- Over 1,200 world investors with US$1.1 trillion in AUM anchor the show.
- The event is a crucial link between global capital and emerging AI economies.
- Brazil joins as the first-ever Country Partner, showcasing 50+ dynamic startups.
- New markets like Ecuador and Chile debut, reinforcing the show’s worldwide reach.
The world’s focus on global capital is shifting, and for four days in October, Dubai Harbour transforms into the definitive hub for innovation and investment. This week, the 10th anniversary edition of Expand North Star by GITEX GLOBAL is cementing its status as the largest startup ecosystem gathering, drawing over 2,000 startups and 1,200 investors. Far from being a local gathering, this event is a crucial new pipeline for a venture market that demands global reach, with its attendees commanding an astonishing US$1.1 trillion in assets under management.
This sheer scale underscores the event’s role in accelerating the worldwide digital ecosystem. It is a strategic launchpad for startups from over 100 countries, helping founders navigate a volatile period that still sees massive investment pouring into AI economies and deep technology. The energy on the floor reflects Dubai’s greater goal of fostering 10 new unicorns and creating 30,000 jobs by 2030, leveraging this global influx of ambition and funding.
The most vibrant story emerging from the show is its success in building bridges to diverse, high-potential markets. For the first time, Brazil has joined as the official Country Partner, bringing more than 50 of its most dynamic tech companies. Tatiana Riera of ApexBrasil highlighted the profound importance of this connection, stating the agency is at the show “to build bridges between Brazil and all over the world, especially here in Dubai,” moving beyond simply showcasing companies to co-creating the future between nations.
The geographic spread continues with first-time exhibitors like Ecuador and Chile. Ecuador’s Ambassador to the UAE, Mr. Felipe Ribadeneira, proudly showcased companies offering solutions from AI-driven banking to advanced medical technologies, positioning the appearance as a bold step toward a “truly win-win partnership” with the UAE’s tech sector. Chile’s 12 innovative service companies, spanning mining, education, and finance, further underscore the depth of the global sourcing happening in Dubai.
Expand North Star isn’t just about emerging markets; it’s a key co-investment hub for established economies, too. The event is a magnet for high-quality founders seeking to scale into the Middle East and Asia. Dr. Jorg Goschin, CEO of KFW Capital, praised the UAE’s focused innovation environment as a natural partner for European scale-ups. He noted the potential to “accelerate co-investment into high-quality European innovation” by connecting the region’s strong appetite for technology with its flexible capital markets. This global networking and deal flow are being formalized on site, with key partnerships being signed with entities like ApexBrasil and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, further cementing the show’s inclusive global platform status.
In a challenging venture capital landscape where founders must prove efficiency and clear exit pathways, this level of concentrated global capital is invaluable. The event’s success confirms Dubai’s position as the world’s most ambitious launchpad, connecting the most desired funding with the most promising, startup ecosystem-ready talent from every corner of the planet.
Discover your next partner at expandnorthstar.com.
