Abu Dhabi-based investment firm ADQ, has consolidated its venture capital activities under a single global venture capital investment platform, DisruptAD, to ease startup access to funding as well as support the growth of startups with high growth potential in the UAE and globally. 

The new platform will operate as an all-in-one destination for all venture capital activities. Its activities will range between investments in startups and venture capital funds, as well as the creation of new incubators and accelerators. DisruptAD will also be responsible for the Dh1.1 billion venture fund, Alpha Wave Incubation (AWI) which focuses on Indian and Southeast Asian startups, and will also manage the Dh535 million Ventures Fund, a flagship Ghadan 21 programme.

Besides the UAE, DisruptAD will also target global innovators across other markets, including the broader Middle East and North Africa region, India, China, South East Asia and the United States. It looks to nurture over 1000 startups over the next five years, and partner with companies and funds working in diverse verticals such as healthcare and pharma, food and agriculture, mobility and logistics, and energy and utilities. 

“DisruptAD represents our long-term commitment to accelerate Abu Dhabi’s innovation ecosystem. There is clear demand for pioneering ideas and entrepreneurs who can respond to some of society’s most pressing challenges with impactful future-focused solutions,” said Mansour AlMulla, chief investment officer of alternative investments,mergers and acquisitions at ADQ. 

The investment platform will deploy “capital into innovative businesses locally and globally”, and provide “strategic and technical expertise needed to transform ideas into fully fledged sustainable businesses that will make a valuable contribution to the UAE”, he added.

The move hopes to develop Abu Dhabi’s startup ecosystem and attract more startups and investments to the capital.

“DisruptAD is built on the foundation of collaboration and provides a unique opportunity for investors and entrepreneurs to tap into Abu Dhabi’s thriving ecosystem and benefit from ADQ’s portfolio of companies,” said Mayank Singhal, head of Venture Capital and Technology at ADQ. “Not only are we deepening the pool of capital for startups, but we are also bridging the talent gap by inviting top-tier founders and young innovators to Abu Dhabi. Fostering Abu Dhabi’s startup community and building new partnerships across global markets will further enhance the UAE’s reputation for championing innovation and entrepreneurship."