SC Ventures, DIFC Launch National Venture Studio In Dubai
SC Ventures will provide its venture building as a service (VBaaS) model to equip DIFC Innovation Hub with the tools, expertise, and frameworks required to operate and scale the studio.
Singapore-based SC Ventures, the innovation and venture arm of Standard Chartered, has penned a partnership with the Dubai-based leading center for financial technology Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Innovation Hub to launch the National Venture Studio in Dubai—an initiative aimed at supporting innovation and venture creation in the region.
As the UAE strengthens its role as a global hub for innovation and digital transformation, the launch of the National Venture Studio marks a key move to support local ventures, promote economic diversification, and attract skilled talent to the region.
As part of the agreement, SC Ventures will apply its venture building as a service (VBaaS) model, providing DIFC Innovation Hub with tools, expertise, and frameworks to operate and expand the studio. The VBaaS model covers the full startup process—from identifying market needs and testing ideas to prototyping, founder recruitment, and scaling.
"This partnership reinforces DIFC Innovation Hub's commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in the UAE. By launching the National Venture Studio with SC Ventures’ proven VBaaS model, we are equipping local innovators with the tools and expertise needed to create impactful, tech-enabled solutions." Mohammad Alblooshi, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Innovation Hub, said in a statement.
“DIFC has a 20-year legacy of supporting innovation in the UAE, and this partnership reflects our commitment to shaping the future of entrepreneurship in the region,” Gautam Jain, Operating Member at SC Ventures, commented. “Through our VBaaS model, we’re proud to empower DIFC Innovation Hub in launching the National Venture Studio, bringing our proven frameworks and capabilities to local innovators.”
The National Venture Studio will work with a range of stakeholders, including entrepreneurs, corporates, and government entities. Clients may be sourced through DIFC referrals or through joint outreach efforts. The partnership also includes joint events, research, and capability-building programs aligned with the region’s innovation plans.
Pictured in the lead image is a scene from the partnership signing ceremony between DIFC and SC Ventures. Image courtesy SC Ventures.
