Will Agility Global's Support Fuel a Boom in Emirati Women-Led Startups?
If you’ve been following the UAE’s startup scene lately, you’ll know it’s buzzing like never before. With over 5,600 new businesses registered just in Q2 of 2024, the country is clearly solidifying its place as a major startup hub in the GCC. But behind these numbers are bold steps being taken to nurture talent—and one of the most exciting developments right now comes from a new collaboration between Agility Global PLC and startAD, powered by Tamkeen and anchored at NYU Abu Dhabi.
So, what’s happening?
Agility Global, a multi-business operator and long-term investor known for backing growth across global and regional markets, has announced its support for two major initiatives run by startAD. The goal? To empower young Emiratis—especially women—to become the UAE’s next generation of entrepreneurs.
Let’s start with the University Student Entrepreneurship Program. This initiative is designed to guide up to 20 students from NYUAD and other UAE universities through the nuts and bolts of starting a business. Think hands-on training in spotting market gaps, building viable business models, and creating MVPs (minimum viable products). Agility Global’s backing ensures that these students don’t just learn theory—they get practical, real-world insights into entrepreneurship, directly from experienced mentors.
But that’s not all.
In a powerful move to support gender diversity in entrepreneurship, Agility Global is also throwing its weight behind the Impact Hub for Emirati Women Achievers, a first-of-its-kind program that runs from February to August 2025. It’s built to uplift visionary Emirati women in business—offering expert coaching, leadership training, and opportunities to join both digital and in-person forums for networking and collaboration.
Why does this matter?
Because while women entrepreneurs are on the rise in the UAE—Mastercard reports that 84 percent of women here are considering launching their own business—challenges remain. A recent Visa study shows that 57 percent of women-led businesses in the UAE still rely on personal funding. That’s where the Impact Hub becomes critical: giving women the tools, support systems, and access to networks they need to thrive, especially in industries that align with Agility Global’s strategic interests.
Frank Clary, Vice President of Sustainability at Agility Global, summed it up well:
“Entrepreneurship is a powerful driver of economic diversification, innovation, and sustainable development. By supporting startAD’s programs, we are investing in the next generation of Emirati entrepreneurs—both university students and women business leaders—who will shape the future of the UAE’s knowledge economy.”
On the ground, startAD is doing incredible work. Since its launch in 2016 by Tamkeen in partnership with NYU Abu Dhabi, the platform has played a crucial role in helping early-stage startups grow—connecting them to global markets and ensuring their solutions are commercially viable. It’s all part of a bigger picture: aligning with the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 and driving the UAE toward a more innovation-led, knowledge-based economy.
Ashwin Joshi, Director of startAD, emphasised the impact of this partnership with Agility:
“With 77.6 percent of women-owned businesses led by entrepreneurs under 40 and venture funding in the UAE set to surpass US$2 billion by the end of 2024, our work together will accelerate innovation and long-term growth in the region.”
In essence, what we’re seeing is more than just corporate sponsorship—it’s a meaningful investment in human capital. Agility Global and startAD are not just backing ideas; they’re backing people. And those people—young, visionary Emiratis—are going to be the ones writing the next chapter in the UAE’s economic story.
