Dubai Future Foundation, Antler Renew Strategic Partnership
The two entities are coming together to support emerging entrepreneurs and promising startups by offering early-stage funding, mentorship, and access to global markets.
Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) and Antler, one of the world's most active investors in artificial intelligence (AI), have renewed their strategic partnership to accelerate the development of AI startups in the region for a second consecutive year.
The partnership between the two entities, which was unveiled during Dubai AI Week that ran from April 21-25, 2025, spans the Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan (MENAP). The program will support emerging entrepreneurs and promising startups by offering early-stage funding, mentorship, and access to global markets.
In a statement, Alia Al Mur, Chief of Transformation and Partnerships at DFF, highlighted the importance of creating an environment that fosters the growth of AI entrepreneurship. “Investing in AI innovators is an investment in the future," she said. "Dubai today is a thriving hub for AI ideas, projects, and talent. It is also a global destination for investors and experts in this transformative technology.”
She continued, “This is one of several strategic partnerships at Dubai AI Week that will enhance access to capital and boost direct investment in the AI sector, contributing to the success of the Dubai Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence, and cementing Dubai’s position as a global centre for AI.”
Romain Assunção, Regional Partner at Antler, added, “Our collaboration with DFF is an important step toward accelerating AI-driven innovation in the MENAP region. Dubai’s position as a global hub for talent and technology makes it an ideal launchpad for the next generation of startups.”
The program received 10,000 applications, a fivefold increase from 2,000 applicants in its first edition. Antler’s second Dubai residency will include 96 founders from 39 nationalities, who will benefit from hands-on support, pre-seed funding, and post-program investment pathways.
As part of the partnership, DFF shall host Antler at the AREA 2071 facility in Emirates Towers, providing world-class infrastructure and a vibrant entrepreneurial community to accelerate the growth of AI startups.
DFF aids entrepreneurs through business incubators, accelerators, funding, and mentorship, while Antler, recognized as the world’s leading AI investor in 2024 by Dealroom.co, currently supports over 700 AI startups globally. Antler plans to invest in 255 more companies in 2025, having already backed more than 1,500 startups and 8,000 founders across over 30 locations worldwide.
The collaboration comes at a time when global investment in AI companies has seen a significant rise, increasing by 62 percent year-on-year in 2024 to reach USD 110 billion. AI now accounts for one-third of global venture capital investment, with the market projected to grow at an annual rate of 37 percent over the next five years.
Pictured in the image is a scene from the partnership ceremony between Dubai Future Foundation and Antler. Image courtesy of Dubai Future Foundation.
