Unicorn Factory Lisboa and DMCC forge partnership to boost the growth of scale-ups in Europe and Middle East
Unicorn Factory Lisboa and DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Center) – the leading international business district driving global trade through Dubai – have established a strategic partnership to integrate and strengthen their innovation ecosystems, promoting cross-border collaboration, and sharing knowledge and new opportunities for business growth in global markets.
This partnership aims to accelerate the growth of scale-ups (technology companies in the expansion phase) and facilitate their entry into the European and Middle Eastern market.
With its launch scheduled for this month, the collaboration will take advantage of major international conferences such as GITEX and Web Summit Lisbon, as well as joint initiatives, mentoring networks and knowledge-sharing platforms to foster business
opportunities.
“This agreement with DMCC represents a significant milestone for the national ecosystem, creating a strategic bridge between scale-ups, mentors, investors and business partners. The Middle East is today one of the most dynamic regions in investment in
innovation and technology, and this collaboration opens up new opportunities for scale-ups in our community to connect with one of the most promising markets at the international level”, says Gil Azevedo, executive director of Unicorn Factory Lisbon.
Belal Jassoma, Director of Ecosystem at DMCC added: “For some time DMCC has been promoting innovation and creating a favourable environment for the growth of high potential companies.
By establishing this partnership with Unicorn Factory Lisboa we have created a bridge between the two dynamic ecosystems, opening new opportunities so that scale-ups can expand in Europe and the Middle East. This collaboration will boost cross-border business, making the most of our world class infrastructures, sector knowledge and global network to boost innovation and international commerce.”
In 2024, Unicorn Factory Lisbon supported more than 200 startups in their participation in 16 international fairs and established contacts with more than 50 countries, which resulted in 26 international collaborations.
With a focus on internationalisation, the Unicorn Factory organises initiatives throughout the year to support national startups and scale-ups in their development, as well as international ones that intend to establish in Lisbon, providing support for their introduction and integration into the local ecosystem, including legal and tax.
