Latest news with #SCVentures
TimesLIVE
10 hours ago
- Business
- TimesLIVE
Innovate Africa: Inside the future – a conversation with Vuyo Mpako from NEXT176
NEXT176 is Old Mutual Group's new growth and innovation arm. While the parent company has been around for 180 years, NEXT176 is focused on what's next, backing bold ideas that can improve people's lives across Africa. Led by MD Vuyo Mpako, the team is working to make a difference in health, education, jobs, financial wellbeing, sustainability and debt management. Their goal is to have an impact on 1-billion lives on the African continent. In our interview, Mpako shares the hard lessons of corporate venturing, how NEXT176 bridges the gap between start-up speed and corporate structure, and why partnering with the likes of SC Ventures makes sense when trying to build financial tools that work for everyone. This is a conversation about real-world innovation, what it takes, what's working and where it's going.
Wamda
22-05-2025
- Business
- Wamda
SC Ventures partners with DIFC Innovation Hub to launch National Venture Studio
SC Ventures, the innovation and venture arm of Standard Chartered, has partnered with DIFC Innovation Hub to launch the National Venture Studio in Dubai. The initiative aims to accelerate innovation and venture creation in the region by leveraging SC Ventures' Venture Building as a Service (VBaaS) model, which provides frameworks, tools, and global expertise to support end-to-end startup development. Through this collaboration, participants will benefit from venture ideation, prototyping, founder matching, and scaling support, along with opportunities for co-hosted events, research, and ecosystem-building programs in DIFC's innovative environment. Press release: SC Ventures, Standard Chartered's innovation, FinTech investment and ventures arm, has signed a strategic partnership with DIFC Innovation Hub to launch the National Venture Studio, a new initiative aimed at accelerating innovation and supporting venture creation across the region. As part of the collaboration, SC Ventures is providing its Venture Building as a Service (VBaaS) model to equip DIFC Innovation Hub with the tools, expertise, and frameworks required to operate and scale the National Venture Studio. This strategic service offering brings SC Ventures' global venture-building experience to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) leading innovation ecosystem. VBaaS supports the entire venture creation lifecycle, from identifying market gaps and validating ideas to prototyping, founder recruitment, and scaling. Through this collaboration, SC Ventures and DIFC Innovation Hub aim to enable government entities, corporates, and entrepreneurs to build bold, tech-enabled solutions addressing regional and global challenges. 'DIFC has a 20-year legacy of supporting innovation in the UAE, and this partnership reflects our commitment to shaping the future of entrepreneurship in the region,' said Gautam Jain, Operating Member, SC Ventures. 'Through our VBaaS model, we're proud to empower DIFC Innovation Hub in launching the National Venture Studio, bringing our proven frameworks and capabilities to local innovators.' The National Venture Studio will target a broad set of stakeholders, including individuals, corporates, and public sector entities, with the flexibility to source clients either through DIFC Innovation Hub referrals or joint outreach. The partnership also enables opportunities for co-hosted events, research, and capability-building programmes to advance the region's innovation agenda. "This partnership reinforces DIFC Innovation Hub's commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in the UAE. By launching the National Venture Studio with SC Ventures' proven VBaaS model, we are equipping local innovators with the tools and expertise needed to create impactful, tech-enabled solutions." said Mohammad Alblooshi, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Innovation Hub. As the UAE continues to position itself as a global centre for innovation and digital transformation, the launch of the National Venture Studio represents a significant step in nurturing homegrown ventures, supporting economic diversification, and attracting world-class talent to the region.
