Hub71 Partners with Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank to Drive Startup Growth

Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem, has announced a strategic partnership with Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), a premier Islamic financial institution, to accelerate startup growth and innovation. This collaboration aims to provide startups with expert mentorship, access to commercial opportunities, and a platform to scale their businesses, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for entrepreneurship and technology.

As part of this partnership, ADIB, through its ADIB Ventures initiatives, will identify and support startups aligned with its strategic objectives. The bank will conduct at least two paid pilot projects annually, enabling startups to validate and scale solutions with measurable commercial impact. Additionally, ADIB will offer sector-specific mentorship and share its expertise in areas like risk management, regulatory compliance, and data security, empowering startups to navigate complex challenges and achieve sustainable growth.

Notable collaborations already underway include Hub71 startups such as Lean Technologies, which is transforming the fintech landscape in the Middle East by developing innovative infrastructure for developers, and Lune, which is democratizing financial data to provide personalized financial experiences for users.

ADIB’s involvement strengthens the fintech ecosystem by offering guidance on scaling businesses sustainably while ensuring robust compliance and security measures. Fernando Lopez, Chief Digital Officer of ADIB, remarked:
“Innovation lies at the heart of ADIB’s strategy, and we are proud to support the UAE’s startup ecosystem through this partnership with Hub71. By sharing our expertise, we aim to empower fintech entrepreneurs to scale their businesses responsibly. This collaboration aligns with our vision of advancing financial innovation while ensuring safety, security, and inclusivity.”

Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71, added: “Our partnership with ADIB highlights our shared commitment to empowering founders and fostering innovation in Abu Dhabi. By providing startups with mentorship, financial support, and commercial opportunities, we aim to create an environment where transformative solutions can emerge and thrive globally.”

The collaboration also connects startups to Hub71+ sector-specific ecosystems, including Digital Assets and ClimateTech, linking them with global investors, industry leaders, and regulators. These initiatives are designed to act as a launchpad for startups to expand their international footprint and deliver impactful innovations from Abu Dhabi.

With over 330 startups representing more than 60 nationalities, Hub71 serves as a vibrant hub for entrepreneurship, offering access to capital, markets, and a collaborative community. Backed by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and Mubadala Investment Company, and based in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), Hub71 continues to push the boundaries of innovation and empower founders to redefine the future of technology.