iACCEL GBI welcomes Dhruv Verma as strategic growth advisor to empower startups across MENA
iACCEL Gulf Business Incubator (iACCEL GBI), a leading go-to-market accelerator launched under the patronage of Dubai SME, is pleased to onboard Dhruv Verma, founder and CEO of Thriwe, as strategic growth advisor. This appointment reinforces iACCEL GBI's commitment to fostering a thriving startup ecosystem across the UAE and MENA region, by bringing in successful entrepreneurs, established thought leaders and Intellectual Capital.
A visionary entrepreneur and a Tedx speaker, Verma brings extensive expertise in consumer engagement and scaling businesses across global markets. Verma is widely recognised for his success with GolfLan and his innovative, customer-centric approach to business. His proactive and growth-driven mindset has been instrumental in transforming his golf-focused venture into Thriwe, a leading loyalty and benefits platform catering to a diverse audience. Under his leadership, Thriwe has expanded its reach beyond golf and sports, offering tailored solutions across lifestyle, wellness, travel, dining, and retail. Thriwe evolved into a dynamic benefits marketplace in UAE and India, demonstrating Verma's keen adaptability and strategic vision.
Thriwe has emerged as a leading platform for loyalty programmes and customer benefits, evolving from a single-market operation in India to a multinational enterprise with a presence across the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and the UK. This extensive, first-hand experience in navigating the complexities of global expansion positions Thriwe as a valuable mentor within the iACCEL GBI initiative. Under the leadership of Verma, the company's achievements have been widely recognised. Verma has been honoured with several prestigious accolades, including: 'The Economic Times' Most Promising Business Leader of Asia 2020-21' and 'Asia One's Most Influential Young Leader 2021-22'.
As a passionate start-up enthusiast, Verma is committed to bringing valuable insights and strategic vision to iACCEL GBI. His focus will center on guiding startups to scale their businesses efficiently, offering mentorship, and unlocking new market opportunities across the region. In addition to this, Verma's contributions will extend to iACCEL GBI's Masterclass Series, which is designed to equip emerging businesses with the essential knowledge and skills needed for sustainable success. He will also play an active role in the incubator's think tank, helping shape future initiatives aimed at driving industry-wide impact and fostering innovation on a broader scale.
Commenting on the appointment, Deepak Ahuja, founder and CEO of iACCEL GBI, stated: "We are thrilled to welcome Dhruv Verma to our growing network of visionary leaders. His remarkable journey in entrepreneurship and market expansion is a testament to what is possible with the right strategy and mindset. We are confident that Dhruv's expertise will be vital in empowering startups under iACCEL GBI - equipping them with the guidance and resources needed to prepare for the future and scale successfully."
Anishkaa Gehani, co-founder of iACCEL GBI, added: "We are extremely delighted to have Dhruv on board as a strategic growth advisor. Scaling a business can be one of the toughest challenges for any founder and with someone like Dhruv as a part of our Leadership team gives impetus to our vision of enabling cross-border expansion for promising startups, helping them overcome challenges and unlock new market opportunities. His expertise will be pivotal in our mission to foster the vibrant start-up ecosystem of the region and not only guide our startups but also strengthen the regional ecosystem."
On joining iACCEL GBI, Verma said: "Entrepreneurship is a relentless pursuit of innovation and adaptability. I strongly align with iACCEL GBI's mission to empower startups and accelerate their success. In today's fast-evolving UAE market, founders need more than just ideas — they need strategic direction, resilience, and a growth-driven mindset. I am excited to collaborate with this dynamic team to help young businesses navigate challenges, scale effectively, and contribute to building a globally connected, thriving startup ecosystem in the UAE and beyond."
