• Abu Dhabi's Hub71 has revamped its Incentive Programme to provide startups with up to $204,000 (AED750,000) in cash and in-kind incentives.
• For the first time, Hub71 will gain an ownership interest in startups selected to join its Company Building Programme. The selected startups will receive almost $69,000 (AED250,000) worth of in-kind incentives and an initial $69,000 cash incentive for equity, while high-performing startups will be eligible to receive a top-up of up to $69,000 for additional equity once they complete the year-long programme.
• Hub71, founded in 2019 and backed by the Government of Abu Dhabi and Mubadala Investment Company, is a community of founders, investors and business enablers that form a technology ecosystem located in Abu Dhabi.

Press release:

Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem, today announces it has enhanced its Incentive Programme that will provide startups with up to AED 750,000 in cash and in-kind incentives, providing greater value for disruptive tech companies joining its fast-growing community.

Startups joining its revamped Incentive Programme called the Company Building Programme will receive up to AED 250,000 worth of in-kind incentives in the form of support services and AED 250,000 in cash for equity, assisting founders in accessing readily available capital. For the first time, Hub71 will gain an ownership interest in startups selected to join its Company Building Programme, offering comprehensive support packages designed to nurture the potential of high-growth companies and empower founders with the resources to create a lasting impact.

Hub71’s shift to a new incentive model strengthens the tech ecosystem’s commitment to increasing the value provided to founders and high-performing tech companies out of Abu Dhabi. Upon completion of the one-year Company Building Programme, top-performing startups selected by Hub71 can receive up to an additional AED 250,000 cash incentive in exchange for additional equity.

Hub71 will provide the AED 250,000 cash incentive through a Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) based on founder-friendly terms tailored for the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) jurisdiction. The revamped offering aims to enhance the growth journey for ventures in Abu Dhabi, the fastest-growing startup ecosystem by value in the Middle East and North Africa region and the sixth fastest globally. Founders will be able to access cash upon onboarding to fund the growth of their businesses without having to undergo a funding round. When the startup proceeds with a formal funding round, Hub71 will exercise its right under the SAFE to take an equity interest in the startup. This newly established approach is designed with founders in mind, offering a streamlined and investor-friendly way for startups seeking to expand globally from Abu Dhabi to raise capital. 

Ahmad Ali Alwan, Deputy CEO of Hub71, said: “Building on our reputation for championing the growth of early-stage tech companies, our revamped Company Building Program represents a natural progression for Hub71, which has been a launchpad for over 200 startups in the Hub71 program that have raised almost AED 5 billion collectively. This impact and shift to provide greater value to our startup community solidifies our commitment to founders as we aim to enhance the growth trajectory of innovative companies with the simplicity and flexibility needed to ensure they succeed. Our dedication will go beyond financial support; we are deeply invested in the success of startups in our community and will remain engaged in ensuring their sustainable growth and development in Abu Dhabi and beyond.”

Startups that join Hub71's Company Building Program enter a vibrant community where they can benefit from an extensive network of corporations, investment partners, and government entities, unlocking the advantages of Abu Dhabi's marketplace. To further accelerate growth, startups enrol in a three-month course as part of the Program to receive expert mentorship, tailored advice and critical support. Founders will gain the expertise and guidance of Hub71, which will facilitate introductions to its partners, increasing the prospect of commercial deals and successful fundraising.