Offline, a private members' community designed for scaled-up founders, has extended its reach into the UAE, marking its inaugural expansion outside of India. Having made a substantial impact in India within just six months of its inception, Offline is now set to extend its network to the UAE, thereby bolstering the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region. Founded by Utsav Somani, who introduced AngelList to India and is one of the country's leading investors, Offline aims to create a tightly-knit network of startup founders who are on a significant growth trajectory.
"In 2016, while launching my own company, I longed for a community that selectively included experienced founders for idea exchange, problem-solving, or just candid feedback. Traditional networking events failed to provide deeper connections and knowledge sharing. Realizing there was a gap, I established Offline," recounts Somani. The community is focused on founders whose companies meet one of the following benchmarks: $5 million raised, $5 million in ARR, $10 million from a previous exit, or a current valuation of $50 million. Early notable members in the UAE include co-founders of CoinDCX, Hunch, Fuze, Ultrahuman, and Verloop, while in India, Offline counts prominent figures from Zomato, Rentomojo, Awfis, 1mg, Shiprocket, Cred, Noise, and Bizongo among its ranks.
Benefits of an Offline membership encompass high-impact closed-door meetings in groups of 8-10 members, facilitated by adept executive coaches, innovative social experiences to foster member connections, prime access to talks by esteemed speakers, exclusive brand benefits and perks, masterclasses with industry gurus for skill enhancement, and a 24/7 digital community for immediate advice and feedback. "With Abu Dhabi and Dubai emerging as technology hubs, the UAE's ecosystem is brimming with unparalleled energy and potential," Somani noted. The UAE's robust funding rounds underscore its increasing significance as a tech hub. Since 2022, the UAE has secured over $2.5 billion in venture capital funding, representing nearly 50% of the total venture funding in the MENA region, with over 4,000 active startups in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
"This vibrant ecosystem, rapidly advancing and rich with opportunity, makes an ideal setting for Offline to extend its community to the UAE," Somani added. Offline aims to fill the void for founders in need of a high-caliber network and focused support. As the tech landscape in the UAE continues to evolve, founders increasingly require a platform where they can connect with peers who comprehend their distinct challenges, access superior executive coaching, and participate in bespoke upskilling programs. This specialized community is more vital than ever, as the need for effective, collaborative environments intensifies within the competitive global startup landscape.
Another notable aspect of Offline's offering is its annual retreat, scheduled for 6-8 December in the UAE. Members will also have the unique chance to attend the F1 Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi, blending high-caliber networking with memorable experiences. Offline has secured funding from notable investors such as Better Capital, DeVC, Huddle, and Riverwalk Ventures. The community has rapidly expanded to nearly 100 members in India since its launch in January 2024, with an ambition to reach 150 by year's end. As Offline continues to grow its community across the UAE, it remains dedicated to constructing a network of elite members who can reap the benefits of this distinctive blend of support, guidance, and connection. This expansion solidifies Offline's role as a trailblazer in shaping the future of professional and entrepreneurial communities, setting a new benchmark for excellence and innovation in the UAE and beyond.
