Hub71 Cohort 16 Announced: Who’s on the Venture Capital Radar?

Abu Dhabi, UAE—Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem, has announced its much-anticipated Cohort 16, featuring a dynamic group (Adil Bouhdadi, Harry Glucksmann Cheslaw, John Shaw, Ravi Singh, Raphael Auerbach, Nina Tandon, PhD/MBA, Anthony Nagendraraj, Marissa Huggins, Guillermo Pepe, Nicolás Andrés Loperfido, Ahmed Rostom, Mahmoud Metwaly, Margo Jordan, Anthony Forstner, CFM, Sami Abdul-Hadi, Shumpei Koike, Ahmed Jacob A., Roman Novokhatsky, Cuauhtémoc Weber, Igor Mandrigin, Pradeep Singh, Greengage, Iain Watson Chartered FCSI, Sean Kiernan, Bernie B., Daniel L., David Nichols, Paul Mahacek, Paul-Emmanuel Hervé, Lorena Neira, Anjana Aravind, Haythem Riahi, PhD, MBA, Dr. Liudmila Prozorova, PhD, MBA, MCIPS Chartered, PMP, MILT, Augusto Bartolome, Alfredo Saenger, Theresa Wernery, Cameron Cairns, David Wernery, Sabri TAKALI, Ahmed Kacem, PhD, Rick Fox) of startups poised to drive innovation and set new industry standards. This diverse cohort includes companies specializing in biotechnology, fintech, renewable energy, and more. Let’s delve into the startups and key individuals who are capturing the attention of venture capitalists worldwide.

The Startups Shaping the Future

1. Autone

Industry: Autonomous Vehicles

Overview: Autone is pioneering the future of autonomous transportation solutions. With a focus on integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning, they aim to revolutionize urban mobility.

Key People:

• Adil Bouhdadi – CEO and Co-founder. With extensive experience in AI and robotics, Adil leads Autone’s strategic vision.
• Sami Abdul-Hadi – CTO. An expert in autonomous systems engineering.

Financial Highlights:

• Funding Raised: As of 2023, Autone has secured $15 million in Series A funding.
• Traction: Deployed pilot programs in three major cities, serving over 10,000 passengers.

2. Add Value Machine Inc

Industry: Manufacturing Automation

Overview: Specializing in automating manufacturing processes, Add Value Machine Inc offers solutions that increase efficiency and reduce operational costs.

Key People:

• Harry Glucksmann Cheslaw – CEO and Co-founder. Brings a wealth of knowledge in industrial automation.
• Raphael Auerbach – CTO. Focuses on integrating advanced robotics into manufacturing.

Financial Highlights:

• Funding Raised: Raised $8 million in seed funding.
• Traction: Implemented solutions in over 50 manufacturing plants globally.

3. Capcade

Industry: Fintech

Overview: Capcade provides a platform for streamlined capital raising and investment management, targeting both startups and investors.

Key People:

• Ravi Singh – Co-founder and CEO. Over 15 years of experience in financial services.
• John Shaw – Co-founder and CTO. Expert in fintech solutions with a focus on security and scalability.
• Paul Mahacek – CFO. Manages the company’s financial strategies.

Financial Highlights:

• Funding Raised: Secured $12 million in Series A funding.
• Traction: Facilitated transactions worth over $100 million.

4. EpiBone, Inc.

Industry: Biotechnology

Overview: EpiBone is at the forefront of regenerative medicine, developing bone and cartilage tissue from a patient’s own cells.

Key People:

• Nina Tandon, PhD/MBA – CEO and Co-founder. Biomedical engineer passionate about regenerative medicine.
• Dr. Ahmed Kacem, PhD – Chief Scientific Officer. Leads research and development efforts.

Financial Highlights:

• Funding Raised: Accumulated over $45 million in funding rounds.
• Traction: Successful clinical trials with an 85% success rate.

5. Spontivly

Industry: Community Engagement Platforms

Overview: Spontivly offers tools for organizations to build and manage engaged communities, enhancing customer and employee relations.

Key People:

• Anthony Nagendraraj – Co-founder and CEO. Experienced in community development.
• Marissa Huggins – Co-founder and COO. Specializes in operational excellence and user experience.
• Cuauhtémoc Weber – Head of Product Development.

Financial Highlights:

• Funding Raised: Closed a $5 million seed round.
• Traction: Over 200 organizations use their platform.

6. Mamotest

Industry: Healthtech

Overview: Mamotest aims to democratize access to mammography services through telemedicine, particularly in underserved regions.

Key People:

• Guillermo Pepe – Founder and CEO. Visionary in healthcare accessibility.
• Nicolás Andrés Loperfido – CTO. Oversees technological advancements.

Financial Highlights:

• Funding Raised: Raised $10 million in Series A funding.
• Traction: Over 100,000 screenings conducted.

7. Wuilt

Industry: Website Development Platforms

Overview: Wuilt provides an AI-powered website builder targeting small businesses and entrepreneurs in the MENA region.

Key People:

• Ahmed Rostom – Co-founder and CEO. Empowers businesses through technology.
• Mahmoud Metwaly – Co-founder and CTO. Drives technical innovation.
• Lorena Neira – Head of Marketing. Enhances brand visibility.

Financial Highlights:

• Funding Raised: Secured $1 million in pre-Series A funding.
• Traction: Over 30,000 websites built using their platform.

