The 10th anniversary edition of Expand North Star, a key event within GITEX GLOBAL, commenced on October 12, welcoming over 2,000 startups and 1,200 investors from 180 nations, solidifying its status as the largest global assembly for startups and investors.
This year’s event, which continues until October 15, highlights Brazil as the official country partner and marks the inaugural participation of Ecuador and Chile.
As global venture capital investments are projected to hit $368 billion in 2024, this gathering plays a pivotal role in advancing the digital economy and fostering growth in emerging AI-powered markets.
New Participants at Expand North Star
As reported by state news agency WAM, Ecuador made its debut with 20 startups accompanied by 22 companies presenting AI-centric and medical technology innovations.
Chile also joined for the first time with a total of 12 companies from various industries and hosted the Chile-Dubai Innovation Summit to enhance technological collaboration and diversify exports.
Investors Gather at Expand North Star, Major Agreements Signed on Opening Day
Attendees included investors managing a total of $1.1 trillion in assets, underscoring the event’s significant global economic impact.
On the first day, the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), which organizes GITEX GLOBAL and Expand North Star, formed new partnerships with Presight, 28 Digital, ApexBrasil, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia to foster innovation and international collaboration.
These efforts contribute to Dubai’s ambition of creating 30,000 new jobs by 2030 and cultivating a minimum of 10 unicorn companies by 2031, thus reinforcing its reputation as a premier hub for entrepreneurship, innovation, and investment.