ADIO and ADQ join forces to spur investment in Abu Dhabi’s startup ecosystem

Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and ADQ today announced a new collaboration to further strengthen Abu Dhabi’s digital economy and startup ecosystem, including transferring the Ventures Fund, a flagship Ghadan 21 initiative, to ADQ.

As part of their collaboration, ADQ and ADIO will also create winning propositions for companies using a combination of equity investments and incentives. ADQ will be responsible for driving equity investments in early-stage companies and venture capital (VC) funds, while ADIO will oversee the management of incentives and other forms of support.

Together, the value proposition will help companies take advantage of Abu Dhabi’s exceptional digital infrastructure, advanced regulatory frameworks and R&D initiatives.

ADIO has transferred to ADQ the Ventures Fund, which was set up through Ghadan 21, Abu Dhabi’s accelerator programme, driving the emirate’s development through investing in business, innovation and people.

The AED 535 million fund invests in startups and VC funds that spur Abu Dhabi’s innovation efforts and help build out its early stage ecosystem. The aim is to ensure the emirate continues to be a welcoming home for innovation and a place where entrepreneurs can confidently realise their commercial and creative vision.