Crescent Enterprises Commits AED250 Million To CE-Creates For Global Startup Growth

Crescent Enterprises has unveiled an ambitious plan to invest AED250 million into its venture-building platform, CE-Creates, aiming to transform it into a powerhouse for nurturing and scaling impact-driven startups.

This significant financial boost is paired with the introduction of new leadership, setting the stage for CE-Creates to expand its influence from the UAE to global markets.

By fostering early-stage concepts with a combination of patient capital, operational know-how, and access to a broad ecosystem, CE-Creates aspires to craft businesses that can compete on the world stage.

Badr Jafar, CEO of Crescent Enterprises, expressed his vision for the UAE to become a global epicenter for startups, stating, "The UAE has become a launchpad for builders, and our collective vision is for the country to be known as the start-up capital of the world. With CE-Creates, our venture building platform, we're helping entrepreneurs convert purpose into performance – locally proven, globally competitive."

Rakhil Fernando, the newly appointed Head of CE-Creates, brings a wealth of experience to the table, having founded and led numerous ventures to success, including roles as CEO of Yabi and founder and CEO of Koko.

His background positions him well to lead CE-Creates in its mission to support entrepreneurs. Fernando highlighted the unique advantages of CE-Creates, stating, "Having built and scaled companies from the ground up, I know the hurdles founders face. At CE-Creates, entrepreneurs can build with confidence – backed by capital, operating tools, and partnerships that unlock regional and global potential."

Through its strategic approach, CE-Creates has already played a pivotal role in launching ventures like Kava & Chai, ION, and BreakBread.

These businesses reflect the platform's goal to cultivate ventures that connect with community needs while showcasing the region's heritage and innovative potential in sustainability and digital experiences.

Tushar Singhvi, Deputy CEO and Head of Investments at Crescent Enterprises, shed light on the unique approach of CE-Creates, noting, "Our model blends disciplined capital deployment with on-the-ground operating support in ways traditional venture funding often does not—creating the conditions for sustainable growth and international scale."

This methodology, which encompasses everything from idea validation to scaling up, is designed to minimize risk and accelerate growth, ensuring startups are primed for success both locally and internationally.

CE-Creates' investment and strategic focus align with the UAE's broader goals of fostering innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth within the entrepreneurship ecosystem.

The recent campaign launched by the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism, titled 'The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World', along with the UAE's top ranking in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) report, further cement the nation's status as a premier destination for entrepreneurs and SMEs worldwide.

Crescent Enterprises' AED250 million investment into CE-Creates signifies a major leap forward in the venture-building landscape, not just within the UAE but on a global scale.

With a seasoned leadership team at the helm and a clear strategic vision, CE-Creates is poised to make a significant impact on the world of startups. This initiative not only supports the growth of high-potential businesses but also aligns with the UAE's ambition to be a global hub for entrepreneurship and innovation.