UAE-based digital investment platform Stryde has acquired Qora71, the region’s fastest-growing angel investment network, and rebranded it as Stryde71. This strategic move marks Stryde’s entry into venture capital, expanding its DFSA-regulated multi-vertical investment platform and strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a global innovation hub.
By the Numbers
- 130+ angel investors in Qora71’s network
- 50+ investments facilitated in just 5 months
- $2 million+ in capital deployed
- $1 million+ additional capital in the pipeline
A Strategic Move for UAE’s Investment Ecosystem
The acquisition represents a significant milestone for Stryde as it enters the global venture capital market. By integrating Qora71’s successful angel network and syndicate model, Stryde is positioning itself as a comprehensive private markets investment platform that bridges the gap between retail investors and exclusive startup deals.
“Bringing Qora71 into the Stryde family is a major milestone,” said Hadi Halabi, Co-founder of Stryde. “Yousef’s leadership and what Qora71 built at Hub71 in record time is nothing short of inspirational. Together, we’re unlocking the next generation of startup investing in the region and globally.”
How the Platform Works
Stryde71 combines Qora71’s community-driven syndicate model with Stryde’s DFSA-regulated platform to offer a seamless, end-to-end investment experience. The platform enables both retail and qualified investors to co-invest in exclusive startup deals while providing founders with a comprehensive platform to raise capital across early and growth stages.
The new venture arm operates alongside Stryde Sports, with additional verticals currently in development, as part of Stryde’s mission to unlock high-quality alternative investments for a broader range of investors.
The Qora71 Success Story
Launched with the support of Hub71’s Angel Investor Support Package, Qora71 achieved remarkable growth in just five months. The platform was designed to unlock greater access to early-stage capital for founders across the Middle East, building a thriving community of strategic angel investors.
Youssef Salem, founder of Qora71 who now joins Stryde as Partner, commented: “Qora71 was born out of a desire to give exceptional founders access to meaningful capital, connectivity, and market access, all powered by a community of strategic angels. In five short months, we proved that vision. Now with Stryde, we can scale that impact exponentially.”
Significance for the MENA Ecosystem
The acquisition marks Stryde’s entry into Abu Dhabi via ADGM and reflects the growing momentum behind early-stage funding in the UAE capital. This development strengthens Abu Dhabi’s venture capital infrastructure and aligns with the emirate’s broader ambitions to become a global innovation hub.
Basma Ahmed AlBadi AlDhaheri, Head of Value Creation at Hub71, emphasized the strategic importance: “Through Qora71, we supported early-stage investors and catalysed meaningful outcomes, facilitating capital deployment into high-potential startups and accelerating their growth. The launch of Stryde71 is a natural next step. It reflects not only the success of the initiative but also the collective progress of our community and our broader mission to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s capital landscape.”
Looking Ahead
As the UAE continues to strengthen its position as a global hub for innovation, Stryde71 represents a new model of regulated, community-driven investing designed to accelerate startup growth and attract global capital. The platform’s expansion into venture capital, combined with its regulatory compliance and proven track record, positions it to play a crucial role in connecting MENA startups with international investors while enabling regional investors to access global opportunities.
The acquisition demonstrates the maturity of the UAE’s startup ecosystem and the increasing sophistication of its investment infrastructure, setting the stage for further growth in the region’s venture capital landscape.
Source: Wamda
