For international founders, the United Arab Emirates represents one of the world’s most attractive hubs for capital and growth, yet the transition often proves more complex than expected. On February 17, 2026, Startup Grind Dubai will host a specialized virtual session titled “Startup Expansion to the UAE: How to Navigate Relationships, Capital, and Growth.” This free online event is specifically designed for founders and CEOs from the US and EU who are looking to decode the unique “operating system” of the GCC market and establish a sustainable regional presence.
Event Details
- What: Virtual Fireside Chat & Workshop
- When: February 17, 2026 | 6:00 PM (GMT+3)
- Where: Online (Virtual Event)
- Focus Areas: Market Entry, GCC Fundraising, GTM Localization, and Strategic Networking
About The Event
Hosted by the Dubai chapter of Startup Grind—the world’s largest community for startups—this event addresses the critical gap between international business playbooks and Middle Eastern market realities. While the UAE offers a strategic global hub and evolving tech ecosystem, many Western strategies fail because they overlook the importance of trust-based relationships and local validation. This session aims to provide the “ground truth” on how to successfully soft-land in the region, navigate the D33 economic vision, and build a trust pipeline through local pilots.
What to Expect
The workshop is structured as a practical deep dive rather than a theoretical overview. Participants can expect to gain insights into:
- The Reality Check: A breakdown of why standard US/EU playbooks often break in the GCC environment.
- GTM Strategy: Practical advice on localizing offers, adjusting pricing for local cost structures, and securing early validation.
- Fundraising Nuances: An exploration of “Smart Capital” versus control-driven investors and a debunking of common myths regarding “easy money” in the region.
- Ecosystem Navigation: A map of the most effective hubs, including incubators, accelerators, and specialized Free Zones.
- Live Q&A: A direct opportunity for attendees to have their specific expansion concerns addressed by experts.
Featured Speakers
The session features two prominent leaders with extensive experience in regional market entry:
- Sameer Sortur: Founding Partner at SquareCircle Ventures and Managing Director for GCC & India at Founder Institute. With over 25 years of experience, he is a specialist in helping international companies soft-land and grow in the UAE.
- Ada Mazurek: Founder of Pitch Deck Studios and a specialist in startup storytelling. She has supported over 6,500 companies globally, helping leadership teams bridge the communication gap for the GCC market.
About The Organizers
Startup Grind is the leading global startup community dedicated to fostering the growth of early-stage companies through education and opportunity. The Dubai chapter specifically works to connect bootstrapped and Series A founders with funding and a network spanning 150 countries. Driven by the values of “giving first” and “making friends, not contacts,” the organization serves as a vital bridge between local innovation and global tech leaders.
Learn More: Startup Grind
