Doubling ecosystem value with data, policy and partnerships
A top-performing MENA ecosystem, Abu Dhabi — home to Hub71 — has partnered with Startup Genome to pursue bold ambitions through data-driven insights, strategic advisory, and scaleup support, transforming its global tech position.
Driving startup success with data, policy and partnerships
Abu Dhabi’s Ecosystem Value has seen a surge over four years, reflecting the impact of coordinated public-private action and long-term vision.
Strategic investments, global positioning efforts, and tailored founder support — led by Hub71 and supported by Startup Genome’s advisory — have been key drivers. This momentum signals Abu Dhabi’s emergence as a globally competitive tech hub with strong foundations for future growth.
Client: Hub71
Hub71’s extensive ecosystem brings together renowned corporations, national champions, and prominent investors to help founders grow and scale disruptive technology companies globally.
Abu Dhabi’s leap in global startup rankings
Abu Dhabi’s leadership set a bold vision to position the city as a global startup hub — an ambition clearly reflected in its rapid rise in the Global Startup Ecosystem Report:
Between GSER 2020 and GSER 2024, the ecosystem climbed more than 20 ranks, driven by strategic and well-coordinated public-private investments. Startup Genome has been a strategic partner throughout this transformation, helping turn Abu Dhabi into a magnet for global tech entrepreneurs.
Positioning Abu Dhabi on the global map
Startup Genome gathered, analyzed, and disseminated data on Abu Dhabi’s startup ecosystem to ensure its momentum was accurately reflected in global databases and thought leadership platforms. The ecosystem has also promoted its success in our Global Startup Ecosystem Report in recent years.
In close collaboration with Hub71's Marketing & Communications teams, this visibility effort elevated the global perception of Abu Dhabi. Hub71 and its ecosystem partners gained enhanced recognition — reinforcing their ability to attract top-tier talent, entrepreneurs, and international investors.
Shaping Abu Dhabi’s scaleup future
Our team provided strategic advisory to Hub71, delivering data-backed recommendations on ecosystem development priorities, policy interventions, and program design.
These insights shaped the launch of a globally compelling late-stage scaling program — filling a crucial gap for growth-stage startups and boosting Abu Dhabi’s attractiveness as a destination for scaleups. This work also catalyzed an expanded suite of support programs and financial incentives for entrepreneurs, laying the foundation for faster, more sustainable ecosystem growth.
Opening a new office in Abu Dhabi
Startup Genome deepened its regional commitment by opening a dedicated Abu Dhabi office — a strategic move that allowed for closer collaboration with Hub71 and other key stakeholders. This local presence enhances our ability to co-develop tailored strategies, provide hands-on support, and bring global best practices to the region.
Samantha Evans joined as Managing Director, spearheading operations and strengthening the bridge between global expertise and regional ambition.
Bright Program ignites startup scaleups
In partnership with Hub71, Startup Genome Hypergrowth launched Bright, a global scaling initiative for high-performing late-stage scaleups.
This initiative provides bespoke, one-on-one advisory support — connecting late-stage founders with seasoned experts to unlock international market entry, strategic partnerships, and capital. It’s not a program; it’s embedded growth consulting, designed around each company’s scaling roadmap.
Abu Dhabi Today
$4.2B
7.7% INCREASE FROM GSER 2023
$11M
$7.5M GLOBAL AVERAGE
People behind the success
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