Foresight, Female Founders, and the Future - Vera Futorjanski on Building Big in Dubai
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That's not a pitch—it's a reflection. Vera Futorjanski, founder of Veritas Ventures and a driving force behind several of Dubai's innovation milestones, joined the Live, Work & Play in Dubai podcast to share how the city's culture of foresight, inclusion, and speed has shaped her journey—and why it's a launchpad for founders worldwide.Vera arrived in Dubai a decade ago as an entrepreneur-in-residence for Rocket Internet. She stayed for four months—then never left. 'I wouldn't have had the same opportunities anywhere else in the world,' she said. 'I was here at the right time when Dubai decided we are going to diversify from oil and become the most innovative city on the planet.'That commitment wasn't just policy—it was participation. Vera became part of the founding team of Dubai Future Accelerators, a government-led platform that embedded startups inside public entities like Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA), and the Health Authority.'We sat together, imagined a future 10, 20, 30 years ahead, and then scouted the world to find companies working on those topics—be it Hyperloop or blockchain. Then we brought them to Dubai and paired them with government teams. That's how real innovation happened.'For Indian businesses and entrepreneurs, this model presents a unique opportunity—working not around the system, but within it. Whether in smart mobility, digital identity, or urban tech, Dubai offers structured collaboration at scale.Through her firm Veritas Ventures, Vera now helps governments, corporates, and scaleups define future scenarios and work backwards to get there.'It's about leading from the future. We ask: What do we want our preferred future to look like? And then we reverse-engineer it,' she explained. 'In a world of uncertainty, the ability to anticipate trends and prepare for them is not a luxury—it's a leadership skill.'This resonates strongly with India's tech ecosystem, which is also navigating rapid transitions in AI, climate, and urban growth. The difference? Dubai's public-private alignment accelerates experimentation.Vera's initiative Beyond brings together women from across cultures and industries. 'In Dubai, I'm surrounded by empowered Arab women. But in Europe, many have never met one. I wanted to change that.'She curates gatherings with '10 women from 10 different countries,' fostering connection over transaction. 'You go deeper. That's why I love this region—it's about relationship-building.'She notes that platforms like DIFC's Ignite, Female Angels, and E7 are creating space for more female entrepreneurs and investors, something Indian founders can increasingly tap into.'Globally, only 2% of VC funding goes to women. Here, it's even less,' Vera noted. 'Men are asked visionary questions. Women are asked about the status quo.'Her advice? 'Say your vision, even if you're not asked. Politicians do it all the time—founders should too. We need more women on the other side of the table—female investors who relate to the founders in front of them. That's how real change will happen.'Dubai's startup ecosystem isn't just tech-friendly—it's accessible. 'In Europe, you send a fax. In Dubai, Emirates Post replies on Instagram,' Vera laughed. 'That digital efficiency is a game-changer.'Her advice to Indian entrepreneurs considering Dubai: 'Join communities. Don't do it alone. This city thrives on creativity and relationships.''I started as a professional dancer, then moved into politics, then tech. I've pivoted three times—and Dubai made all of that possible,' Vera said.In a city where speed meets scale and vision meets execution; reinvention isn't an exception—it's the norm. 'That's the beauty of Dubai. It doesn't wait for the future. It builds it.'Click this lin link k for more on Business in Dubai.
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