⬇ PDF download: The lasting impact of Step Conference on promising start-ups in MENA

The lasting impact of Step Conference on promising start-ups in MENA

• Step Conference impacts Dubai’s business environment, providing start-ups access to $9 billion in funding.
• Drowzy, an Egyptian e-commerce brand, secured a six-figure seed investment after connecting with UAE-based investors at Step 2020.
• Entrepreneurs exploring the benefits of doing business in Dubai often engage with incubators and accelerators for support.

Dubai has an 84-billion-dirham (approximately $23 billion) start-up ecosystem, with a spirited and incentivising business environment across high-performing industries. Young companies in sectors such as AI, healthtech, fintech, and proptech, have benefitted from significant strategic and financial support available in the emirate, propelling their innovation and expansion forward. The strategic advantages and extensive network, therefore, make starting a business in Dubai an increasingly appealing prospect for entrepreneurs worldwide. Without a doubt, major start-up and technology festivals like Step Conference are key in connecting businesses with venture capitalists.

This article is part of a series exploring Step Conference, one of the Middle East’s premier tech and start-up events. In this edition, we highlight its influence on Dubai’s entrepreneurial field and present accounts of unicorns that have been part of this dynamic platform.

Why Step Conference is a prime platform for start-ups and investors

The recently wrapped-up Step Dubai 2025, held at Dubai Internet City — the region’s leading tech hub and part of TECOM Group — attracted over 8,000 attendees, 200 speakers, offering start-ups access to an impressive $9 billion in funding. The event also welcomed distinguished investors from companies such as e& capital, Techstars, Flat6Labs, and BY Venture Partners. Particularly, their involvement allowed start-ups and entrepreneurs to pre-arrange one-on-one sessions across various stages, from pre-seed to growth. Hence, there is no doubt that for over 13 years, Step Dubai has served as a launchpad for numerous start-ups in MENA and from across the world.

Major entities participating in Step Conference

Drowzy, an Egyptian e-commerce brand that participated in Step 2020, secured a six-figure seed investment after connecting with UAE-based investors at the conference. This funding enabled Drowzy to expand its product line and enter new markets, exemplifying the impact of Step Dubai on start-up success. Additionally, such opportunities highlight how to start a business in Dubai successfully through effective leveraging of investor connections and company set-up support.

The emirate has a strong start-up scene, further supported by renowned incubator platforms like in5, which have consistently showcased promising ventures at Step Conference through the years. The entrepreneurs and start-ups within the in5 ecosystem benefit from training sessions, funding support, and strategic partnerships, enabling them to bring their innovations to market successfully. Importantly, since its launch in 2013, the business incubator has supported 1,000 start-ups, helping them raise AED 7.8 billion in funding. Among the notable alumni of in5 are the buy-now-pay-later platform Tabby and the eyewear retailer eyewa.

It’s also worth noting that Seed Group, a Dubai-based corporate entity specialising in building strategic alliances with global companies, actively participates in Step Conference. Expert representatives from the company contribute as participants, speakers, or panellists to offer expert insights on specialised market entry strategies, investment trends, and business expansion in MENA. Overall, these success stories highlight how business set-ups in Dubai benefit from robust support networks that enhance scalability and investment opportunities.

Takeaways for entrepreneurs looking to start a business in Dubai

Traversing through Dubai’s business field requires effective planning and encompasses different strategies for various situations. If you’ve engaged with a potential investor and want to deepen that relationship and secure their commitment, keep these key points in mind:

• Send a well-structured follow-up email with a concise yet compelling proposal that outlines your startup’s value proposition, market potential, and financial projections;
• Strengthen trust by showcasing past successes, partnerships, or traction metrics;
• Address any concerns they raised to demonstrate your adaptability and strategic foresight;
• Schedule a follow-up meeting to solidify interest and discuss the next steps; and
• Investors may take time to decide, so maintain communication and reinforce confidence in your venture.