In5 provides a launchpad for start-ups in technology, media, design, and science, offering them the resources to scale through advisory services, mentorship, and potential investment opportunities.
Since its inception, the entrepreneurship incubator within Tecom Group PJSC has facilitated over Dh7.8 billion in funding for start-ups. This milestone was announced during Expand North Star, the world's largest start-up and investor event held in Dubai from October 13-16. The impressive figure marks a 163% increase in funding compared to 2023, highlighting the rapid growth of in5's start-ups this year.
"Start-ups are vital engines for long-term economic growth, benefiting future generations," said Majed Al Suwaidi, Senior Vice President at Tecom Group PJSC, speaking on behalf of in5. "The funding milestone achieved by in5's start-ups underscores our commitment to fostering entrepreneurial excellence by creating opportunities, partnerships, and investor engagement." in5's vibrant global community is pivotal in driving Dubai's innovation ecosystem, aligning with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda 'D33'.
Since its launch in 2013 by Tecom Group, the creator of 10 specialized business districts in Dubai, in5 has nurtured over 1,000 start-ups across various sectors. This includes in5 Tech, located at the in5 Innovation Centre in Dubai Internet City, in5 Media at Dubai Production City, and in5 Design at Dubai Design District (d3). in5 Media has seen a 20% annual growth in active start-ups in the first half of this year, bolstered by government initiatives to enhance the regional creative economy.
in5 Science, celebrating its first anniversary in June 2024, supports over 35 future-oriented science start-ups. Launched in partnership with Dubai Science Park, Tecom Group's dedicated life, energy, and environment sciences ecosystem, in5 Science is cultivating a regional hub of innovators in line with the Dubai Research and Development Programme's vision.
Despite global trends shifting towards sustainable ventures, funding for AI companies has remained robust in 2024. Dubai's pro-innovation framework, supported by strategies like the Dubai Economic Agenda 'D33', is enriching the regional entrepreneurial landscape. This is exemplified by recent success stories, such as fintech start-up Ziina raising Dh80.8 million in a Series A funding round in September 2024, and podcast distribution platform Podeo raising Dh19.8 million in a Series A round the same month.
in5 continues to offer start-ups in technology, media, design, and science a platform to scale, with access to advisory services, mentorship, and potential investment opportunities. in5 Tech also hosts the in5 Investor Hub, where angel investors, venture capitalists, and institutional investors can connect directly with in5 start-ups for funding and partnership opportunities.
Founded by Tecom Group, in5 has contributed to Dubai's economic ambitions for over two decades through sector-focused districts including Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City, Dubai Production City, Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai International Academic City, Dubai Science Park, Dubai Design District (d3), and Dubai Industrial City.