Zawya
21-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
SC Ventures partners with DIFC Innovation Hub to launch National Venture Studio
Dubai – SC Ventures, Standard Chartered's innovation, FinTech investment and ventures arm, has signed a strategic partnership with DIFC Innovation Hub to launch the National Venture Studio, a new initiative aimed at accelerating innovation and supporting venture creation across the region. As part of the collaboration, SC Ventures is providing its Venture Building as a Service (VBaaS) model to equip DIFC Innovation Hub with the tools, expertise, and frameworks required to operate and scale the National Venture Studio. This strategic service offering brings SC Ventures' global venture-building experience to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) leading innovation ecosystem. VBaaS supports the entire venture creation lifecycle, from identifying market gaps and validating ideas to prototyping, founder recruitment, and scaling. Through this collaboration, SC Ventures and DIFC Innovation Hub aim to enable government entities, corporates, and entrepreneurs to build bold, tech-enabled solutions addressing regional and global challenges. 'DIFC has a 20-year legacy of supporting innovation in the UAE, and this partnership reflects our commitment to shaping the future of entrepreneurship in the region,' said Gautam Jain, Operating Member, SC Ventures. 'Through our VBaaS model, we're proud to empower DIFC Innovation Hub in launching the National Venture Studio, bringing our proven frameworks and capabilities to local innovators.' The National Venture Studio will target a broad set of stakeholders, including individuals, corporates, and public sector entities, with the flexibility to source clients either through DIFC Innovation Hub referrals or joint outreach. The partnership also enables opportunities for co-hosted events, research, and capability-building programs to advance the region's innovation agenda. "This partnership reinforces DIFC Innovation Hub's commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in the UAE. By launching the National Venture Studio with SC Ventures' proven VBaaS model, we are equipping local innovators with the tools and expertise needed to create impactful, tech-enabled solutions." said Mohammad Alblooshi Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Innovation Hub. As the UAE continues to position itself as a global centre for innovation and digital transformation, the launch of the National Venture Studio represents a significant step in nurturing homegrown ventures, supporting economic diversification, and attracting world-class talent to the region. SC Ventures SC Ventures is a business unit that provides a platform and catalyst for Standard Chartered to promote innovation, invest in disruptive financial technology and explore alternative business models. For more information, please visit and follow SC Ventures on LinkedIn. Standard Chartered We are a leading international banking group, with a presence in 53 of the world's most dynamic markets. Our purpose is to drive commerce and prosperity through our unique diversity, and our heritage and values are expressed in our brand promise, here for good. Standard Chartered PLC is listed on the London and Hong Kong stock exchanges. For more stories and expert opinions please visit Insights at Follow Standard Chartered on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. About DIFC: Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is one of the world's most advanced financial centres, and the leading financial hub for the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA), which comprises 77 countries with an approximate population of 3.7bn and an estimated GDP of USD 10.5trn. With a 20-year track record of facilitating trade and investment flows across the MEASA region, the Centre connects these fast-growing markets with the economies of Asia, Europe, and the Americas through Dubai. DIFC is home to an internationally recognised, independent regulator and a proven judicial system with an English common law framework, as well as the region's largest financial ecosystem of 46,000 professionals working across over 6,900 active registered companies – making up the largest and most diverse pool of industry talent in the region. The Centre's vision is to drive the future of finance through cutting-edge technology, innovation, and partnerships. Today, it is the global future of finance and innovation hub offering one of the region's most comprehensive FinTech and venture capital environments, including cost-effective licensing solutions, fit-for-purpose regulation, innovative accelerator programmes, and funding for growth-stage start-ups. Comprising a variety of world-renowned retail and dining venues, a dynamic art and culture scene, residential apartments, hotels, and public spaces, DIFC continues to be one of Dubai's most sought-after business and lifestyle destinations. DIFC is a leading financial hub in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, facilitating trade and investment across these regions. With a 20-year track record, it connects markets in Asia, Europe, and the Americas through Dubai. It hosts over 46,000 professionals and 6,900 companies, and is known for its independent regulator and English common law framework. The Centre focuses on driving finance innovation through technology, partnerships, and comprehensive FinTech environments, offering cost-effective licensing, regulation, accelerator programmes, and funding for start-ups. Additionally, DIFC is a vibrant business and lifestyle destination with retail, dining, art, culture, and residential offerings.