Founded in the UAE in 2023 under the Hamdan Incubation Program, iACCEL GBI remains dedicated to helping growth-stage startups expand into the UAE and GCC markets, leveraging Dubai as a global launchpad.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
6 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
How Arab women are rewriting the rules of identity and empowerment
Amid life's many businesses, sparkling accomplishments, and hard knocks, we often encounter rankling questions that blow the wind out of our sails. Questions like 'Who am I?', 'What do I want out of life?', and 'Where am I headed in this mad rush?' leave us suddenly adrift, realising how far we've strayed from who we once were as individuals, professionals, and participants in society. The search for answers leads us into a labyrinth of doubts and fears, and sooner or later, we find ourselves in need of a lighthouse — someone to steer us gently back home. Back to ourselves. It was in one such muddying moment that Asmaa Al Kuwari, now a multi-award-winning executive and life coach, stumbled upon a training programme that changed the course of her life. What began as an attempt to reclaim her bearings during a period of inner unrest eventually became her mission. In a world that often defines women and their typecasted roles before they discover who they are, Al Kuwari chose to unbend all that was hoisted upon her by tradition and society. A certified coach, TEDx speaker, and author of Back to THAT, she has become a guiding voice for self-actualisation in a region where identity is often prescribed before it is understood. Her work is not just a career. It is a calling: To help Arab and Muslim women navigate the maze of societal roles and cultural expectations, and return to the essence of who they truly are. Al Kuwari, whose early years were spent in the US, was raised for the most part in Qatar and it was here that she began to sense there was more to her personality and purpose than what had been predetermined by societal norms. 'This combination, even though it might have started as a culture clash for me, taught me how much of our identity is shaped for us, not by us,' she says with the clarity of someone who now knows both what she wants from life and what she hopes to give back to it. That inner friction between who we are expected to be and who we truly are, she adds, became the very foundation of her life's work. She staunchly believes that a woman's personal growth must be both respectful of her roots and revolutionary in spirit. From this insight emerged a coaching framework that gave women full agency over their lives — helping them unlearn what no longer serves them and pick again from new options, this time with intention. 'Helping them to choose what aligns with their true selves, their values, their faith, and their vision for the life they want, that's my objective now,' she says with a conviction that bears the quiet power of someone who has walked through the darkness and now holds a torch for others. It was this desire to help women who had the power and potential but lacked a roadmap to retrace their way back to authenticity that led her to write her Back to THAT. The journey hadn't been easy for Al Kuwari. She had to confront resistance from all quarters, starting from her immediate family to extended segments of her relations, to whom her endeavours were not only new but also a bit radical. But in time, they were convinced that she was on a path to improve lives of women in the region, and that it didn't come at the cost of giving up traditional values and religious compliances. What she was seeking to achieve was to allow women to tap into their potential that they kept under wraps for long, and letting them find their own place in the world. She held space for them, not to rebel, but to reclaim; to come back to their own centre after years of surrendering their desires to societal dictates and generational expectations. Her coaching wasn't about defiance; it was about alignment; about helping women step into their power without veering out of their truth. In Back to THAT, she offers more than self-help strategies. She offers companionship through guided reflections, value-based practices, and gentle prompts that nudge women towards clarity. 'It's not just about awareness,' she says. 'It's about the action you take when you create that awareness.' The book thus becomes a conversation between the reader and her forgotten self, and a manual for her to follow to fruition. Al Kuwari believes that true societal transformation must begin with women, who form the foundation of families and communities. She sees women as the origin point of generational influence — first as wives, then as mothers and grandmothers — and therefore considers their empowerment essential to lasting change. There are women who recognise the limitations placed on them by society, but lack the courage to act. And there are others who are willing to break the mould and redraw the contours of their lives, but don't know where to begin. It's the latter who find in Al Kuwari's guidance a valuable and feasible formula to empowerment. In a world where external validation often dictates identity, she gently turns women inward, helping them tap into their inner reserves and claim their rightful place in society, and in their personal and professional spheres. She teaches them how to draw boundaries not as lines of defence, but as spaces of becoming personal sanctuaries where they can rise, perform, and unlock parts of themselves they never knew existed. Yet, this journey is far from easy, she reveals. Most women who come to her grapple with deeply ingrained mindsets and limitations that have long shaped their sense of self. The biggest challenge, she says, is guilt for wanting more, for choosing themselves and for not conforming to deep-set conditioning. 