The Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF), a Ministry of Finance initiative, has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Dubai Future District Fund (DFDF) to widen opportunities for high-growth-potential UAE startups.
The deal runs on a two-way referral mechanism. MBRIF members will be screened for introductions to DFDF's fund manager network, opening a potential route to institutional capital at their next growth stage, while eligible DFDF portfolio companies will be referred to MBRIF for programmes, support instruments and federal support channels. Introductions carry no investment commitment from DFDF or any fund manager in its network.
Launched in 2016 and operated by Emirates Development Bank, MBRIF runs a government-backed guarantee scheme giving members access to funding without surrendering equity, alongside an accelerator. DFDF, a seed-to-growth venture fund seeded with AED 1 billion in January 2020, backs startups focused on the future of finance and future economies.
Gulf Economist Staff Writer