Latest news with #SecondCenturyVentures
CairoScene
31-07-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
Dubai Land Department Launches Real Estate Tech Accelerator
REACH Middle East, launched by Dubai Land Department and Second Century Ventures, will fund and mentor startups shaping the future of real estate tech in the region. Jul 31, 2025 The Dubai Land Department has partnered with Second Century Ventures to launch REACH Middle East, a new accelerator program aimed at supporting real estate technology startups in the region. The eight-month initiative will offer up to 10 selected companies access to funding, mentorship, and a wide network of real estate industry stakeholders. Each participating startup will be eligible to receive up to $250,000 in seed capital. Led by real estate technology entrepreneurs Siddiq Farid and Karim Helal, REACH Middle East is open to startups from a range of industries seeking to expand into real estate, construction, sustainability, or property management. Eligible companies must be revenue-generating and fall within the seed to Series A funding stages, with a focus on technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and blockchain. Participating startups will collaborate with real estate developers, government entities, and facility managers to pilot and commercialize their technologies. The program is part of broader national efforts to drive digital transformation and economic diversification, aligning with the UAE Digital Economy Strategy, the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, and the Dubai Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033. These initiatives aim to contribute more than $27 billion to the national economy.
Arabian Business
30-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Dubai Land Department in partnership with Second Century Ventures launch REACH Middle East
Dubai Land Department has partnered with Second Century Ventures to launch REACH Middle East, a real estate technology accelerator designed to transform the sector across the region. Officially opening applications for its first cohort in 2025, the program is inviting startups from all industries to apply. The initiative is led by PropTech (Property Technology) pioneers Siddiq Farid and Karim Helal, and marks a significant step in aligning the region's property market with global advancements in digital technology. REACH Middle East is structured as an eight-month, high-impact accelerator program that will select up to 10 promising startups. Chosen participants will gain access to funding, mentorship, pilot opportunities, and connections that can help them scale both regionally and internationally. Each selected startup may receive up to $250,000 in seed capital and will be introduced to strategic investors, paving the way for follow-on funding. Dubai launches regional proptech innovation hub The program is not limited to traditional real estate startups. Instead, it encourages applications from companies using emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, the IoT, and blockchain, with the potential to impact real estate, construction, sustainability, or property management. Revenue-generating startups between the seed and Series A stages are especially encouraged to apply. In addition to financial investment, REACH Middle East is said to offer direct access to major real estate developers, government entities, and facility managers, allowing startups to test and commercialise their technologies in real-world settings. Participants will also receive mentorship from global experts, successful founders, and seasoned real estate professionals. The accelerator aims to help startups plug into a global network of over 330 alumni companies and provide visibility at major industry events, trade shows, and conferences. The launch of REACH Middle East is in line with the UAE's broader digital transformation initiatives, including the UAE Digital Economy Strategy, Dubai Economic Agenda D33, and the Dubai Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033. These strategies collectively aim to add over $27 billion to the economy and promote the region as a leader in digital innovation. The program also complements other major regional initiatives, such as Abu Dhabi's Hub71, the Saudi Real Estate Development Fund, and the NEOM Innovation Hub, all of which support the innovation ecosystem under Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. Second Century Ventures, the venture capital arm of the National Association of Realtors in the United States, is the driving force behind REACH globally and is recognised as the most active real estate tech fund worldwide. Its unique position allows it to leverage a vast network of real estate professionals, corporate executives, and technology leaders to support startup growth. Dr. Mahmoud AlBurai, Head of Policies and Innovation at Dubai Land Department, highlighted the strategic importance of the initiative. 'We are proud to collaborate with REACH Middle East to unlock the potential of real estate tech startups across the region. With Dubai as the starting point, this accelerator will provide unparalleled support to entrepreneurs, fostering solutions that resonate throughout the Middle East and contribute to the global real estate ecosystem.' Siddiq Farid, Managing Director of REACH Middle East, emphasised the practical value of the program. 'The MENA region is at the forefront of real estate innovation, and REACH Middle East is committed to empowering startups to solve real-world challenges. Our program bridges cutting-edge technology with practical real estate applications, driving sustainable growth for startups and the industry alike.' Dave Garland, Managing Partner at Second Century Ventures, called on ambitious founders to step forward. 'REACH offers a unique opportunity for startups to be part of a transformative ecosystem. We encourage ambitious startups to apply to join the next generation of PropTech trailblazers and help shape the future of real estate in the MENA region and beyond.'