'This guilt and emotional tug-of-war can keep women stuck in survival mode. In my coaching work, I help them name those emotions, confront them with compassion, and take small, courageous steps toward what truly matters to them.' To guide them from 'performance to presence' and assure them that their struggles are neither unique nor isolating, Al Kuwari founded the 'You're Not Alone' community — a space for like-minded women to gather, share stories, engage in meaningful conversations, and hold one another accountable. It's here that support transforms into strength, and individual narratives of self-doubt are rewritten into collective affirmations of worth, courage, and purpose. 'That's the magic of collective support; it normalises growth and gives you mirrors to your own strength. Women from the community have come together to collaborate for projects, and some have found their best friends from the community,' she reflects with a pride becoming of someone who holds the distinction of being the first Qatari woman to lead the International Coaching Federation Chapter in Doha (ICFD). The many awards and recognitions that have come her way may have amplified her voice and broadened her reach, but Al Kuwari doesn't let them define her worth. To her, they are instruments of visibility meant to shine light on the work she does, the message she carries and the countless women who find themselves reflected in her story. The accolades are, above all, a responsibility, a reminder to stay accountable to the purpose that drives her. Her remarkable journey from a perplexed young woman unsure of her path to a visionary leader for Arab and Muslim women across the Middle East underscores one truth: self-actualisation isn't a luxury. 'It's the fulfillment of our purpose. I always say God has created each and every one of us with a sole purpose to achieve in this world before our time is up. When we deny that need, we shrink, we settle, we live on survival mode. But when we honour it, we expand, we create, we become; and that's the ultimate goal.' Al Kuwari is now focused on building an international digital community for Arab and Muslim women, expanding the reach of her book so that it may serve as a beacon for those ready to take a transformative step forward, and scaling her coaching programmes globally. She also plans to certify future coaches through a self-created methodology rooted in cultural awareness and human-centred growth. As life coaching continues to evolve in the region, she envisions it becoming a profound tool for healing, growth, and leadership — one grounded not in western models, but in personal values and local identity. Her mission is clear: to give women the tools to shape the lives they yearn for, and to enable them to become the protagonists of their own powerful stories. As she affirms, such initiatives will grow more culturally aligned, and 'more Arab women will rise — not just as clients of change, but as creators of it.'
Arabian Business
05-05-2025
- Arabian Business
Dubai's iACCEL GBI, Ignyte partner to boost UAE startup ecosystem with global access
iACCEL Gulf Business Incubator (iACCEL GBI), a leading go-to-market accelerator launched under the patronage of Dubai SME, announced a strategic partnership with Ignyte, a leading global startup ecosystem that empowers founders, to strengthen the UAE's innovation landscape. The two will collaborate to offer an integrated pathway for high-potential startups to gain access to worldclass mentors and investor visibility, access cross-border networks, and scale across international markets, iACCEL GBI said. The collaboration will see portfolio startups from both ecosystems benefiting from increased visibility, growth support, and regional access. Startups under Ignyte will be able to leverage iACCEL GBI's core strengths in structured go-to-market acceleration and market entry, while iACCEL GBI associates will gain access to Ignyte's investor network, corporate partnerships, and more than 250 marketplace offers, the two organisations said. A phased onboarding of iACCEL GBI startups onto the Ignyte platform is currently underway and will continue in the coming weeks, the Dubai-based accelerator said. Aligned with the UAE's broader vision to establish itself as a global hub for entrepreneurship and innovation, the partnership reinforces iACCEL GBI's commitment to building a robust startup ecosystem across the UAE and wider GCC, it added. Deepak Ahuja, Co-founder and CEO of iACCEL GBI, said the partnership with Ignyte represents a major step forward in the accelerator's mission to empower startups with the resources, global exposure, and mentorship they need to scale successfully. 'By integrating our cohorts into Ignyte's expansive ecosystem, our startups will be equipped with the tools necessary to grow both locally and internationally,' he said. Mohammad Alblooshi, CEO of DIFC Innovation Hub, said: 'At Ignyte, we are proud to partner with iACCEL GBI to empower the next generation of high-potential startups at this pivotal moment in UAE's innovation journey.' 'This synergistic partnership brings together iACCEL GBI's expertise in empowering local startups with global opportunities and Ignyte's extensive network and cross-border connections, creating the ideal launchpad for regional startups to scale in and beyond the Middle East,' he said. Over the last two years, iACCEL GBI has steadily emerged as a critical launchpad for international startups, providing tailored market-entry and expansion strategies for scaling in the Middle East. Through the partnership with Ignyte, iACCEL GBI aims to accelerate that impact by creating long-term and cross-platform value. The announcement also comes at a time when the UAE's startup landscape is experiencing extraordinary momentum. In 2024 alone, Dubai saw a 120 per cent increase in digital startups, a testament to the emirate's consistent push to attract global innovators, iACCEL GBI said. Venture capital and private equity funding in the UAE is expected to more than triple, reaching $2.5 billion in 2025 – a reflection of investor confidence and the growing appetite for scalable, tech-led ventures in the Middle East.
