The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as a thriving hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, fostering a vibrant ecosystem that nurtures startup growth. Central to this ecosystem are startup studios—entities that combine ideation, funding, and operational support to launch new ventures. This article explores the most active startup studios in the UAE, showcasing their contributions to the entrepreneurial landscape. By examining these dynamic studios, we gain insights into how they are shaping the future of business in the region, empowering entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into successful enterprises.

BLDR

Bldr is a venture builder that creates innovative startups shaping the future of work and learning in the MENA region. Acting as a co-founder, Bldr supports entrepreneurs from concept validation to scaling, providing expertise in technology, talent acquisition, and growth. With a mission to make MENA a hub for tech innovation, Bldr fosters fast-paced learning and strategic development, further accelerating early-stage founders through its human capital launchpad.

Blue-Sky thinking

Blue-Sky Thinking is a venture studio that turns innovative ideas into successful businesses, focusing on sectors like EdTech, SaaS, MarTech, and AI. They provide startups with strategic support, from business validation to financial modeling, while offering resources, mentorship, and industry connections. With expertise in growing companies and planning exits, they partner with founders to drive ventures from concept to market success.

Bunat Ventures

Bunat Ventures is a venture builder and operational VC based in Abu Dhabi, focused on creating and investing in startups that deliver financial returns and positive social impact. They incubate pre-seed and seed-stage ideas through in-house venture studios and provide hands-on support to high-impact startups from early stage to Series B, fostering sustainable growth and scalability.

Chalhoub Greenhouse

Chalhoub Greenhouse, launched in 2018 as part of the Chalhoub Group, is a dynamic venture studio and innovation hub dedicated to building high-impact startups across the MENA region. Through its incubator, startup studio, and accelerator programs, Chalhoub Greenhouse supports founders by providing access to an extensive network, industry expertise, and resources to scale ventures faster. Focused on sectors like wellness, fashion, retail tech, and sustainability, the Greenhouse aims to create ventures that fill market gaps and leverage Chalhoub's vast infrastructure and market reach.

Dalma Ventures

Dalma Ventures is a leading Kickstarter platform dedicated to empowering Emirati entrepreneurs by simplifying the crowdfunding process. With a deep understanding of the UAE market, it offers capital, mentorship, and resources to help startups launch and scale successfully. Dalma Ventures' mission is to support the next generation of Emirati leaders, providing them with the tools they need to turn innovative ideas into thriving businesses.

Dana Venture Studio

Dana Venture Studio, based in Abu Dhabi, is a venture builder and investment platform focused on supporting women-led startups in desert technologies, including agritech, food tech, water solutions, and renewable energy. Operating throughout the MENA region, Dana offers tailored programs lasting 8 to 18 months, featuring hands-on mentorship, funding opportunities, and access to beta sites for proof of concept. Committed to fostering sustainable solutions, Dana empowers female entrepreneurs and drives impactful change in the region's tech ecosystem.

DeepMinds

DeepMinds is a venture-building company that acts as a co-founder for deeptech startups, providing support at every stage of development. With a team of over 40 professionals, including serial founders and deeptech experts, DeepMinds ensures faster execution, reduced dilution, and higher success rates for entrepreneurs. Committed to fostering tech localization in the MENA region, DeepMinds aims to accelerate the transition to a knowledge-driven economy while helping founders retain significant equity in their ventures.

DefineX

DefineX is a next-generation consulting house and venture builder established in 2019 by former teams from a leading global consulting firm. Specializing in digital acceleration, DefineX assists clients in navigating digital disruption by developing innovative products and integrating advanced digital solutions. With over 350 professionals across offices in Turkey, the USA, the UAE, and Italy, the company has completed over 400 projects while achieving a 100% customer retention rate. DefineX aims to transform the business landscape through technology and innovative strategies.

Disrupt

Disrupt is a venture builder that partners with ambitious entrepreneurs to drive growth and innovation through transformative technologies. Focusing on early-stage startups, Disrupt helps achieve product-market fit and navigate initial scaling by providing financial support, strategic guidance, and operational expertise. With a presence in seven industries and over 150 countries, Disrupt is committed to empowering startups to succeed in a competitive landscape.

Dunes Ventures

Dunes Ventures is a hybrid venture studio dedicated to helping founders and corporates build innovative companies. Through a structured approach encompassing exploration, nurturing, assembly, and upskilling, Dunes Ventures supports startups in navigating critical growth phases. With over 30 years of combined venture experience, the studio aims to foster local roots with global reach and create a positive impact within the MENA startup ecosystem.

