Startup Expansion to the UAE: How to Navigate Relationships, Capital, and Growth

For many founders in the US and EU, the United Arab Emirates represents the ultimate frontier for growth offering access to regional capital, a strategic global hub, and a rapidly evolving tech ecosystem. It can look straightforward on paper but the truth is that the playbooks that worked in San Francisco, London, or Berlin often fail in Dubai.

We are proud to welcome Sameer Sortur (Managing Director GCC & India, Founder Institute) and Ada Mazurek (Founder, Pitch Deck Studios) for an essential deep dive into what it actually takes to win in the UAE. With experience supporting thousands of companies and deep roots in the regional innovation hubs, Sameer and Ada will break down the "operating system" of the GCC and how to position your business for long-term success.

📅 Date: 17 February 2026

⏰ Time: 6:00 PM (Local Time)

📍 Location: Online (Virtual Event)

🎟️ Cost: Free

Meet the Speakers

Sameer Sortur Sameer is the Founding Partner at SquareCircle Ventures, a venture development firm in helping companies soft land and grow in the UAE and GCC markets. He also leads community and accelerator programs at Startup Grind Dubai and Founder Institute GCC & India. With 25+ years of experience, he has helped companies expand through partnerships, market entry, and innovation-led change.

Ada Mazurek Ada is the Founder of Pitch Deck Studios and a specialist in startup storytelling and market entry. She has supported over 6,500 companies globally, advising leadership teams on how to position their businesses for the GCC market, from investor storytelling to localized go-to-market communication.

What You’ll Learn

• The Reality Check: Why US/EU playbooks fail

• GTM Strategy: How to localize your offer, adjust pricing for local cost structures, and build a "trust pipeline" through pilots.

• Fundraising & Capital: Navigating the nuances of "Smart Capital" vs. control-driven investors and debunking the myth of "easy money."

• The Ecosystem: How to leverage the D33 vision, incubators and accelerators, government entities, and Free Zones as strategic business hubs.

Who Should Attend?

Founders & CEOs exploring the UAE as a regional base for expansion.
Teams planning fundraising or strategic partnerships in the UAE
Investors looking to understand the bridge between international startups and regional capital.
Ecosystem Builders interested in the latest trends in the Dubai and wider GCC tech landscape.

Don’t miss this opportunity to get the ground truth on UAE expansion. Secure your spot today!