News

Hub71 Accepts 16 New Tech Startups To Join Its Community

The selected startups specialize in industries including fintech, healthtech, foodtech, cleantech, and logistics.

Published

2 years ago

August 31, 2022

Nour Nasir

Hub71

Launched back in 2019 as a means of bringing together investors, organizations, and strategic partners, the tech ecosystem known as Hub71 has recently accepted 16 new startups into its fold from the USA, UK, Italy, and more to further the progress of innovation and entrepreneurship in Abu Dhabi. The recent news comes as the company plans to expand its operational reach, scaling into other markets along with the UAE.

Over the next two years, the new startup additions will join Hub71’s incentive program that will include large-scale funding, access to a rich ecosystem of academic and corporate investors, and potential government partners. The latest round of financing at Hub71 has raised $467 million overall and will help drive progress in diverse industries, including fintech, healthtech, cleantech, edtech, foodtech, and logistics.

“Our value-driven programs continue to attract high-tech startups to Abu Dhabi that are driving transformation within key sectors of the economy. As partners to over 170 startups in our community, we always strive to connect founders to our global network of blue-chip corporations, government bodies, and investors. With our ability to unlock real growth opportunities for founders, we expect this new cohort to gain tremendous traction over the next few months within the vibrant tech ecosystem that Abu Dhabi offers,” says Badr Al-Olama, Acting CEO of Hub71.

Also Read: Disney+ Releases New MENA Content In September

Hub71’s startups include the Green Future Project, a platform supporting climate projects that track and trace environmental impact, Amwal, a platform enabling people to pay or send money based on their phone number, and Abhi, a fintech startup that lets salaried employees draw on their wages when needed.

In the first half of 2022, Hub71 helped startups land deals worth $700 million in revenues through the ecosystem’s corporate partners. Hub71 has also helped create around 1000 jobs.

News

Popcorn AI Raises $500,000 For “Conversational eCommerce”

The firm’s AI platform uses specialized chatbots to handle entire eCommerce journeys, from recommending products to seamless payments.

Published

6 days ago

November 14, 2024

Nour Nasir

Popcorn AI

Dubai-based Popcorn AI has announced the closure of a pre-seed funding round that raised $500,000 for its revolutionary AI platform. The investment, led by Spring Studios with the backing of Salica Investments, Al Waha Fund of Funds, and prominent angel investors from Saudi Arabia, represents a key step forward in reshaping customer-business interactions using the power of conversational AI.

Unlike traditional chatbot systems, Popcorn AI’s platform is designed to redefine eCommerce by creating highly intelligent sales agents that handle entire customer journeys, from personalized product recommendations right through to seamless payment acceptance — all through a conversational experience.

The clever idea was recently tested to great success when one of Popcorn AI’s chatbot agents closed a $400,000 real estate transaction, handling everything from the first inquiry to the final sale. Early adopters have reported a massive 90% reduction in customer acquisition costs, along with a highly impressive 20% improvement in conversion rates, highlighting the platform’s potential to transform customer engagement across dozens of industries.

Josh Rodger, Principal at the Spring Studios fund, expressed enthusiasm for the project, saying, “We are proud to support Popcorn AI’s mission to reshape how businesses connect with their customers. Their innovative approach to conversational commerce has the potential to revolutionize industries and redefine the way customers experience digital transactions”.

Also Read: Top Free AI Chatbots Available In The Middle East

Meanwhile, Popcorn AI founder and CEO Yousef Al Arif declared: “The future of commerce is conversational,” adding, “Today’s consumers want shopping experiences that are instant, personalized, and effortless. We’re not building just another chatbot; we’re crafting intelligent commerce agents that understand context, recall customer preferences, and guide users through the entire shopping process, much like an expert salesperson would”.

Building upon a decade of experience scaling eCommerce and marketplace platforms across the MENA region, Al Arif has now achieved huge success with Popcorn AI, positioning the product at the cutting edge of AI-powered eCommerce. The platform has also made significant impacts in sectors such as real estate, and hospitality, signaling that conversational commerce is emerging as a powerful new model for digital businesses.