Elevate Ventures

Elevate Ventures is a venture builder and strategic advisory firm dedicated to empowering startups and established businesses with innovative technology and comprehensive solutions. With over a decade of experience and a team of industry experts, Elevate Ventures guides clients from ideation to execution, focusing on end-to-end venture development, tailored AI solutions, and sustainable growth strategies. Committed to driving innovation and maximizing value, the firm has a proven track record of successful projects across multiple countries.

Engie Factory

ENGIE Factory is a venture builder that supports founders in launching scalable startups. By utilizing a proven venture program and the Lean Startup methodology, it offers entrepreneurs structured guidance, early-stage funding, and access to ENGIE's extensive expertise and networks in the energy sector. Committed to accelerating decarbonization, ENGIE Factory partners with startups in renewable energy, green fintech, and energy efficiency, guiding them from ideation to commercialization while ensuring a competitive market advantage.

Enhance Ventures

Enhance Ventures is a startup studio focused on driving innovation in finance and commerce throughout the Middle East. Utilizing a comprehensive 51-step venture-building playbook, Enhance Ventures partners with corporations and governments to develop technology-driven ventures and studios. Their model emphasizes corporate innovation through tailored strategies and the Build, Operate, Transfer (BOT) approach, significantly increasing the success rate of startups. Committed to sharing resources and insights, Enhance Ventures is redefining the startup landscape, ensuring new ventures thrive in a competitive market.

Further Ventures

Further Ventures acts as an institutional co-founder, transforming innovative ideas into market-leading companies through concentrated capital commitments and strategic support. By offering funding from pre-company formation to Series A, along with expertise in product development, legal compliance, and talent sourcing, Further Ventures empowers startups in sectors like fintech and digital assets. Their partnerships with leading global venture studios provide entrepreneurs with essential resources and a vast executive network, ensuring they have the tools needed to succeed in a competitive landscape.

Glowfish Ventures

Glowfish Ventures is one of the largest venture builders in the Middle East, focused on funding, building, and operating high-growth technology ventures. By partnering with entrepreneurs and corporations, they identify and capitalize on disruptive market opportunities aligned with corporate goals. Their comprehensive approach, which includes ideation, product design, agile development, and long-term support, de-risks the venture-building process, enabling faster go-to-market timelines and enhancing customer lifetime value. Glowfish Ventures is dedicated to creating transformative digital ventures, making it a key player in the region's entrepreneurial landscape.

GrowValley

Founded in 2018, GrowValley is a hybrid venture builder focused on inventing, investing in, and scaling businesses with influential partners. Aiming to launch 100 ventures by 2030, it provides end-to-end support for founders and corporates, transforming ideas into market-ready startups. With a combination of experienced entrepreneurs, a shared team of experts, and proven methodologies, GrowValley fosters scalable growth. It also operates BildrX, the world’s first venture builder accelerator, offering a rapid 13-week program to help turn ideas into viable businesses.

Hafla

Hafla is a global network focused on transforming the MENAT (Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey) region through technology and collaboration. Committed to scaling tech startups, Hafla connects entrepreneurs with experienced mentors, including Unicorn founders, to drive innovation and create new business opportunities. With over 30 years of experience in scaling startups, Hafla serves as a gateway for regional entrepreneurs to access global investors, fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem capable of competing on the global stage.

Hashgraph Labs

Hashgraph Labs is a prominent research and development lab focused on building infrastructure tools and applications on the Hedera Network. Known for products like GoMint, GoMusic, and Hpad, the team combines engineering, data science, and legal expertise to support both in-house projects and external initiatives. They offer strategic advisory and development services, guiding entrepreneurs and enterprises from ideation to deployment of Web 3.0 applications while leveraging the speed and security of the Hedera network to drive innovation in the decentralized space.

Impakt28

Impakt28 is a VC fund and venture builder focused on supporting startups aligned with the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Offering comprehensive assistance in product development, business design, funding, and operations, Impakt28 aims to drive impact in health, education, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. With a team of experienced executives, the firm minimizes risks and maximizes potential, helping entrepreneurs achieve meaningful change in the world.

iPay Holding

iPay Holding, the digital innovation arm of Inteltec Group, specializes in accelerating growth for technology-driven startups in the MENA region. Founded in 2007, iPay connects companies seeking technological solutions with a vetted network of compatible partners. The firm provides comprehensive support in business development, investment, and strategic growth across various sectors, including fintech, e-commerce, and telecommunications. With a mission to foster disruptive technologies and maximize the potential of promising ventures, iPay aims to be the leading growth partner in the digital ecosystem, driving innovation and transformation in the region.

