Dubai: IAN Group announced its strategic partnership with iAccel Gulf Business Incubator (iAccel GBI), a startup accelerator and go-to-market platform supported by Dubai SME. This collaboration aims to create significant opportunities for Middle Eastern investors seeking to explore and invest in India's thriving startup ecosystem, while facilitating Indian startups' expansion into the UAE, according to a media release.
Through access to IAN’s diverse portfolio of innovative startups, this partnership aims to attract alternative investment opportunities and provide domain expertise and mentorship to India’s growing entrepreneurial community. The initiative aligns with IAN's commitment to expand its Angel platform and introduce the IAN Alpha Fund to the Middle East, capitalizing on the region's increasing interest in early-stage investments in India.
Saurabh Srivastava, Chairman of the IAN Group, stated, “We are excited about our partnership with iAccel Gulf Business Incubator, which aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship across borders. This collaboration is perfectly aligned with the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and the UAE, significantly enhancing business relations between our nations.”
“The IAN platform offers Middle Eastern investors opportunities to engage in India's startup ecosystem, from angel investments through our Angel Platform to Series A and B investments via the IAN Alpha Fund. We invite them not only to invest but also to mentor our startups, accelerating their growth and facilitating their expansion into Middle Eastern markets,” he added.
Dr Vivek Mansingh, Chairman of the Advisory Board at iAccel Gulf Business Incubator, remarked, “This strategic partnership opens avenues for UAE capital to invest in promising Indian startups, fostering synergies between our economies. It also presents unparalleled opportunities for Indian startups to scale operations in the UAE, supporting the UAE's D33 agenda to double the economy and enhance global competitiveness. By promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, this collaboration advances the UAE's vision as a global business hub and accelerates Indian startups' growth, contributing to a mutually beneficial economic landscape.”
Deepak Ahuja, CEO and Co-founder of iAccel Gulf Business Incubator, commented, "Our collaboration promises comprehensive support for IAN startups, including localized business acceleration, regulatory guidance, and scalable strategies. This alliance marks a significant milestone in our journey to nurture tech startups for rapid growth in the UAE, a gateway to the Middle East. It will facilitate market access and funding opportunities, aligning with the UAE's ambitious goal to cultivate 20 unicorns by 2031."
Established in 2006, IAN Group is India’s first Angel Investor Network, nurturing over 225 companies with a cumulative market valuation exceeding $9 billion.
