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Expand North Star 2025 Draws 2,000 Startups and $1.1 Trillion in Investor Assets to Dubai

Expand North Star 2025 drew 2,000+ startups, 40 unicorns, and 1,200 investors with $1.1T in assets to Dubai Harbour, spanning 100+ nations.

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DXB Start·October 14, 2025·1 min read·6 months ago

Dubai solidified its position as a global startup hub as Expand North Star 2025 concluded its tenth edition from October 12-15, attracting an unprecedented gathering of entrepreneurial talent and investment capital. The event brought together more than 2,000 startups, 40 unicorns valued at over $1 billion each, and 1,200 investors collectively managing assets exceeding $1.1 trillion.

Global Participation and Networking

Participants from over 100 countries converged at Dubai Harbour for four days of intensive networking, pitch sessions, and knowledge-sharing. The event featured dedicated zones for different sectors including fintech, healthtech, climate tech, artificial intelligence, and Web3 technologies, facilitating meaningful connections between startups and potential investors.

Investment Opportunities and Deal Flow

The event facilitated thousands of one-on-one meetings between founders and investors, with numerous funding announcements made during the conference. The presence of major venture capital firms from Silicon Valley, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East created unprecedented opportunities for startups seeking capital to scale their operations.

This year's edition featured enhanced programming including masterclasses from successful unicorn founders, panel discussions on emerging technologies, and workshops on scaling strategies. The event reinforced Dubai's status as the preferred destination for startups looking to access Middle Eastern markets and connect with global investment networks.

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