IAN Group & iAccel GBI partnership brings MEA investors & markets to Indian startups

24 June 2024, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

IAN Group is excited to announce its strategic partnership with iAccel Gulf Business Incubator (iAccel GBI), a go-to-market and startup accelerator under the patronage of Dubai SME. This collaboration is set to open up significant opportunities for Middle Eastern investors looking to explore and invest in the thriving Indian startup ecosystem and Indian startups expand their business in the UAE.

By providing access to IAN’s diverse portfolio of innovative startups, this partnership aims to attract alternative investment opportunities and bring domain expertise and mentorship to India’s burgeoning entrepreneurial landscape. This initiative aligns perfectly with IAN’s ongoing efforts to expand its Angel platform and bring the IAN Alpha Fund to the Middle East, leveraging the growing investor interest to tap into the early-stage investment opportunities in India.

Saurabh Srivastava, Chairman of the IAN Group, commented “We are delighted to announce our partnership with iAccel Gulf Business Incubator, through which we will work together to drive innovation and entrepreneurship across borders.  This aligns perfectly with the vision behind the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and the UAE which has significantly strengthened business relations between our two nations”.

“The IAN platform provides avenues for investors in the Middle East to participate in the Indian startup ecosystem, at the angel level through the Angel Platform and also at the Series A and B levels through the IAN Alpha Fund.  I welcome them to not only invest but also provide mentorship to enhance the growth trajectory of our startups and also help them explore the Middle East markets”, he added.

Dr. Vivek Mansingh, Chairman of the Advisory Board at iAccel Gulf Business Incubator, commented, “This strategic partnership between iAccel GBI and IAN, among other opportunities, paves the way for UAE capital to be invested in promising Indian startups, thereby creating a synergistic bridge between the two economies. It also offers unparalleled prospects for Indian startups to expand their operations in the UAE, aligning with the UAE’s D33 agenda which aims to double the size of the economy and enhance global competitiveness. By fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, this collaboration not only supports the UAE’s vision of becoming a global hub for business but also accelerates the growth trajectory of Indian startups, contributing to a mutually beneficial economic landscape.”

Deepak Ahuja, CEO and Co-founder of iAccel Gulf Business Incubator, remarked, “Our collaboration promises unwavering and comprehensive support for IAN startups, encompassing vital facets such as localized business acceleration, regulatory navigation, and scalable strategies. This strategic alliance adds another milestone to our journey of fostering and nurturing tech startup companies for remarkable growth in the UAE, which is a gateway to the Middle East region. The collaboration will help the startups get market access and funding to facilitate their growth, aligning with the UAE’s ambitious vision of nurturing 20 unicorns by 2031 under visionary leadership.”

IAN Group, established in 2006, is India’s first Angel Investor Network. With over 225+ companies seeded and bred, which have a market valuation that exceeds US$ 9 billion, IAN Group is India’s largest horizontal platform for early-stage investments.

Dubai is rapidly emerging as a global hub for Indian startups seeking international expansion. The city offers a dynamic business ecosystem, a robust network of investors looking for alternative investment funds (AIFs), and substantial resources, making it an ideal destination for Indian startups aiming for global growth.

Through this partnership, iAccel GBI and IAN will bridge opportunities between India and the UAE. Leveraging their combined expertise, networks, and resources, the collaboration aims to build a vibrant ecosystem that supports the expansion of Indian startups in the UAE and beyond. Startups will receive essential tools, invaluable mentorship, and market access, ensuring not just survival but success in this dynamic region and across global markets.