Animoca Brands to fund UAE startups with Dubai office launch

Animoca Brands, a Hong Kong-based Web3 company, will open its first Middle East office in Dubai to support startups in the UAE.

The company plans to launch funding programs targeting gaps in financing, mentorship, and market access for early-stage businesses.

Animoca’s strategy includes investment, ecosystem advisory, and infrastructure support for both startups and established crypto companies in the UAE.

The firm intends to collaborate with corporate entities, government bodies, and regulators to promote real-world applications of Web3 technologies.

Animoca has invested in over 540 companies worldwide and is recognized for its involvement in gaming and blockchain projects, including Axie Infinity’s developer, Sky Mavis.

🔗 Source: The National News

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ UAE’s growing position as the regional hub for Web3 investment

Animoca’s decision to establish funds in the UAE reflects the country’s rapidly growing significance in the regional startup ecosystem, particularly in the Web3 space.

In 2024, the UAE captured 36% of all startup deals in the MENA region despite accounting for only about 1% of the region’s population, demonstrating its outsized influence as an investment hub 1.

While Saudi Arabia led in total funding with $750 million, the UAE followed closely with $619 million, together representing a significant portion of the region’s $1.9 billion in total startup investments 2.

The country already hosts a vibrant Web3 ecosystem with dozens of established companies focusing on blockchain, decentralized finance, and metaverse technologies, which are sectors where Animoca specializes 3.

This strategic move comes during a challenging period when regional venture funding declined from $3.6 billion in 2022 to $1.9 billion in 2024, suggesting Animoca sees an opportunity to establish presence when competition for deals may be less intense 4.

2️⃣ Strategic timing leverages Dubai’s regulatory advantages

Animoca’s entry into Dubai capitalizes on the emirate’s deliberate positioning as a crypto-friendly jurisdiction with supportive regulatory frameworks.

The UAE has implemented specific policy reforms to attract tech startups, including five-year residency visas for entrepreneurs and simplified business registration processes, creating an ecosystem where Web3 companies can operate with greater regulatory clarity 5.