Second Century Ventures and DLD Introduce Real Estate Tech Accelerator
Dubai Land Department (DLD), in collaboration with Second Century Ventures, has officially launched the REACH Middle East accelerator program. This initiative, now accepting applications, is set to support up to 10 high-potential startups. Through mentorship, funding, and strategic exposure, these companies will gain access to tools needed for both local and global scaling.
Led by industry experts Siddiq Farid and Karim Helal, the program welcomes startups from all sectors that aim to reshape real estate across the region. Although rooted in real estate, the accelerator is open to broader innovation, especially where emerging technologies intersect with the built environment. Startups accepted into the eight-month program will receive hands-on support and key introductions to major players in real estate development and governance.
The benefits for selected companies are extensive. Not only does REACH offer up to $250,000 in seed funding, but it also provides pathways to follow-on capital. Moreover, the program grants direct access to real-world testing environments, including partnerships with developers and government agencies. Because of this, participants can move from prototype to commercial deployment much faster.
Positioned to Drive Regional and Global Transformation
REACH Middle East aligns closely with major economic strategies, including the UAE Digital Economy Strategy, Dubai Economic Agenda D33, and the Dubai Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033. Together, these initiatives aim to contribute over $27 billion to the national economy. Furthermore, REACH complements other accelerators such as Abu Dhabi’s Hub71 and Saudi Arabia’s NEOM Innovation Hub, which also support real estate and urban development goals tied to Vision 2030.
Since it is backed by Second Century Ventures the most active global fund in real estate tech REACH brings with it a powerful global network. As the investment arm of the National Association of Realtors, SCV connects startups with over 330 alumni companies and a wide range of real estate leaders. These connections are crucial for startups looking to validate their solutions while also gaining entry to international markets.
Public-private partnerships form the foundation of this program’s long-term vision. In fact, REACH aims to make the MENA region a global center for real estate technology and innovation. As more startups scale and commercialize their technologies, the program is expected to spark significant industry transformation across the Middle East.
Leaders Emphasize Urgency and Opportunity
Dr. Mahmoud AlBurai, Head of Policies and Innovation at Dubai Land Department stated that, “We are proud to collaborate with REACH Middle East to unlock the potential of real estate tech startups across the region. With Dubai as the starting point, this accelerator will provide unparalleled support to entrepreneurs, fostering solutions that resonate throughout the Middle East and contribute to the global real estate ecosystem.”
Siddiq Farid, Managing Director of REACH Middle East remarked that, “The MENA region is at the forefront of real estate innovation, and REACH Middle East is committed to empowering startups to solve real-world challenges. Our program bridges cutting-edge technology with practical real estate applications, driving sustainable growth for startups and the industry alike.”
Dave Garland, Managing Partner at Second Century Ventures noted that, “REACH offers a unique opportunity for startups to be part of a transformative ecosystem. We encourage ambitious startups to apply to join the next generation of PropTech trailblazers and help shape the future of real estate in the MENA region and beyond.”
Finally, the accelerator targets revenue-generating startups ranging from seed to Series A stages. Eligible startups must be focused on real estate, construction, sustainability, or property management, with solutions powered by technologies like AI, blockchain, or IoT. Importantly, their business models must be scalable, and their ambitions should extend beyond borders.
