🚀 Dubai’s in5 Incubator Powers Startup Growth with Global Expansion & Fresh Funding

Dubai’s in5 business incubator, an initiative by TECOM Group, is proving to be a launchpad for some of the region’s most promising startups. As STEP Dubai 2025—the city’s premier technology festival—drew industry leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs, in5 seized the moment to showcase its dynamic ecosystem. With major funding rounds, fresh market expansions, and new companies joining its ranks, the incubator is solidifying Dubai’s position as a global hub for tech-driven businesses.

One of the headline-grabbing success stories comes from Hailuo AI, a company revolutionizing how brands collaborate with influencers using artificial intelligence. The startup just landed AED 22 million in funding at the Billion Followers Summit’s "Investing with Content Creators" competition. With this backing, Hailuo AI is setting its sights on expanding into the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, and North America—a bold step that reflects Dubai’s increasing role as a global tech springboard.

Meanwhile, Derq, a smart mobility startup specializing in AI-powered road safety solutions, received a AED 2.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation after winning the "Intersection Safety Challenge" in January 2025. This isn’t their first major financial boost—Derq had already secured investments in late 2024 to expand its operations across the United States and the Middle East. The company’s ability to attract U.S. government backing speaks volumes about the level of innovation being nurtured within in5’s ecosystem.

Since its inception in 2013, in5 has played a critical role in the growth of Dubai’s startup landscape, providing hands-on support to over 1,000 companies, which have collectively raised AED 7.8 billion in funding. Notable alumni include:
✅ Namara Fintech, an Islamic microfinance firm that successfully exited the incubator after a full acquisition.
✅ Tabby, a Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) platform that has gained widespread adoption in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
✅ Detectium, a health-tech startup working on early cancer detection—an industry game-changer.

This year, Framziz Technologies and Neurazon Tech are among the latest additions to the in5 family. Framziz is developing cloud-based AI project management tools, while Neurazon is innovating at-home diagnostic tests for rare neurological diseases. These fresh startups reflect the cutting-edge innovation that in5 continues to attract.

Dubai’s appeal as a startup destination isn’t accidental. It’s the result of strategic government initiatives, world-class infrastructure, and a pro-business regulatory environment.

Majed Al Suwaidi, Senior Vice President of TECOM Group, emphasized the city’s competitive edge, stating:

By taking center stage at STEP Dubai 2025, which was held at Dubai Internet City from February 19–20, in5 reinforced its mission to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs. With a track record of producing high-growth companies, forging investment connections, and facilitating global market access, in5 is playing a pivotal role in shaping Dubai’s economic future.

As startups like Hailuo AI and Derq continue to make waves internationally, one thing is clear—Dubai isn’t just nurturing innovation; it’s exporting it to the world. 🚀