Latest news with #DFDF
Arabian Business
2 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
Dubai Future District Fund reports $1.65bn boost, support for 190 startups
Dubai Future District Fund (DFDF), has unveiled a dynamic performance update for 2024 at its Annual General Meeting, highlighting more than $1.65bn in capital commitments and strategic support for more than 190 portfolio companies. The announcement cements DFDF's position as a key driver of innovation, talent development, and venture capital growth aligned with the emirate's Economic Agenda (D33). Throughout 2024, dubbed the UAE's Year of Sustainability, DFDF accelerated its mission to foster long-term value through responsible innovation and community-focused investment. The Fund's impact extended beyond capital, playing a pivotal role in advancing public-private partnerships that align government priorities with startup-led solutions. Dubai Future District Fund Support for more than 190 startups and scale-ups in the city Engagements with Land Department and Dubai Health to co-create innovation strategies Pilots with Nestlé and AWS to drive tech adoption and operational excellence Ongoing ecosystem partnerships through 12 Fund of Funds initiatives Khalfan Belhoul, the DFDF Board of Directors Chairman and CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation said: 'These achievements underscore the central role that the Dubai Future District Fund plays in driving the growth of Dubai's digital economy – one that thrives on innovation and leverages the latest future technologies across key sectors.' As 2025 is officially designated by the UAE as the Year of the Community, DFDF is setting its sights on deepening collaboration across the innovation landscape—from startup founders and global investors to government bodies and regulators. Arif Amiri, DFDF Board Member and CEO of DIFC Authority, said: 'Innovation thrives not in isolation, but within inclusive, connected communities. As the Fund continues to position Dubai as a global pioneer for innovation, we are more committed than ever to cultivating collaboration with partners globally who are also committed to driving future economic growth.' For 2025, DFDF's strategic focus will include: Expanding capital deployment to funds and startups that drive economic resilience in the emirate Strengthening ecosystem platforms that connect founders, operators, investors, and policymakers Scaling impact-driven innovation aligned with Dubai's vision as a global hub for future economies Nader Albastaki, Managing Director at DFDF said: '2024 marked a pivotal year for DFDF, where purpose met performance. We scaled our investments, aligned with Dubai's strategies, and supported innovators driving meaningful change. 'As we enter 2025—the Year of the Community—we're excited to focus on deeper collaboration, ecosystem resilience, and a shared vision of Dubai as a global capital of innovation and opportunity.'
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Dubai Future District Fund supported 190 startups in 2024
The Dubai Future District Fund (DFDF) reported over $1.65 billion in capital commitments and support for more than 190 portfolio companies in 2024. The support came in the form of both direct investments and 12 'Fund of Funds' initiatives, which DFDF in a statement on Tuesday said aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). The figures were released during the Fund's Annual General Meeting. DFDF, whose founding shareholders are Dubai International Financial Centre and Dubai Future Foundation and whose fund size is AED 1 billion, said its efforts reinforced its role in advancing technology, talent, and venture capital in the region. Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy backs 127 startups in Q1 Khalfan Belhoul, DFDF Board of Directors Chairman and CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, said: 'These achievements underscore the central role that the Dubai Future District Fund plays in driving the growth of Dubai's digital economy – one that thrives on innovation and leverages the latest future technologies across key sectors.' Meanwhile Arif Amiri, DFDF Board Member and Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority said, that 'as the Fund continues to position Dubai as a global pioneer for innovation, we are more committed than ever to cultivating collaboration with partners globally who are also committed to driving future economic growth.' Pakistan's tech startups shine at Dubai's GISEC In 2024, DFDF 'went beyond its core investment activities' to showcase how venture capital can serve as a conduit for public-private collaboration and scalable innovation, it said. DFDF invest in funds in early to growth stages, across key sectors in technology that align with Dubai's Economic Agenda D33, including PropTech, HealthTech, LogisticsTech, DeepTech, Circular Economy and Web3. According to its website, it aims to do this 'by boosting venture capital availability through our Fund of Fund investments into local, regional, and international funds, as well as co-investing in their portfolio of startups.' The website explains that DFDF's fund structure is evergreen, which means 'we are not beholden to the 10-year lifespan of a typical VC fund, which allows us to focus on investing into opportunities with various return horizons and take a longer-term view on returns.'
