Since its launch in 2016, Expand North Star has grown into the world’s largest startup and investor event, enabling thousands of digital innovators to secure multi-million-dollar funding and strategic partnerships. Organized by Dubai World Trade Centre and hosted by Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, the 2025 edition will take place from 12–15 October at Dubai Harbour, celebrating the exhibition’s tenth anniversary.
The event has become a vital launchpad for global startups, connecting entrepreneurs with capital, markets, and industry expertise while strengthening Dubai’s reputation as a capital of the digital economy.
Over the years, Expand North Star has produced success stories across continents and industries:
- Nigerian mobility fintech Moove raised more than US$ 460 million from investors including Uber and BlackRock, expanded into 13 markets, and is nearing unicorn status with a valuation of US$ 750 million.
- French virtual agent developer Obo secured US$ 20 million in 2024.
- India’s Freshcraft Technologies raised US$ 12.7 million in 2022, while Zaara Biotech attracted US$ 10 million to establish UAE operations.
Early-stage firms have also thrived, with ShopDoc raising US$ 1.36 million, Machbee Innovations securing US$ 1.1 million, and Orgaayur Productions obtaining US$ 58,000 for urban agriculture solutions.
Beyond capital, the exhibition drives international expansion. UK-based Lorien Finance used the 2023 edition to launch its Middle East strategy, while 2024 exhibitor DeepSeek AI rapidly rose to global prominence — reinforcing the platform’s role in accelerating next-generation technologies.
“For over a decade, Expand North Star has been a leading platform for innovation and opportunity,” said Saeed Al Gergawi, Vice President of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy. “Its success stories demonstrate Dubai’s status as a global centre for the digital economy and a gateway for startups to scale from Dubai to the world.”
As a flagship initiative of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, Expand North Star 2025 underscores Dubai’s ambition to strengthen its role as a global hub for innovation, technology, and investment.
