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Startup Funding At Abu Dhabi’s Hub71 Reaches $871M
According to the deputy chief executive, companies within the organization have generated over $680 million and created hundreds of direct jobs.
Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global technology ecosystem, has raised more than $871 million in funding for startups and created 800 jobs since its creation in 2019, until September of this year, according to the latest figures. The organization now boasts around 200 members, and is contributing significantly to the region’s economy, intending to grow 20 startups into companies worth over $1 billion.
“There was a resurgence in investor interest at Hub71 after the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic wore off. The momentum has been helping the ecosystem and partner network to support Abu Dhabi, which is increasingly positioning itself as one of the global epicenters of technology. There was a huge thirst to get out there to engage with partners to identify opportunities, and that momentum continues to this day,” says Ahmad Alwan, Hub71 deputy chief executive.
Abu Dhabi has invested heavily in initiatives that contribute to technology and innovation, and Hub71, in particular, is helping the country to promote entrepreneurship as the UAE government aims to become “the entrepreneurial nation by 2031“.
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Globally, the money generated by startups is close to $3 trillion — a staggering figure that almost matches the output of the G7 economy — Mr. Alwan said Hub71 had “several initiatives in the pipeline that are being planned with its partners”, which are rumored to include wealthy venture capital companies and funds, with the hope that one day, a local Abu Dhabi startup will become a global technology corporation.
Hub71 is open to the idea of expanding its “bilateral relationships” with partners in different regions, though right now, the ecosystem is focused on helping to develop its member companies by taking advantage of its existing partnerships.
In August, Hub71 welcomed 16 new startups to its platform and recently joined forces with Siemens Energy to support Abu Dhabi’s fight against climate change.
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Ericsson And e& Join Forces To Bring Superfast 5G To Egypt
The partnership aims to deliver fast, reliable connectivity to private users and enterprises while supporting cross-sector digital innovation.
At GITEX GLOBAL 2024, Ericsson and e& Egypt announced a groundbreaking partnership to roll out 5G technology across Egypt, promising users enhanced connectivity with faster speeds, reduced latency, and expanded bandwidth. The collaboration will cater to the growing demand for advanced mobile services for both consumers and enterprises alike.
Under the agreement, Ericsson will deliver its energy-efficient 5G product suite to establish the new network. This comprehensive 5G Radio Access Network (5G RAN) portfolio, implemented through the Ericsson Radio System, is designed to support diverse traffic conditions and site types. It aims to provide reliable performance as networks grow across mobile generations, equipping Egypt with a stable, high-capacity infrastructure to foster digital innovation.
The adoption of 5G is expected to provide Egyptians with seamless connectivity and increased network resilience. The expanded bandwidth and lower latency brought by this new infrastructure will support not only faster internet for users but also enhance industry operations and contribute to society as a whole.
“We are thrilled to bring 5G to Egypt with our technology partner, Ericsson. Through this partnership, e& Egypt will be able to provide faster connectivity speeds, larger bandwidth, and lag-free user experience to our customers, unlocking many opportunities for consumers and enterprises,” said Amr Fathy, Chief Technology and Information Officer of e& Egypt. “With Ericsson’s cutting-edge 5G solutions, we are paving the way for a more connected and innovative future for Egypt”.
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Ekow Nelson, Vice President and Head of Global Customer Unit for e& at Ericsson Middle East and Africa, also reflected on the longstanding collaboration: “Our storied partnership with e& Egypt dates back nearly two decades, with two generational shifts in mobile technology. Like previous generational shifts, our ambition with 5G is to extend e& Egypt’s technology position”.
Ericsson and e& Egypt have collaborated successfully for years, achieving notable milestones in network innovation, customer experience, and sustainable development.