. Share resources, advice, or opportunities that align with their interests or challenges. For instance, if they mentioned a project or idea they’re working on, referencing it in your message shows you care about their goals. Another great way to stay connected is by reaching out on LinkedIn or other professional platforms, blending professionalism with approachability.
By keeping your follow-ups timely, thoughtful, and focused on providing value, you can strengthen relationships within the UAE’s dynamic startup ecosystem and beyond.
Efficiently managing your networking contacts can be a game-changer, especially when juggling multiple relationships. Tools like GoConnectIQ, powered by AI, make this process smoother by helping you save contact details, organise insights, set reminders, and monitor follow-up actions - all without the need for a complicated CRM system.
For those who prefer a digital contact management platform, Contacts+ is another great choice. It lets you keep track of notes, tags, and interaction history, transforming basic contact information into actionable insights that can strengthen your relationships.
If you're a UAE startup founder, email automation tools like Mailchimp or HubSpot can be incredibly helpful. These platforms allow you to send tailored follow-ups, schedule emails, and track engagement effectively. In the fast-paced UAE startup scene, tools like these can help you build and maintain meaningful connections seamlessly.