Legendarium

Legendarium is a forward-thinking startup studio that connects culture and technology to empower founders in the creative economy. Through a structured five-stage process, it supports entrepreneurs from ideation to growth by offering mentorship, market validation, and product development resources. Committed to fostering a financially independent cultural landscape, Legendarium also runs the CultTech Association, aiming to create a thriving ecosystem that harnesses the transformative power of culture in society.

Manas Venture Studio

Manas Venture Studio is a startup studio dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs in the Middle East and Southeast Asia to launch and scale impactful businesses in emerging markets. Since 2005, it has operated in over 20 countries, providing seed and growth capital to companies serving the burgeoning middle class. With a focus on sustainable practices, more than 90% of its workforce consists of national staff, ensuring a lasting community impact. Manas aims to serve 30,000 ongoing customers by 2025 while delivering attractive returns to investors through scalable ventures in health and fitness, business services, and economic development.

Metaventures

Metaventures is a technology enablement and software development company that crafts bespoke solutions for sectors like healthcare, proptech, logistics, and fintech. With a focus on trust, transparency, and accountability, its experienced team delivers innovative software products tailored to client needs. Offering services such as end-to-end software product engineering, digital transformation, and team augmentation, Metaventures is committed to turning ideas into reality and driving significant value for its customers in the digital age.

Modus Capital

Modus Capital is a holistic venture platform that prioritizes investing in people while providing comprehensive support beyond financial capital. Focusing on venture building, venture capital in MENA and Africa, and corporate innovation, Modus Capital helps founders transform their ideas into successful companies through operational and institutional support. Committed to nurturing entrepreneurial ecosystems, Modus ensures startups receive the guidance needed throughout their lifecycle—from initial stages to scaling. With a seasoned team and a dedication to human capital, Modus Capital aims to create impactful, sustainable ventures.

NWC Ventures

NWC Ventures is a prominent digital venture builder in the UAE, specializing in empowering brands to excel in a competitive market. With 14 years of experience, NWC has developed 25 digital ventures across innovation, marketing, and cloud technology. The company provides comprehensive in-house services that support startups from ideation to scaling while leveraging a global network for accelerated growth. Focused on radical transformation and tangible results, NWC aims to maximize businesses' digital potential and drive meaningful change in an evolving digital landscape.

One Tech Capital

One Tech Capital is a dynamic startup studio focused on transforming innovative ideas into successful ventures through a comprehensive co-founder model. By leveraging a diverse team of experts, the studio offers support across product development, operational efficiency, market strategies, legal frameworks, and fundraising. One Tech Capital aims to de-risk startups by validating ideas, preparing ventures for independent growth, and bridging gaps across various industries. With a commitment to creating impactful solutions, the studio empowers entrepreneurs and drives meaningful change in the market.

Raha Beach Ventures

Raha Beach Ventures is an Abu Dhabi-based startup studio committed to empowering entrepreneurs by providing essential resources like engineering, sales, marketing, and financial capital. Established in 2022, the studio leverages extensive experience in business creation and growth to streamline the startup process, reducing risks and time in launching successful ventures. By collaborating with entrepreneurs and corporate partners, Raha Beach Ventures aims to foster innovation and develop impactful projects, enhancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the MENA region and delivering quality solutions to global markets.

Rainmaking

Rainmaking is a venture builder that collaborates with large corporations to develop innovative business models while reducing associated risks. Established in 2007, it has launched 52 ventures with over 50% internal rate of return (IRR) and nine successful exits. The studio employs a co-investment approach and provides external governance, enabling rapid growth and integration into core operations. By sourcing top entrepreneurial talent, Rainmaking helps companies explore new markets, monetize data assets, and create disruptive business models.

Reimagined

ReimaginED is the MENA region's first venture studio dedicated to seeding and scaling education technology (EdTech) ventures that tackle educational challenges and youth unemployment. By focusing on local entrepreneurs, ReimaginED offers hands-on support and advisory services to create impactful solutions that improve educational outcomes. The studio aims to foster an entrepreneurial ecosystem, create jobs, and align its mission with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, contributing to a brighter future for young people in the region.

Seam Labs

Seam Labs is a dynamic venture builder based in Hub71, Abu Dhabi Global Market, dedicated to transforming innovative ideas into viable startups. Focused on regional entrepreneurs, Seam Labs guides projects from ideation to seed readiness, providing essential resources, mentorship, and strategic support. By emphasizing technological advancements and addressing market needs, Seam Labs not only fosters new business creation but also contributes to economic growth in the UAE. With a collaborative work environment and high employee satisfaction, Seam Labs is a key player in the region's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Shams Valley

Shams Valley is a venture studio created through an exclusive partnership between Sharjah Media City (Shams) and GrowValley Ventures, dedicated to addressing the challenges in the media industry. Based in Sharjah, the studio collaborates with entrepreneurs, experts, and talent to assess and validate innovative ideas while maintaining a strong focus on customer experience. Led by experienced entrepreneurs, Shams Valley employs proven processes for building and scaling ventures, positioning itself as a vital platform for launching media and technology startups in the region and beyond.

