Abu Dhabi's Hub71 Welcomes $130 Million Investment In Startups

Hub71, Abu Dhabi's global tech ecosystem, has welcomed 21 startups in Cohort 15, increasing the total number of ventures it supports to 243. Following a rigorous selection process, these startups will enter Hub71’s Access program and the specialist ecosystems of Hub71+ Digital Assets and Hub71+ ClimateTech.

Collectively, the startups in Cohort 15 have raised $134.9 million in funding, which underlines Hub71’s success in attracting high-potential startups poised to drive technological innovation across the priority sectors of Abu Dhabi’s diversified economy. Cohort 15 was selected from over 1228 applications, with 17 startups founded in international markets, including the USA, United Kingdom, France, and Germany.

Notable startups set to join Hub71’s Access program include EpiBone, a US-based HealthTech company that has raised $43 million (AED 158 million) in funding. Meanwhile, Partanna Oasis, a material science company that makes carbon-negative concrete and was co-founded by NBA legend Rick Fox, has raised $26 million (AED98 million) in funding and is set to join Hub71+ ClimateTech.

Additionally, UK-based Greengage that offers Web3 FinTech solutions for SME and family offices has raised $10 million (AED36 million) in funding is set to join the Hub71+ Digital Assets specialist ecosystem. By joining Hub71, these startups are establishing operations in Abu Dhabi, further solidifying the UAE capital’s status as a leading global tech hub and a preferred destination for entrepreneurial growth.

Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71, said: "Cohort 15 is abundant with pioneering startups that are positioned to contribute to Abu Dhabi's innovation ecosystem. By providing the startups with access to investment opportunities and market reach, Hub71 is supporting the founders' journey in Abu Dhabi and accelerating their transformative impact globally."

Diverse Sectors and Early-Stage Ventures

Additionally, more than half of Cohort 15 consists of Seed and Series A startups, demonstrating Hub71’s ability to scale ventures from early stages. The selected startups operate in seven sectors including FinTech, ClimateTech, HealthTech, EdTech, and Mobility & Logistics. These ventures will play a crucial role in building resilience and sustainable growth within Abu Dhabi’s economy.

A notable startup joining the Access program is Autone. This US-based logistics company offers an inventory management system integrating AI for real-time data and decision intelligence for enterprises. The startup has secured $4.8 million (AED17 million) in funding.

ClimateTech Initiatives

Seven startups in the cohort will join Hub71+ ClimateTech where they will have access to tailored resources and support packages designed to enable their mission of shaping a more sustainable future. With the latest cohort addition, Hub71+ ClimateTech now comprises 12 startups poised to advance the nation’s net-zero and sustainability ambitions.

Among these is Plenesys from France which creates innovative solutions producing clean hydrogen without CO2 emissions using plasma methane pyrolysis of natural gas or biomethane at half the cost of electrolysis. Plenesys has recently secured funding of $3 million (AED11 million).

Digital Assets Growth

Meanwhile, five startups are set to join Hub71+ Digital Assets—a specialist ecosystem focused on unleashing Web3 and digital assets growth potential—bringing its total number of startups to 22. Among them is Norway-based Gateway.fm which provides distributed blockchain infrastructure automating turnkey solutions for deploying private blockchains. The company has raised $6 million (AED22 million).

By joining Hub71 "Access" and its specialist ecosystems like Hub71+, these startups can tap into a vibrant community of mentors, partners, and investors within Abu Dhabi’s thriving technology ecosystem. They gain access to market opportunities top talent capital significantly enhancing their prospects for securing commercial deals attracting investment driving market growth.

Additionally startups benefit from up to AED250000 worth of in-kind incentives AED250000 cash for equity through a SAFE note High-performing ventures may receive up to AED250000 top-up for additional equity upon completing the programme.

With inputs from WAM