The Ecosystem Effect: Startups Within Abu Dhabi's Hub71 Have Raised More Than US$2.7 Billion Since Its 2019 Launch

Hub71’s 2025 Impact Report has revealed that startups within its Abu Dhabi-based global tech ecosystem have, since its inception in 2019, raised more than US$2.7 billion in funding and generated US$1.5 billion in revenue through the end of 2025. 

The report noted that in 2025 alone, startups within the Hub71 community secured $599 million in funding and generated $175 million in revenue. Hub71 also received more than 5,000 startup applications in 2025, a 62 percent year-on-year increase. The report also highlighted that Hub71 startups signed corporate deals worth US$244 million between 2022 and 2025, with US$37 million realized in 2025 alone. 

In an interview with Inc. Arabia, Divya Nair, Startup Journey Lead at Hub71, said that this momentum reflects a broader trend: an increasing number of entrepreneurs are choosing Abu Dhabi as a base from which to access customers, investors, strategic partners, and international markets. “Our impact report has, you know, all these high-level numbers,” she said. “But I go back to saying it's truly about the founders’ journey.  We like to really focus on curating a group of strong founders and building our community here.” 

Hub71’s community is currently made up of 390 startups, of which 295 enterprises have been supported through its flagship programs like Hub71+ Digital Assets, Hub71+ AI, Hub71+ ClimateTech, and Hub71+ Life Sciences. In 2025 alone, 52 startups were welcomed into the Hub71 ecosystem.  

Hub71 also runs an Immersion Program that brings high-potential international startups to Abu Dhabi for hands-on engagement on market entry, regulatory frameworks, and commercialization. “Abu Dhabi is a great place to use as a launchpad, because it gives you access to the Global South, it gives you access to the East, [and more]” Nair noted. “And you have partners that are there you want to establish over here.” 

When asked if recent geopolitical tensions in the region have had any effect on the manner in which Hub71 operates, Nair replied in the negative. “I don't think it has changed anything about our mission,” she said. “As Hub71, we are building a global tech ecosystem, which means, for us, the question remains how we are supporting our founders, and how we are bringing them together and building our community.” 

Nair's perspective was echoed by Hub71's leadership. In a statement, HE Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of Hub71 and the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, said: "Hub71’s performance reflects the sustained progress Abu Dhabi is achieving in building a more competitive, innovation-led economy. Startups are contributing to investment and long-term growth, while strengthening the emirate’s position as a place where ambitious technology companies can build, scale, and compete globally.” 

Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71, added, "2025 was a year of meaningful progress for Hub71's community, which now spans more than 390 startups and over 200 partners. The growth of our community reflects the increasing appeal of Abu Dhabi as a destination for founders, the calibre and ambition of the entrepreneurs at Hub71, and the strength of the ecosystem partners supporting them. Together, these factors reinforce Hub71's position as a platform that enables founders to build globally relevant tech startups from Abu Dhabi." 

Pictured in the lead image are the entrepreneurs whose startups have been accepted into Hub71's Cohort 18. Image courtesy Hub71.