Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council and Flat6Labs join forces

Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council [ADBWC] and Flat6Labs have signed a Memorandum of Understanding [MoU] to support women entrepreneurs in the region. As per the MoU, both parties will work together to help women entrepreneurs grow their businesses, fulfil their aspirations, and contribute to the growth of Abu Dhabi’s economy.

The MoU was signed by Asma Al Fahim, the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council Chairwoman, and Ryaan Sharif, General Manager of Flat6Labs, at the Chamber’s building. Representatives from both parties attended the signing ceremony.

Under the agreement, workshops will be organized to introduce the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council members to Flat6Labs’ services and financing programs. They will also receive guidance from coaches and experts to advance their businesses. Women entrepreneurs will be given a platform to participate in the Flat6Labs Ignite program and compete in technology field competitions to win financial rewards.

Ryaan Sharif, General Manager at Flat6Labs UAE, highlighted the gender gap in the startup ecosystem, saying, “There is a pressing need to bridge the gender divide. Doing so will benefit the entire startup ecosystem as diversification will enable innovative ideas to flourish.” He added that Flat6Labs had supported over 2,000 startups over the last decade; over a third [36 percent] have been female-led.

Data from Wamda showed that in 2021, female-founded startups in the MENA region received just 1.2 percent of the region’s venture capital funding. The partnership between ADBWC and Flat6Labs aims to bridge this gap and offer promising female founders the support and mentorship they need to achieve their full potential.

The Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council continues to expand its strategic partnerships with different entities to fulfil its objectives of supporting entrepreneurs, uncovering promising opportunities for its members, and encouraging them to realize their potential.