How Are Startups Like Ziina and Podeo Thriving at in5?
Since its inception, TECOM Group PJSC’s entrepreneurship incubator, in5, has helped startups raise over AED 7.8 billion. This figure represents a massive 163 percent growth compared to the total raised by 2023, showing just how quickly startups in in5 are accelerating this year. The announcement came during Expand North Star, the world’s largest event for startups and investors, held in Dubai from October 13-16.
Majed Al Suwaidi, Senior Vice President at TECOM Group PJSC, said that startups are key drivers of long-term economic growth, which ultimately benefits future generations. He emphasised that this funding milestone strengthens in5’s mission to unlock entrepreneurial excellence by providing opportunities, partnerships, and investor engagement. In5’s global community plays a central role in Dubai’s innovation landscape and supports the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’, aimed at doubling Dubai's economy over the next decade.
Since launching in 2013, in5 has supported over 1,000 startups across technology, media, design, and science sectors. Each area has a dedicated space, like in5 Tech, based in Dubai Internet City, in5 Media in Dubai Production City, and in5 Design in Dubai Design District (d3). This year alone, in5 Media’s startup numbers grew by 20 percent, boosted by government efforts to strengthen the local creative economy and attract top talent.
in5 Science, which launched in June 2023 at Dubai Science Park, now supports over 35 science-focused startups, aligning with the vision of the Dubai Research and Development Programme. This incubator fosters innovation in areas like life sciences, energy, and environmental sciences.
Globally, while there’s a trend of shifting startup funding priorities toward sustainable ventures, Dubai has seen consistent interest in artificial intelligence (AI) companies. The pro-innovation framework, driven by initiatives like Dubai’s D33 Economic Agenda, is creating a vibrant ecosystem where technology-focused entrepreneurs can thrive. A couple of notable success stories from in5 include Ziina, a fintech startup that raised AED 80.8 million in Series A funding, and Podeo, a podcast platform that secured AED 19.8 million.
in5 doesn’t just provide space for startups. It also offers advisory, mentorship, and funding opportunities. For instance, in5 Tech hosts an Investor Hub, a place where angel investors and VCs can directly engage with startups for potential investments. At Expand North Star, in5 is showcasing startups like Grambell, an AI-enabled communications specialist, and Estaie, an online travel agency (OTA) from in5 Media, as part of their strategy to connect with over 1,200 global investors at the event.
Overall, TECOM Group, through in5, has significantly contributed to Dubai's economic development by creating sector-specific business districts such as Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, and Dubai Science Park. These hubs have been key in nurturing the next wave of entrepreneurial talent in the region.
