The UAE’s ambition to become a global hub for the future economy was on full display at the Future 100 Forum, a gathering of policymakers, investors, and entrepreneurs committed to shaping the nation’s economic future. Hosted as part of Investopia 2025, the event provided a platform for thought leadership, collaboration, and investment into the next generation of high-impact ventures.
At Dubai Future District Fund (DFDF), we recognize that unlocking the UAE’s economic potential starts with investing in visionary founders and transformative industries. That’s why we took part in a high-impact panel discussion titled “Investing in Tomorrow: Unlocking the UAE’s New Economy Potential.”
Our Principal, Tiffany Bain, was joined by Walid Mansour, CEO at MEVP, and Julien Plouzeau, Senior Partner at Oraseya Capital, with Aalia Mehreen Ahmed, Features Editor at Entrepreneur Middle East, moderating the discussion.
Together, we explored how investors identify high-potential startups, the role of capital in scaling innovation, and the sectors driving the UAE’s new economy.
Sizing the Opportunity: The Key to Smart Investing
When we assess a potential investment, one of the biggest determinants of success is the size of the opportunity. The larger the market and the greater its growth, the greater the potential for a startup to scale and achieve meaningful returns. However, accurately sizing the opportunity—especially in industries where disruptive technologies are being introduced for the first time—can be challenging.
Beyond market size, execution capability is key. A compelling idea alone isn’t enough; founders must demonstrate that they can build and scale effectively. This is why we get particularly excited about startups that have already launched a product and secured some form of early traction. A working product with good usability, grounded in customer insight signals a strong product-strategy and validates that the team is capable of delivering.
Valuation discipline is another critical factor. The entry valuation of an investment is one of the few aspects that investors can control. Overpaying at the outset can limit upside potential and introduce risks down the line. Finding the right balance between market opportunity, founder capability, and valuation is what leads to successful long-term outcomes.
How We Evaluate Founders: Hunger, Market Knowledge, and Unique Insights
At DFDF, we believe that founders are the single most important factor in an early-stage investment. We don’t just look for good ideas—we look for exceptional teams.
The best founders exhibit a relentless hunger to build and scale, regardless of market conditions. They have deep industry knowledge and a clear vision of what they want to disrupt. Importantly, they have an edge—a unique insight or ability that gives them an advantage over competitors.
We also place a strong emphasis on team diversity. Startups with diverse teams benefit from broader perspectives, better problem-solving, and a stronger ability to navigate complex challenges.
At the early stage, revenue isn’t always required, but we do look for signs of strong demand. Pre-sales, customer sign-ups, strong conversion rates, and waiting lists can all signal that a company is solving a real problem. Founders who have data-driven approaches and a clear understanding of key business metrics stand out.
Emerging Sectors with High Growth Potential
During the panel, we explored which industries are poised for significant growth in the UAE.
At DFDF, our investment focus is aligned with Dubai’s D33 Agenda, and we see substantial opportunities in:
- PropTech, particularly in areas like digital mortgage solutions and AI-driven energy efficiency. As the real estate market continues to evolve, technology will play an increasing role in optimizing design, financing, and management.
- LogiTech, building on Dubai’s established role as a global logistics hub. The UAE’s position as a key trade and distribution center creates opportunities for AI-driven supply chain optimization and next-generation logistics platforms.
- HealthTech, where the UAE is emerging as a regional leader in healthcare innovation. The country is actively investing in cutting-edge solutions, from AI-assisted diagnostics to telemedicine and personalized healthcare platforms.
- AI as a cross-sector enabler, driving advancements in finance, logistics, healthcare, and beyond.
Other panelists pointed to AI infrastructure, which requires significant capital investment but offers immense potential. Fintech continues to be an attractive space, with digital payments, embedded finance, and decentralized solutions reshaping financial services.
Despite these opportunities, early-stage capital remains a constraint. Many promising startups have global potential but are limited by funding availability in the region, particularly for series B+. Supporting these companies with the right capital at the right time will be crucial in helping them scale beyond the UAE and compete on the world stage.
How Founders Can Stand Out to Investors
For founders looking to secure investment, the panelists shared several key insights:
- Think Bigger – One common challenge we see is founders thinking too locally. Many entrepreneurs focus on proving product-market fit in the UAE and then expanding to Saudi Arabia, but global ambition is critical. Investors are looking for data-driven founders who understand the right metrics and have a clear vision for scaling internationally.
- Show Early Traction – Execution matters. Investors want to see evidence of demand, whether through customer growth, strong partnerships, or product engagement.
- Leverage the Ecosystem – First-time founders often struggle because they lack exposure to best practices. Spending time in accelerators and incubators can provide the insights and mentorship needed to navigate early-stage challenges.
The UAE’s startup ecosystem is maturing, and we are starting to see second- and third-time founders who have built companies before. This growing pool of experienced entrepreneurs is a positive indicator for the region.
What’s Next for the UAE’s Innovation Ecosystem?
As the discussion wrapped up, the panelists explored how the UAE can maintain its global competitiveness in entrepreneurship and innovation.
- More Capital Investment – Increasing funding availability, particularly for growth-stage startups, will be essential in scaling promising companies beyond the region.
- Structured Liquidity – Creating more exit opportunities and secondary markets will allow capital to be recycled back into the ecosystem, ensuring continuous reinvestment.
- Government and Institutional Support – Strengthening collaboration between the public and private sectors will help accelerate the sustainable growth of future economy sectors.
As the UAE continues to position itself as a leader in entrepreneurship, venture capital, and technology-driven innovation, it is clear that visionary founders, backed by strategic capital, will be the driving force behind the country’s future economy.
At DFDF, we are committed to backing these founders alongside our funds, and ensuring that the UAE remains a powerhouse of innovation. If you’re building the future of the UAE, we want to hear from you.
