iACCEL GBI & Ignyte launch Strategic Collaboration to Enhance Global Startup Ecosystem 

iACCEL Gulf Business Incubator (iACCEL GBI), a leading go-to-market accelerator launched under the patronage of Dubai SME, has entered a strategic partnership with Ignyte, a leading global start-up ecosystem that empowers founders. The collaboration marks a significant step forward in strengthening the UAE’s innovation landscape, offering an integrated pathway for high-potential startups to gain access to worldclass mentors and investor visibility, access cross-border networks, and scale across international markets.

Aligned with the UAE’s broader vision to establish itself as a global hub for entrepreneurship and innovation, the partnership reinforces iACCEL GBI’s commitment to building a robust startup ecosystem across the UAE and wider GCC. Over the last two years, iACCEL GBI has steadily emerged as a critical launchpad for international startups, providing tailored market-entry and expansion strategies for scaling in the Middle East. Through this partnership, iACCEL GBI aims to accelerate that impact by creating long-term, cross-platform value with Ignyte.

The collaboration will see portfolio startups from both ecosystems benefiting from increased visibility, growth support, and regional access. Startups under Ignyte will be able to leverage iACCEL GBI’s core strengths in structured go-to-market acceleration and market entry, while iACCEL GBI associates will gain access to Ignyte’s investor network, corporate partnerships, and more than 250 market place offers. A phased onboarding of iACCEL GBI startups onto the Ignyte platform is currently underway and will continue in the coming weeks.

This announcement also comes at a time when the UAE’s startup landscape is experiencing extraordinary momentum. In 2024 alone, Dubai saw a 120% increase in digital startups, a testament to the emirate’s consistent push to attract global innovators. Venture capital and private equity funding in the UAE is expected to more than triple, reaching $2.5 billion in 2025; a reflection of investor confidence and the growing appetite for scalable, tech-led ventures in the Middle East. As the ecosystem matures, iACCEL GBI continues to engage with key public and private stakeholders, including Dubai Chamber of Commerce and The National Incubator, to create sustainable growth for early-stage companies across the region.

Through Ignyte’s platform, startups affiliated with iACCEL GBI will enter a dynamic entrepreneurial community that fosters cross-industry collaboration and knowledge sharing. The partnership will enable them to engage with leading enterprises, investors, and seasoned mentors while also participating in exclusive pitch events, competitions, and industry challenges. Since its launch in October 2024 under the directive of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, and Chairman of the Higher Committee for Future Technology and Digital Economy, Ignyte has rapidly positioned itself as a leading global startup ecosystem that empowers founders as a digital hub for innovation, investment, and entrepreneurship, it provides access to world-class mentors, investors, and exclusive marketplace offers and resources from leading corporates and industry partners. Ignyte aims to transform the start-up landscape and position the region as a global centre for innovation and business acceleration. 

Deepak Ahuja, Co-founder and CEO of iACCEL GBI, emphasized the significance of the collaboration, stating, “Our partnership with Ignyte represents a major step forward in our mission to empower startups with the resources, global exposure, and mentorship they need to scale successfully. By integrating our cohorts into Ignyte’s expansive ecosystem, our startups will be equipped with the tools necessary to grow both locally and internationally. This collaboration reinforces our commitment to strengthening the UAE’s position as a launchpad for startups with global ambitions.”

Anishkaa Gehani, Co-founder of iACCEL GBI, added, “The UAE’s startup landscape is evolving rapidly, and global connectivity is essential for sustained growth. Ignyte’s platform will serve as a catalyst in accelerating the expansion of our startups, bridging local innovation with international opportunities. By combining iACCEL GBI’s ecosystem expertise with Ignyte’s reach, we are laying the groundwork for a new wave of entrepreneurial success.”

Mohammad Alblooshi, CEO of DIFC Innovation Hub, stated, "At Ignyte, we are proud to partner with iACCEL GBI to empower the next generation of high-potential startups at this pivotal moment in UAE's innovation journey. This synergistic partnership brings together iACCEL GBI's expertise in empowering local startups with global opportunities and Ignyte's extensive network and cross-border connections, creating the ideal launchpad for regional startups to scale in and beyond the Middle East.”

As a key stakeholder in the Middle East’s startup ecosystem, iACCEL GBI remains focused on delivering integrated support for high-potential ventures - from incubation through to venture building. By working closely with strategic partners such as Ignyte and leveraging Dubai’s role as a gateway to regional growth, iACCEL GBI is well-positioned to contribute to the next wave of innovation-led economic development across the UAE and beyond.