Understanding the UAE startup opportunity with Brad Gerstner and Ibrahim Ajami | E1751

5 snips

May 26, 2023

Guest

Ibrahim Ajami

Guest

Brad Gerstner

Brad Gerstner, Founder and CEO of Altimeter Capital, and Ibrahim Ajami, Head of Ventures at Mubadala, discuss the exciting startup climate in the UAE. They share first impressions of the region's innovation landscape and its strategic shift away from oil dependency. The duo highlights opportunities for U.S. investors, focusing on integrating AI and fintech advancements. They reveal how partnerships and support systems are attracting global talent, making the UAE a vibrant hub for entrepreneurial adventures.

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INSIGHT

UAE's Economic Shift

The UAE exhibits optimism and energy similar to 90s New York or 2000s Silicon Valley.
There's a recognized need for investment and diversification due to the finite nature of oil wealth.

ANECDOTE

UAE's Transformation

Brad Gerstner highlights the UAE's impressive GDP growth, literacy rate improvement, and educational advancements.
He emphasizes the leadership's commitment to diversification and creating a welcoming environment for entrepreneurs.

INSIGHT

UAE's Startup Ecosystem

The UAE is making a coordinated effort to attract startups.
Policymakers, regulators, and financial institutions are working together to create a supportive environment.

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Today’s show:

Altimeter’s Brad Gerstner and Mubadala's Ibrahim Ajami join Jason to discuss their first UAE impressions (1:33), how the country is attracting startup talent, unclogging the capital allocator log jam, and more (19:43)!

Follow Brad: https://twitter.com/altcap

Follow Ibrahim: https://twitter.com/IbrahimAjami

Time stamps:

(0:00) Brad and Ibrahim join Jason

(1:33) First impressions of the UAE

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(11:55) The story of Mubadala

(19:43) Attracting talent to the UAE

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(28:21) The shifting perspective of the UAE and the opportunity it presents

(35:07) The level of curiosity in Abu Dhabi

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