Preparations are in full swing for the highly anticipated Expand North Star, the world’s largest event for global startups and investors. Set to take place at Dubai Harbour from October 13 to 16, this year’s edition promises to be bigger and more impactful than ever. Organized by the Dubai World Trade Centre and hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, the event is a magnet for founders, investors, entrepreneurs, and corporate innovators from across the globe. Together, they will explore the tremendous growth opportunities emerging in Dubai while shaping the future of the digital economy.
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A Hub for the Global Startup and Investor Industry
Expand North Star has gained recognition as a pivotal event in the global startup and investor industry. By attracting top-tier talent and innovative minds, it offers a unique platform for startups to showcase their products and ideas while connecting with influential investors. This year, the event will feature an impressive lineup of vetted invite-only investors, expected to reach around 1,200 participants. These senior partners from major funds worldwide will have the opportunity to engage with approximately 1,800 startups, making it the largest gathering of late-stage startups ever held at a single event.
The sheer scale of this year’s edition reflects the growing importance of Expand North Star on the global digital economy landscape. By bringing together industry leaders and game-changing startups, the event serves as a catalyst for innovation, partnership, and investment in the evolving digital market.
Welcoming New Investors and Expanding International Participation
A standout feature of this year’s Expand North Star event is the addition of new investors from some of the world’s largest funds. In addition, the event will welcome participants from countries that have not previously taken part, including Azerbaijan, Mauritius, Denmark, Peru, Malta, and Cyprus. This increase in international diversity further highlights Dubai’s position as a global hub for digital innovation and entrepreneurship.
Not only are the investors more varied, but the startup scene at this year’s event will also see expanded international representation. For the first time, delegations from countries such as Austria, Australia, Canada, Greece, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Malaysia, and Singapore will be participating, showcasing cutting-edge ideas and fostering collaboration on a global scale.
Record-Breaking Growth and Attendance
Last year’s Expand North Star event set a high benchmark, drawing in 33,060 attendees, including 855 investors managing assets worth over $1 trillion. The event attracted 1,604 startups from 91 countries, alongside 52 unicorn companies valued at a combined market worth of $663 billion. This year, the numbers are expected to surpass these records, further solidifying Expand North Star’s reputation as the ultimate platform for entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators.
With a massive international turnout, cutting-edge startups, and substantial investment backing, Expand North Star 2024 is poised to be a cornerstone event that will shape the future of the global startup and investor industry. As the world increasingly turns its attention to Dubai’s thriving digital economy, the event continues to drive forward-thinking innovation and create unparalleled opportunities for startups and investors alike.
As Dubai prepares to host Expand North Star, the event stands as a testament to the city’s position as a leader in the global startup and investor industry. With an impressive roster of investors, a diverse range of startups, and a growing international presence, this event will not only shape the digital economy of the future but also set the stage for groundbreaking partnerships and investments that will reverberate around the world.
If you’re a startup looking to scale, an investor seeking the next big idea, or an entrepreneur eager to connect with innovators from around the globe, Expand North Star is the place to be. This year’s event is set to transform the digital economy and lay the foundation for future success in the ever-evolving global startup ecosystem.
