Expand North Star 2025 Draws Founders Of 40 Global Unicorn Companies

The Expand North Star 2025 event has drawn the founders of 40 unicorn companies, collectively valued at US$900 billion. This highlights the event's importance among top investors and entrepreneurs globally. Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre and hosted by Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, it remains a key venue for global unicorn founders to forge strategic partnerships, explore startup investment trends, and discuss financing opportunities.

During the event, several unicorn founders praised the UAE’s advanced business environment. They noted its exceptional opportunities for global growth and expansion of digital enterprises while promoting innovation in technology-driven sectors. Andrew Feldman, CEO and Co-Founder of Cerebras Systems, an AI unicorn valued at US$8.1 billion, remarked on the region's strategic significance: "We have a big presence here in the United Arab Emirates. We're already set up here and will be expanding over the next year. This is an extraordinarily exciting place to be doing business."

Pablo Zamora, Co-Founder of foodtech unicorn NotCo, valued at approximately US$1.7 billion, highlighted the investment potential within this ecosystem. He stated, "You can see clearly the government support for startups to try to do a correct soft landing and giving the public and environmental support to have big business and scale it up correctly. As entrepreneurs, of course, we're looking for investment and partnerships to open this region."

Tim Shi, Co-Founder of Cresta, a generative AI company from San Francisco, emphasised the value of accessing new networks: "We are based in San Francisco and meet a lot of US companies, but it's just eye-opening to meet people from this part of the hemisphere." The event provides a dynamic platform for showcasing cutting-edge innovations and enhancing collaboration across the global tech ecosystem.

The annual gathering is a crucial component of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy’s strategy to establish Dubai as a leading global hub for innovation and technology. This year's edition is being held at Dubai Harbour from 12th-15th October 2025. As the world’s largest assembly for startups and investors, it serves as an essential international platform connecting venture capitalists with the digital innovation community.

Expand North Star continues to attract attention from global unicorn founders eager to build strategic alliances. The event not only showcases innovative technologies but also strengthens collaboration within the global tech ecosystem. Its role in cementing Dubai’s position as a leading hub for technology and innovation is pivotal.

With inputs from WAM