Sirage

SIRAGE is an AI-powered platform that empowers impact-driven entrepreneurs and Muslimpreneurs to launch social businesses in just one day. It offers a curated list of over 50 market-proven ideas and guides users through refining concepts and developing marketing strategies without needing technical skills. With influencer promotion and comprehensive support, SIRAGE simplifies the journey of creating impactful ventures while ensuring financial success.

SKL VC

SKL.vc is a pioneering data-driven venture builder dedicated to nurturing and accelerating disruptive B2C startups. By combining internal idea generation with rigorous market analysis, SKL.vc develops high-potential concepts into competitive businesses. The studio focuses on transforming data insights into fast-growing ventures, providing comprehensive resources, expert mentorship, and strategic funding. With a commitment to launching 5–7 startups annually, SKL.vc emphasizes operational excellence and a global network to support founders in scaling their businesses effectively.

Stryber

Stryber is a leading strategic growth consultancy and corporate venture builder, specializing in launching innovative businesses across industries. With a hands-on approach, Stryber has created over 100 ventures using data-driven methodologies and entrepreneurial expertise. Their focus on impactful venture building empowers organizations to achieve sustainable growth beyond core operations, emphasizing agility and data-driven decision-making to navigate corporate innovation effectively.

Thabat Ventures

Thabat Ventures, launched by the Ministry of Economy and Bridgemaker, is a dedicated venture builder program for UAE family businesses. It empowers the next generation to preserve their legacy while exploring new business opportunities through a structured venturing program and an eight-week innovation bootcamp. With a focus on corporate innovation, Thabat equips participants with the tools and methodologies needed to develop investment-ready ventures, transforming family businesses into visionary entrepreneurs for sustainable growth in a changing economic landscape.

The Lab Holding

The Lab Holding is a Dubai-based venture builder that invests in and nurtures startups in sectors such as Tech, Food & Beverage, and Hospitality. Employing an innovative startup studio model, it focuses on internal development through a proprietary methodology for sustainable growth and Minimum Viable Products (MVPs). The Lab Holding engages in multi-stage investments in promising early-stage ventures, providing access to valuable data, market research, and networking opportunities to foster a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The Venture Studio

The Venture Studio is a collaborative venture builder dedicated to co-founding tech-driven startups with passionate individuals seeking to bridge the gap between their day jobs and entrepreneurial aspirations. With over 12 years of experience, The Venture Studio has successfully nurtured more than 80 businesses by focusing on building strong business foundations alongside innovative products. The studio provides hands-on support, leveraging a diverse team of specialists across various disciplines to guide startups from ideation to scaling, ensuring a structured approach that minimizes risks and maximizes success.

TURN8

TURN8 Venture Studio is an innovation platform focused on launching transformative companies in sectors like HealthTech, FinTech, and AI. Established in 2013, it leverages extensive research and a global network of industry experts to support entrepreneurs through a structured process: from idea development to scaling with funding. With over $500 million in enterprise value, TURN8 has accelerated over 120 startups and invested more than $150 million in early-stage ventures, positioning itself as a crucial link between innovation and market demand.

Venturerock

Venturerock is a transformative investment and venture building platform that guides startups from idea to scale through a 72-step development program. With six specialized labs and an on-demand talent network, it offers comprehensive support in areas like UX/UI and growth. Committed to transparency, Venturerock aligns the interests of founders, investors, and builders while investing in five proprietary Venture Studios focused on sectors such as deep tech and urban innovation.

Visioneers

Visioneers is a pioneering new media startup studio aimed at cultivating the MENA region's media ecosystem. By focusing on empowering regional entrepreneurs, Visioneers provides the resources and support necessary to start, scale, and compete globally. With a mission to become the leading new media startup studio in the world within the next five years, Visioneers is committed to inspiring the masses through innovative media initiatives that foster talent and drive growth.

The role of startup studios in the UAE's entrepreneurial ecosystem cannot be overstated. By providing essential resources, mentorship, and funding, these studios are instrumental in transforming innovative ideas into viable businesses. As the startup landscape continues to evolve, the active engagement of these studios will be crucial in fostering a culture of entrepreneurship, driving economic growth, and positioning the UAE as a leading destination for startups in the Middle East. The future looks promising, with these studios paving the way for the next generation of entrepreneurs to thrive and succeed.