Page 118 - EMIRATES POST GROUP PR REPORT DECEMBER 2023

12/20/23, 1:36 PM DIFC Innovation Hub concludes 'Investor Day' with over $600mln funding
stories to share, with over 200 start-ups graduating from our programme that have collectively raised
over USD 600mn in funding. In 2023, the programme also saw a record-breaking number of participants
with over 700 applicants for a single cohort, out of which 19 start-ups graduated. We wish them every
success as they continue to innovate and push boundaries.”

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The keynote was followed by a panel discussion on the ‘Future of Investment: Tech Investment Trends in
the Region’ including industry thought leaders such as Sharif Elbadawi, CEO of Dubai Future District
Fund, Khaled Talhouni, Managing Partner of Nuwa Capital, Khaled Lababidi, Operating Partner at Arbor

Ventures, moderated by Saqr Ereiqat, Co-founder Crypto Oasis.

The event served as a ‘graduation day’ for 19 start-ups from the FinTech Accelerator Programme – with
a record-breaking 20+ proof-of-concepts created – and 10 women financial services professionals from
AccelerateHer who showcased their business plans and enhanced skillset, having been mentored by

some of the region’s leading banks and insurance companies.

This year, AccelerateHer participants received endorsement and mentorship from Dubai Islamic Bank,
whereas the FinTech Accelerator Programme was supported by Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), Abu
Dhabi National Insurance Company (ADNIC), Emirates NBD, Emirates Post Group (EPG), HSBC,
Mauritius Commercial Bank (MCB), Visa and Zurich.

DIFC is home to over 800 FinTech and Innovation companies who are unlocking the future of finance.
Innovative start-ups including, Norbloc, Sarwa, Tarabut gateway and Zywa have graduated from
accelerator programmes by the DIFC Innovation Hub.

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