Flat6Labs Abu Dhabi Celebrates 1 Year Anniversary!
Flat6Labs Abu Dhabi, the first startup accelerator in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, celebrates its first year anniversary since launching the initiative at the Abu Dhabi Media Summit in November 2014. Supported by twofour54, Flat6Labs has helped position Abu Dhabi as a premier hub for launching and growing digital media startups from around the globe.
The Flat6Labs Abu Dhabi accelerator model has proven successful with over 530 companies from more than 50 countries applying to join the program in its first year with hopes of launching their companies at the Media Free Zone in Abu Dhabi, only fourteen companies were accepted into the first two cycles of the highly competitive accelerator program in 2015.
The program has also proven to be a successful tool for seed-stage deal flow creation, as the first cycle of startups that began in March 2015 have gone on to secure more than $2.2M in follow-on funding from local and international investors since their Demo Day graduation in June 2015. Several of Flat6Labs Abu Dhabi’s portfolio companies have been also recognized for accolades and awards such as GitHelp and Sakkini for Forbes Middle East’s ‘Most Promising UAE Based-Startups’, FlipTech for Qualcomm Venture’s Qprize and more from including reputable organizations such as MIT Enterprise Forum Competition and Emirates Foundation 2015 Emirates Award for Arabian Gulf Youth.
The accelerator program developed by Flat6Labs encompasses a heavy dose of mentorship, hands-on support, and feedback for early stage startups. More than 200 mentors, coaches, trainers and corporate partners were handpicked and recruited to work with the Flat6Labs Abu Dhabi’s entrepreneurs during the 14-week program, from one-on-one coaching to making personal connections to investors.
Flat6Labs Abu Dhabi has been also successful in building a local startup community and grasping the entrepreneurial spirit in Abu Dhabi. The Startup Series launched by Flat6Labs Abu Dhabi in partnership with NYU Abu Dhabi, a bi-monthly gathering of successful technologist, entrepreneurs, and investors, has energized the Abu Dhabi community with tangible advice for the potential entrepreneurs. Flat6Labs Abu Dhabi is also developing recurring programs, tailored to local needs, in partnership with UAE universities, government institutions, and community organizations, to provide value and support for potential local entrepreneurs and investors.
Most recently, Flat6Labs Abu Dhabi has launched the third round of applications for the Spring 2016 cycle and plans to help launch more than 80 companies over the upcoming four years.
Originally published at blog.flat6labs.com.