Khaleej Times
19-03-2025
- Khaleej Times
iACCEL GBI welcomes Dhruv Verma as strategic growth advisor to empower startups across MENA
iACCEL Gulf Business Incubator (iACCEL GBI), a leading go-to-market accelerator launched under the patronage of Dubai SME, is pleased to onboard Dhruv Verma, founder and CEO of Thriwe, as strategic growth advisor. This appointment reinforces iACCEL GBI's commitment to fostering a thriving startup ecosystem across the UAE and MENA region, by bringing in successful entrepreneurs, established thought leaders and Intellectual Capital. A visionary entrepreneur and a Tedx speaker, Verma brings extensive expertise in consumer engagement and scaling businesses across global markets. Verma is widely recognised for his success with GolfLan and his innovative, customer-centric approach to business. His proactive and growth-driven mindset has been instrumental in transforming his golf-focused venture into Thriwe, a leading loyalty and benefits platform catering to a diverse audience. Under his leadership, Thriwe has expanded its reach beyond golf and sports, offering tailored solutions across lifestyle, wellness, travel, dining, and retail. Thriwe evolved into a dynamic benefits marketplace in UAE and India, demonstrating Verma's keen adaptability and strategic vision. Thriwe has emerged as a leading platform for loyalty programmes and customer benefits, evolving from a single-market operation in India to a multinational enterprise with a presence across the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and the UK. This extensive, first-hand experience in navigating the complexities of global expansion positions Thriwe as a valuable mentor within the iACCEL GBI initiative. Under the leadership of Verma, the company's achievements have been widely recognised. Verma has been honoured with several prestigious accolades, including: 'The Economic Times' Most Promising Business Leader of Asia 2020-21' and 'Asia One's Most Influential Young Leader 2021-22'. As a passionate start-up enthusiast, Verma is committed to bringing valuable insights and strategic vision to iACCEL GBI. His focus will center on guiding startups to scale their businesses efficiently, offering mentorship, and unlocking new market opportunities across the region. In addition to this, Verma's contributions will extend to iACCEL GBI's Masterclass Series, which is designed to equip emerging businesses with the essential knowledge and skills needed for sustainable success. He will also play an active role in the incubator's think tank, helping shape future initiatives aimed at driving industry-wide impact and fostering innovation on a broader scale. Commenting on the appointment, Deepak Ahuja, founder and CEO of iACCEL GBI, stated: "We are thrilled to welcome Dhruv Verma to our growing network of visionary leaders. His remarkable journey in entrepreneurship and market expansion is a testament to what is possible with the right strategy and mindset. We are confident that Dhruv's expertise will be vital in empowering startups under iACCEL GBI - equipping them with the guidance and resources needed to prepare for the future and scale successfully." Anishkaa Gehani, co-founder of iACCEL GBI, added: "We are extremely delighted to have Dhruv on board as a strategic growth advisor. Scaling a business can be one of the toughest challenges for any founder and with someone like Dhruv as a part of our Leadership team gives impetus to our vision of enabling cross-border expansion for promising startups, helping them overcome challenges and unlock new market opportunities. His expertise will be pivotal in our mission to foster the vibrant start-up ecosystem of the region and not only guide our startups but also strengthen the regional ecosystem." On joining iACCEL GBI, Verma said: "Entrepreneurship is a relentless pursuit of innovation and adaptability. I strongly align with iACCEL GBI's mission to empower startups and accelerate their success. In today's fast-evolving UAE market, founders need more than just ideas — they need strategic direction, resilience, and a growth-driven mindset. I am excited to collaborate with this dynamic team to help young businesses navigate challenges, scale effectively, and contribute to building a globally connected, thriving startup ecosystem in the UAE and beyond." Founded in the UAE in 2023 under the Hamdan Incubation Program, iACCEL GBI remains dedicated to helping growth-stage startups expand into the UAE and GCC markets, leveraging Dubai as a global launchpad.
