
"A Cash Abundant Place...That Is Difficult To Access"
Posted on: 19 January 2025
This is what Founders say about the UAE, but why?
Many founders have a difficult time when fundraising in the UAE.
What is the reason?
Is there a technical reason? or is it just bad luck?
Well, after being in the UAE for 30 years.
I found out that there is a very technically sound reason.
You see, the UAE is a place that did an exceptional job managing its growth from oil capital.
They created one of the best-operated countries in the world by being smart at people management.
On every level.
They attracted top talents from across the globe and imported the best educators to boost innovation within the country.
So when it comes to gaining investment from UAE investors.
Naturally, the focus is on gaining talented founders and startups that can create disruption rather than just create financial returns.
For example,
The US is a cash-illiquid place that is more straightforward to access.
In the US, most investors look mainly for returns.
That's why VCs and Private Equity dominate that investment market.
In the UAE, most investors look mainly for talent & innovation.
That's why Gov Funds and Local Family Offices dominate the UAE investment market.
And this is the reason founders come here and have a difficult time fundraising.
They do not know how to build relationships with key investors because they focus on the wrong communication message.
If you follow the same model of how the UAE was built.
And work the equation backward.
You will start to access the liquid funding.
By focusing on providing talent and innovation (Becoming a UAE UNICORN).
UAE investors will be more open to building a relationship with you.
When you want cash, you look for returns.
When you want innovation, you look for talent.
Coming to the UAE? Visit my LinkedIn profile and send me a DM.
Focus on being a top talent!