In what is now one of the world’s most expansive startup and investor gatherings, Expand North Star 2025, part of GITEX GLOBAL, has attracted over 2,000 startups and 1,200 investors from 180 countries, marking its most ambitious edition yet.
Hosted at Dubai Harbour from 12–15 October, the four-day event spotlights scaling, investment, and partnership creation across emerging AI and digital economies.
As GITEX GLOBAL itself celebrates its 45th edition (13–17 October), Expand North Star has evolved into its chief startup-focused arm, designed to connect founders and capital at scale.
For the first time, Brazil is participating as an official Country Partner, sending more than 50 of its most dynamic startups to Dubai. Tatiana Riera, Chief Operating Officer of ApexBrasil, the country’s trade and investment promotion agency, emphasised the strategic objective: “It’s not just about showcasing startups, but co-creating the future between Brazil and UAE, and the rest of the world.”
Brazil is home to over 20,000 startups, forming one of the largest innovation ecosystems globally. ApexBrasil aims to leverage the event to forge deeper bilateral technological, investment, and market links.
This year’s edition also introduces Ecuador and Chile as first-time exhibitors. Ecuador is showcasing 22 companies (including 20 startups), spanning AI banking solutions to medical technologies.
The Ecuadorian Ambassador to the UAE, Felipe Ribadeneira, noted plans to formalise a “technology logistics corridor” at the upcoming World Government Summit.
Chile is participating with 12 service firms active in education, mining, finance, construction and entertainment. A dedicated Chile-Dubai Innovation Summit will further support the country’s export diversification and tech footprint in the Middle East.
In addition to opening access to new markets, the show acts as a magnet for leading global venture capitalists and private equity investors – all looking to discover the next unicorn.
The 1,200 investors attending GITEX GLOBAL and Expand North Star have more than US$1.1 trillion in assets under management (AUM) – an astonishing reflection of the shows’ economic impact and worldwide influence.
The organisers, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), struck multiple agreements on the first day with institutions including Presight, 28 Digital, ApexBrasil, and the Serbian Chamber of Commerce.
Dr Jorg Goschin, CEO of KfW Capital, praised the UAE’s investor infrastructure and push for transparency and accessible exit pathways. He reflected that such conditions encourage European and global capital to flow more freely into tech innovation.
From the UAE side, GITEX and Expand North Star align with national goals: the Dubai government aims to generate 30,000 new jobs by 2030 and incubate at least 10 unicorns (US$1 billion+ companies) by 2031.
With global venture capital investment reaching US$368 billion in 2024, events like Expand North Star are becoming pivotal in shaping the expansion of digital economies.
The event’s footprint has grown steadily since its inception in 2016, now placing Dubai among the world’s foremost connectors of startups, investors, and innovation ecosystems.
For participating founders, it presents direct access to markets, capital, mentorship, and cross-border partnerships. For investors, it offers high-density deal flow and insight into emerging AI and digital frontiers.
Next year, GITEX GLOBAL and Expand North Star will relocate to Expo City Dubai with a refreshed format: a GITEX Scale Summit followed by an immersive exhibition.
Recognised as a multi-continent tech brand now spanning 14 cities, GITEX aims for continued expansion and deeper global reach.
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