Fintech News ME
2 days ago
- Business
- Fintech News ME
Dubai Future District Fund Backs Over 190 Startups in 2024, Raises Over $1.65B
At its Annual General Meeting, the Dubai Future District Fund (DFDF), anchored by the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), shared key updates from its 2024 performance. The meeting highlighted a year marked by strategic growth, closer alignment with Dubai's economic goals, and steps towards supporting a resilient and inclusive innovation environment. The AGM also set the tone for DFDF's direction in 2025, which has been nationally designated as the Year of the Community. In reference to the UAE's declaration of 2024 as the Year of Sustainability, DFDF reiterated its focus on long-term value creation, responsible innovation, and community-focused investment. Over the course of the year, the Fund strengthened its partnerships with founders, investors and stakeholders addressing real-world challenges, reinforcing its dual role as both a capital provider and a facilitator within the broader ecosystem. The Board of Directors reported that DFDF supported more than 190 portfolio companies through a combination of direct investments and 12 Fund of Funds initiatives. These funds collectively secured over US$1.65 billion in capital commitments by the end of 2024. The Fund also maintained its alignment with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), contributing to the development of the technology, talent and venture capital landscape in the region. Khalfan Belhoul, Chairman of the DFDF Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai Future Foundation, said: 'These achievements underscore the central role that the Dubai Future District Fund plays in driving the growth of Dubai's digital economy, one that thrives on innovation and leverages the latest future technologies across key sectors.' In 2024, DFDF extended its efforts beyond investment, aiming to demonstrate the broader role of venture capital in fostering public and private collaboration and scalable innovation. The Fund published a number of value creation case studies in cooperation with institutions across various sectors, underscoring its expanding function as a strategic enabler. Engagements included exploratory partnerships with the Dubai Land Department and Dubai Health, designed to connect government priorities with startup-led solutions. The Fund also piloted projects with Nestlé and AWS to identify opportunities for technology adoption and business enablement. These activities form part of DFDF's wider aim to convert capital into tangible outcomes, supporting not only financial returns but also operational value, strategic direction and innovation capacity among stakeholders in the region's future economy. Looking towards 2025, DFDF signalled a renewed emphasis on building connections across the innovation ecosystem, in line with the UAE's Year of the Community theme. The Fund aims to enhance linkages between founders and funders, startups and regulators, and regional and global networks. 'Innovation thrives not in isolation, but within inclusive, connected communities,' said Arif Amiri, DFDF Board Member and Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority. 'As the Fund continues to position Dubai as a global pioneer for innovation, we are more committed than ever to cultivating collaboration with partners globally who are also committed to driving future economic growth.' For 2025, DFDF will focus on expanding capital deployment, prioritising investments that contribute to ecosystem development and economic resilience. It also plans to increase engagement across the innovation community, using dedicated platforms to bring together leading founders, investors, operators and policymakers.
Hi Dubai
3 days ago
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Future District Fund Reports $1.65 Billion in Capital Commitments and Backs 190 Startups in 2024
The Dubai Future District Fund (DFDF) marked a year of strong strategic growth in 2024, securing over US$1.65 billion in capital commitments and supporting more than 190 portfolio companies through direct investments and Fund of Funds initiatives. The update was revealed during DFDF's Annual General Meeting, where the Board of Directors detailed the Fund's progress in advancing its mandate. Anchored by the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), the Fund plays a key role in aligning with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) by fueling innovation and strengthening the venture capital ecosystem. Chairman of the DFDF Board and CEO of DFF, Khalfan Belhoul, said the Fund's achievements underline its role in shaping Dubai's digital economy and investing in future technologies across key sectors. Arif Amiri, DFDF Board Member and CEO of DIFC Authority, emphasized the importance of global collaboration in positioning Dubai as a hub for innovation. In addition to financial backing, DFDF spotlighted its value creation efforts in 2024 through strategic case studies, developed in partnership with institutions across various sectors. These efforts highlight the Fund's role as a bridge between public and private sectors, encouraging scalable innovation. Looking ahead, and in line with the UAE's declaration of 2025 as the Year of the Community, DFDF is set to deepen its focus on fostering inclusive innovation networks. The Fund reaffirmed its commitment to building stronger connections between startups, investors, regulators, and global markets. The Fund's continued momentum reinforces Dubai's growing reputation as a global destination for tech talent and venture investment. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Al Etihad
3 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Dubai Future District Fund drives $1.65bln in capital commitments, powers over 190 startups
3 June 2025 14:33 DUBAI (WAM) The Dubai Future District Fund (DFDF), which is anchored by Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), reported a year of strategic growth in 2024, including over $1.65 billion in capital commitments and support for more than 190 portfolio figures were released during the Fund's Annual General Meeting, where the Board of Directors reported progress across its investment mandate. The Fund supported over 190 portfolio companies through both direct investments and 12 Fund of Funds initiatives, which aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).The Fund said these efforts reinforced its role in advancing technology, talent, and venture capital in the Board of Directors Chairman and CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, Khalfan Belhoul, said, 'These achievements underscore the central role that the Dubai Future District Fund plays in driving the growth of Dubai's digital economy – one that thrives on innovation and leverages the latest future technologies across key sectors.'DFDF Board Member and Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority, Arif Amiri, said, 'Innovation thrives not in isolation, but within inclusive, connected communities.''As the Fund continues to position Dubai as a global pioneer for innovation, we are more committed than ever to cultivating collaboration with partners globally who are also committed to driving future economic growth.'In 2024, DFDF went beyond its core investment activities to showcase how venture capital can serve as a conduit for public-private collaboration and scalable Fund published value creation case studies in partnership with key institutions across sectors – spotlighting its growing role as a strategic enabler. With the UAE's announcement of 2025 as the Year of the Community, DFDF outlined a renewed commitment to building stronger bridges across the innovation landscape – between founders and funders, startups and regulators, and the region and global markets.
