UAE : Offline, a prestigious private network for established entrepreneurs is extending its reach to the UAE, marking its initial foray beyond India. This expansion comes on the heels of Offline’s successful launch in India, where it has rapidly made an impact within just six months.
Founded by Utsav Somani, the visionary behind AngelList’s entry into India and a prominent investor, Offline is dedicated to fostering a tight-knit community of high-growth startup founders.
The UAE launch aims to further bolster the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by connecting leading founders.
“In 2016, as I started my own company, I was searching for a community of experienced founders to exchange ideas, solve problems, or receive honest feedback. Traditional networking events fell short of providing the depth of connection and insight I needed. Realizing this gap, I founded Offline,” Somani explained. The network caters to founders whose companies have either raised $5 million, achieved $5 million in annual recurring revenue, realized a $10 million exit, or are valued at $50 million. In the UAE, early members include the co-founders of CoinDCX, Hunch, Fuze, Ultrahuman, and Verloop, while in India, Offline boasts members from Zomato, Rentomojo, Awfis, 1mg, Shiprocket, Cred, Noise, and Bizongo.
Offline offers numerous benefits to its members, including exclusive, high-impact meetings in intimate groups of 8-10, led by experienced executive coaches. Members can also enjoy unique social events, access to sought-after speakers, special brand perks, industry masterclasses, and a 24/7 digital community for continuous advice and support.
Somani further noted, “With Abu Dhabi and Dubai leading the way in technology, the UAE’s ecosystem is vibrant with unparalleled energy and potential. This dynamic environment makes it an ideal setting for Offline to introduce its community.”
The UAE’s impressive venture capital landscape underscores its rise as a significant tech hub. Since 2022, the UAE has drawn over $2.5 billion in venture funding, representing almost 50% of the total venture capital in the MENA region, with over 4,000 active startups in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. “This thriving ecosystem, evolving rapidly and full of opportunities, creates the perfect backdrop for Offline’s expansion into the UAE,” Somani added.
Offline aims to address the need for a high-caliber network and specialized support for founders. As the UAE’s tech landscape grows, founders increasingly seek a community where they can connect with peers who understand their unique challenges, access top-tier executive coaching, and participate in targeted skill-building programs.
This specialized support is becoming increasingly vital in today’s competitive global startup environment.
Additionally, Offline will host its annual retreat in the UAE from December 6-8, 2024. Members will also have the exclusive chance to attend the F1 Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi, blending high-level networking with memorable experiences.
Offline has attracted investment from notable backers such as Better Capital, DeVC, Huddle, and Riverwalk Ventures. Since its launch in January 2024, the network has rapidly grown to nearly 100 members in India, with plans to reach 150 by year-end.
As Offline continues to build its presence in the UAE, it remains committed to creating an elite network that offers exceptional support, guidance, and connectivity, establishing a new benchmark for professional and entrepreneurial communities in the region.
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