From 12-15 October 2025, Dubai Harbour will host the 10th anniversary edition of Expand North Star, the world’s largest gathering of startups and investors. Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre and hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, this year’s milestone event underscores how Dubai is positioning itself at the crossroads of global entrepreneurship.
A record level of venture capital was raised in Europe in 2024, reflecting a long-term growth trajectory and a rebound from the downturn experienced in 2023. Yet founders face persistent challenges such as slower growth, increased competition for funding and the complexity of scaling across multiple jurisdictions. As the digital economy evolves, new markets outside Europe could become critical to long-term success.
A growing global hub
Last year, Expand North Star brought together over 1,800 startups and 1,200 investors from 100+ countries, generating 13k investor meetings.
The 2024 edition welcomed the largest European presence to date, with 350 startups showcasing their solutions to an audience of 70k visitors, showing the demand from European founders to connect with opportunities outside of the continent.
Capital meets innovation
In 2024, more than 1,200 investors collectively managing over $1trn in assets participated in the event.
Alongside venture firms and angel networks, Dubai is also increasingly attracting family offices and institutional backers who are keen to tap into Europe’s pipeline of fast-growing companies. For founders, this can translate into access not only to capital but to strategic corporate partnerships.
A platform for emerging sectors
Expand North Star continues to evolve with the market. The 2025 edition introduces five new features: ScaleX for scaleups, a consumer tech zone, a green impact track, the Deeptech MEA Summit and the Digital Assets Forum. Together, these initiatives aim to reflect the innovation priorities shaping the next decade, from climate tech to AI and fintech infrastructure.
Why it matters for Europe
For European founders, Dubai offers more than a conference stage. Ranked #1 globally for Greenfield FDI projects (foreign direct investment where a company or investor builds a new operation from scratch in a foreign country) four years running, the city can provide startups with a bridge into fast-growing markets across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia. By combining policy support, infrastructure and a pro-innovation environment, Dubai aims to actively compete with global hubs like Singapore and Silicon Valley.
As European startups look for new growth corridors, Expand North Star provides a platform that connects ambition with opportunity. The presence of the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy reinforces the Emirate’s commitment to strengthening international collaboration and driving the digital economy forward.
Visit expandnorthstar.com to learn more about the 2025 programme.
