The decentralised finance (DeFi) platform World Liberty Financial that is linked to President Trump has secured a $100m investment from the UAE’s Aqua1 Fund. The funding marks a significant boost for the startup’s growth plans in the Web3 finance space.
The UAE continues to strengthen its position as a regional startup hub, with $86.7m raised across 14 deals in May. This figure accounted for a major share of the $289m secured across the MENA region during the month which itself was a 25% increase from April.
UAE-based stablecoin startup SaturnX has secured $3m in seed funding to fuel its expansion into Southeast Asia. The round was led by White Star Capital with backing from multiple institutional investors. Founded in 2024, SaturnX provides an API platform for B2B money transmitters and financial services, enabling seamless digital dollar transfers. The startup has already
Founded in Hong Kong in 2022, Sthrive has grown from a content authoring tool into a full-scale AI workforce performance platform. After winning the China Tech Retail Award for its innovative content builder, the company introduced the first AI virtual coach for frontline staff in 2023, delivering real-time, personalised support without relying on HR.
The UAE’s legal technology landscape received another boost with local startup Qanooni raising $2m in a pre-seed funding round. Qanooni is developing an AI-powered platform designed to enhance legal workflows by integrating seamlessly with tools like Microsoft Outlook and Word.
Sundeep Sahni and Nadin Karadag founded Valeo Health in 2021 to close a critical gap in healthcare – one they had both experienced firsthand. As an AI-driven health-tech company, Valeo Health delivers personalised, preventive care directly to users’ homes, combining on-demand health services, tailored treatment plans and ongoing monitoring, all through a seamless digital experience.
Abu Dhabi-based live events company Ethara has unveiled the UAE’s first dedicated sports entrepreneurship incubator, the Ethara 1TW Innovation Hub (E1H).
The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development has announced a new collaboration with Inovartic Investment to accelerate the growth of the UAE’s gaming sector. The initiative aims to support emerging game developers through a combination of incubation, expert training, and financial backing.
UAE-based immersive video platform Vuz has secured $12m in a pre-Series C funding round to support its growth in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and beyond.
Dubai is gaining recognition as a secure and attractive destination for tech startups and investors, according to insights shared at the British Chamber of Commerce Dubai’s (BCCD) recent Tech Business Briefing held at the DIFC Innovation Hub.
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