Arabian Business
17-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
UAE fintech sector to hit $6.43bn by 2030
The UAE is solidifying its position as a regional and global fintech hub, driven by forward-looking strategies, flexible regulatory frameworks, and strong support for innovation. The sector has seen rapid growth in recent years, spurred by government initiatives, evolving legislation, and rising investment and startup activity. Global confidence in the UAE's fintech ecosystem is reflected in international rankings and the country's leadership in financial digital transformation across the region. UAE fintech sector Abu Dhabi and Dubai have introduced clear regulatory structures through bodies such as Dubai's virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) – the independent regulator of financial services conducted in or from the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) – and the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). Initiatives like the Fintech Hive at DIFC and ADGM's Regulatory Laboratory have played a pivotal role in the sector's expansion. According to a report by Mordor Intelligence, the UAE's fintech market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.56 per cent from $3.56bn in 2025 to $6.43bn by 2030. Lukasz Rey, Managing Director and Partner, Middle East Head of Financial Institutions at the Boston Consulting Group, said that by 2028, the UAE's payment sector is projected to reach $27.3bn in revenues, with a CAGR of 7.8 per cent. Mohamed Fairooz, Middle East Lead at SC Ventures (Standard Chartered's innovation arm), said the UAE has become a regional leader in Fintech due to its advanced regulatory environment, digital infrastructure, and institutional support. He noted SC Ventures launched seven fintech startups in the UAE over the past year, creating more than 150 high-skilled jobs. This, he said, underscores investor confidence in the country's governance, data protection, and regulatory agility. Sabyasachi Goswami, CEO of Perfios, echoed the sentiment, crediting the UAE's progress to strong regulatory support—especially in areas such as open finance and financial inclusion. He acknowledged the ongoing challenges posed by digital fraud and risk, but noted that the UAE has made significant strides in developing risk management solutions to keep pace with the rapid rise in digital transactions.
Al Etihad
17-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Flexible UAE regulations drive Fintech growth
17 May 2025 13:40 ABU DHABI (WAM)The UAE is solidifying its position as a regional and global Fintech hub, driven by forward-looking strategies, flexible regulatory frameworks, and strong support for sector has seen rapid growth in recent years, spurred by government initiatives, evolving legislation, and rising investment and startup activity. Global confidence in the UAE's Fintech ecosystem is reflected in international rankings and the country's leadership in financial digital transformation across the Dhabi and Dubai have introduced clear regulatory structures through bodies such as Dubai's virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) - the independent regulator of financial services conducted in or from the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) - and the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).Initiatives like the FinTech Hive at DIFC and ADGM's Regulatory Laboratory have played a pivotal role in the sector's to a report by Mordor Intelligence, the UAE's Fintech market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.56 percent from $3.56 billion in 2025 to $6.43 billion by Rey, Managing Director and Partner, Middle East Head of Financial Institutions at the Boston Consulting Group, said that by 2028, the UAE's payment sector is projected to reach $27.3 billion in revenues, with a CAGR of 7.8 volumes are also forecast to rise significantly to over 3.1 billion by 2028, representing a 78 percent increase—well above the global average of 5 Fairooz, Middle East Lead at SC Ventures (Standard Chartered's innovation arm), said the UAE has become a regional leader in Fintech due to its advanced regulatory environment, digital infrastructure, and institutional noted SC Ventures launched seven Fintech startups in the UAE over the past year, creating more than 150 high-skilled jobs. This, he said, underscores investor confidence in the country's governance, data protection, and regulatory Goswami, CEO of Perfios, echoed the sentiment, crediting the UAE's progress to strong regulatory support—especially in areas such as open finance and financial inclusion. He acknowledged the ongoing challenges posed by digital fraud and risk, but noted that the UAE has made significant strides in developing risk management solutions to keep pace with the rapid rise in digital transactions.