Hi Dubai
30-07-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Land Department (DLD) Partners with Second Century Ventures to Launch Real Estate Accelerator
REACH Middle East opens applications for its inaugural 2025 program First cohort members to receive up to $1.5 million in funding Dubai Land Department (DLD) is partnering with Second Century Ventures to launch the REACH Middle East accelerator program and has opened applications for the first cohort of companies. This landmark initiative, led by real estate technology pioneers Siddiq Farid and Karim Helal, invites startup companies from all industries to apply for the opportunity to redefine real estate innovation across the region. REACH Middle East is a curated, eight-month program designed to empower up to 10 high-potential startups with the tools, mentorship and networks needed to scale locally and globally within the real estate industry. Selected companies will benefit from: Direct Funding and Investment: REACH provides up to $250,000 seed capital per company, strategic investor introductions and pathways for follow-on funding REACH provides up to $250,000 seed capital per company, strategic investor introductions and pathways for follow-on funding Real World Access: Work with major real estate developers, government bodies and facility managers to pilot and commercialize solutions Work with major real estate developers, government bodies and facility managers to pilot and commercialize solutions Expert-Led Mentorship: Learn from industry veterans, successful founders and global thought leaders in PropTech Learn from industry veterans, successful founders and global thought leaders in PropTech Growth Opportunities: Unlock curated connections at major industry events, conferences and trade shows to drive market adoption Unlock curated connections at major industry events, conferences and trade shows to drive market adoption Global Expansion: Plug into REACH's exclusive global network of over 330 alumni companies Aligned with the UAE Digital Economy Strategy, Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Dubai Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033 – which aim to add more than $27 billion to the economy – REACH Middle East supports the digital transformation of real estate and urban development. It complements other UAE accelerators, such as Abu Dhabi's Hub71 and regional initiatives under the Saudi Real Estate Development Fund and NEOM Innovation Hub that align with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. By fostering public-private partnerships, REACH Middle East aims to position the region as a global hub for innovation in the real estate ecosystem. REACH is backed by Second Century Ventures, the most active global fund in real estate technology. As the strategic investment arm of the National Association of Realtors®, SCV leverages the association's members and an unparalleled network of executives within real estate and adjacent industries. We are proud to collaborate with REACH Middle East to unlock the potential of real estate tech startups across the region. With Dubai as the starting point, this accelerator will provide unparalleled support to entrepreneurs, fostering solutions that resonate throughout the Middle East and contribute to the global real estate ecosystem, said Dr. Mahmoud AlBurai, Head of Policies and Innovation at Dubai Land Department. The MENA region is at the forefront of real estate innovation, and REACH Middle East is committed to empowering startups to solve real-world challenges. Our program bridges cutting-edge technology with practical real estate applications, driving sustainable growth for startups and the industry alike, added Siddiq Farid, Managing Director of REACH Middle East. REACH offers a unique opportunity for startups to be part of a transformative ecosystem. We encourage ambitious startups to apply to join the next generation of PropTech trailblazers and help shape the future of real estate in the MENA region and beyond, said Dave Garland, Managing Partner at Second Century Ventures. REACH Middle East seeks revenue-generating startups (seed to Series A) intent on expanding into the real estate, construction, sustainability, or property management ecosystem using emerging technologies like AI, IoT, or blockchain with scalable business models with local and global potential. Applications are now open and can be submitted at . Source:
Gulf Business
30-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
DLD-Second Century Ventures' new real estate accelerator: How it will help tech startups
Image: Dubai Media Office/ For illustrative purposes The Dubai Land Department (DLD) has partnered with US-based investment firm Second Century Ventures to launch REACH Middle East, a real estate technology accelerator aimed at driving innovation across the sector. Applications are now open for the program's first cohort, with selected startups eligible to receive up to $1.5m in total funding. REACH Middle East, managed by real estate tech entrepreneurs Siddiq Farid and Karim Helal, will run as an eight-month accelerator targeting up to 10 revenue-generating startups from seed to Series A stage. Each selected company can receive up to $250,000 in seed capital, along with mentorship, access to pilot programmes with real estate developers and government agencies, and opportunities to scale both regionally and internationally. The programe supports the UAE's broader digital transformation efforts outlined in the UAE Digital Economy Strategy, Dubai Economic Agenda D33, and the Dubai Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033, which together aim to add more than $27bn to the national economy. It also complements regional initiatives such as Abu Dhabi's Hub71 and innovation hubs tied to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, including the NEOM Innovation Hub and the Saudi Real Estate Development Fund. 'With Dubai as the starting point, this accelerator will provide unparalleled support to entrepreneurs, fostering solutions that resonate throughout the Middle East and contribute to the global real estate ecosystem,' said Dr Mahmoud AlBurai, head of Policies and Innovation at DLD. Read: DLD-SCV accelerator to drive tech in real estate and related fields The accelerator will focus on startups applying emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, and blockchain to the real estate, construction, sustainability, and property management sectors. In addition to funding, participants will benefit from industry mentorship, exposure at major trade shows, and integration into REACH's global network of over 330 alumni companies. 'The MENA region is at the forefront of real estate innovation, and REACH Middle East is committed to empowering startups to solve real-world challenges,' said Siddiq Farid, MD of REACH Middle East. Second Century Ventures, the strategic investment arm of the National Association of Realtors, is one of the most active global funds in real estate tech. The firm supports REACH programmes in several international markets. 'REACH offers a unique opportunity for startups to be part of a transformative ecosystem,' said Dave Garland, MP at Second Century Ventures. 'We encourage ambitious startups to apply to join the next generation of proptech trailblazers and help shape the future of real estate in the MENA region and beyond.' Applications for the REACH Middle East accelerator can be submitted