8. Enrichly

Industry: Edtech

Overview: Enrichly focuses on youth empowerment through educational programs that build self-esteem and life skills.

Key People:

• Margo Jordan – Founder and CEO. Dedicated to youth development and education.
• Ahmed Jacob A. – Chief Program Officer. Coordinates educational programs.
• Dr. Liudmila Prozorova, PhD, MBA – Advisor. Provides strategic guidance.

Financial Highlights:

• Funding Raised: Raised $2 million in seed funding.
• Traction: Impacted over 50,000 youths globally.

9. Vault

Industry: Fintech

Overview: Vault is UAE’s first private wealth super app offering access to personalized guidance from a dedicated financial advisor who’s incentivized to put your best interests first, along with a suite of investment opportunities ranging from customizable diversified portfolios of equities and bonds, to private market opportunities such as private equity and venture capital.

Key People:

• Bilal Abou-Diab, CFA – CEO and Co-founder. CFA Charterholder since 2018 with an extensive career in investment advisory.
• Sami Abdul-Hadi – Chief Strategy & Business Officer and Co-founder. Expert in behavioral finance and economics.

Financial Highlights:

• Funding Raised: $3.4M
• Traction: In less than 12 months of operating, Vault has already surpassed 150M AED in assets under management, grown to over 220 high-net-worth clients, and developed strong partnerships with more than 10 corporate accounts.

10. Chainsight

Industry: Blockchain Analytics

Overview: Chainsight provides analytics and insights for blockchain transactions, aiding in compliance and fraud detection.

Key People:

• Igor Mandrigin – CEO and Co-founder. Authority in blockchain technologies.
• Bernie B. – Co-founder and COO. Focused on operational growth.

Financial Highlights:

• Funding Raised: Secured $7 million in funding.
• Traction: Analyzed over 1 million blockchain transactions.

11. Partanna

Industry: Sustainable Building Materials

Overview: Partanna develops carbon-negative building materials, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of construction.

Key People:

• Rick Fox – Co-founder and CEO. Former NBA player turned environmental entrepreneur.
• David Nichols – Co-founder and CTO. Innovator in sustainable materials.
• Augusto Bartolome – Chief Engineer.

Financial Highlights:

• Funding Raised: Secured $10 million in Series A funding.
• Traction: Piloted projects in sustainable housing developments.

Innovators Behind the Startups

Rick Fox – Co-founder and CEO of Partanna

A former NBA champion, Rick Fox has transitioned into entrepreneurship with a focus on sustainability. His leadership at Partanna reflects his commitment to environmental responsibility.

Ravi Singh and John Shaw – Co-founders of Capcade

With extensive experience in finance, Ravi Singh leads Capcade’s strategic direction, while John Shaw brings expertise in fintech innovation.

Nina Tandon, PhD/MBA – CEO of EpiBone, Inc.

A biomedical engineer with a PhD and MBA, Nina Tandon leads EpiBone in transforming regenerative medicine, achieving significant clinical milestones.

Guillermo Pepe – Founder of Mamotest

Committed to reducing breast cancer mortality through technology, Guillermo Pepe has been recognized for innovation in healthcare.

Ahmed Rostom and Mahmoud Metwaly – Co-founders of Wuilt

Ahmed Rostom and Mahmoud Metwaly aim to empower MENA businesses with accessible website solutions through Wuilt’s AI-powered platform.

Margo Jordan – Founder of Enrichly

An advocate for youth development, Margo Jordan established Enrichly to build confidence and life skills among young people globally.

Igor Mandrigin and Bernie B. – Co-founders of Chainsight

Specialists in blockchain technology, Igor Mandrigin and Bernie B. are advancing blockchain analytics for security and compliance.

Hub71’s Key Contributors

Hub71‘s success is driven by a team of dedicated professionals committed to nurturing startups:

• Badr Al-Olama – Acting CEO of Hub71. Spearheads the ecosystem’s strategic vision.
• Dr. Liudmila Prozorova, PhD, MBA – Head of Partnerships. Facilitates collaborations and supports startup growth.
• Haythem Riahi, PhD, MBA – Innovation Director. Oversees innovation programs and mentorship initiatives.
• Anjana Aravind – Community Manager. Fosters collaboration among startups.
• Sabri TAKALI – Advisor. Provides expertise in technology and business development.
• Ahmed Jacob A. – Program Coordinator. Assists startups in scaling operations.

Emerging Trends and Investment Opportunities

The startups in Hub71’s Cohort 16 reflect emerging trends in technology and innovation:

• Biotechnology and Healthtech: Companies like EpiBone and Mamotest are making significant strides in medical technology, attracting investments focused on health innovation.
• Fintech and Blockchain: Capcade and Chainsight are tapping into the growing fintech market, offering solutions that enhance financial transactions and security.
• Sustainability: Partanna is addressing environmental concerns with innovative building materials.
• Artificial Intelligence and Automation: Autone and Add Value Machine Inc are leveraging AI to revolutionize transportation and manufacturing.

Venture Capital Interest

Venture capitalists are keenly watching these startups due to their innovative solutions and market potential. The significant funding rounds achieved by several of these companies indicate strong investor confidence.

Key Investment Highlights:

• EpiBone, Inc.: With over $45 million raised, investors are optimistic about the future of regenerative medicine.
• Vault: Their recent $20 million Series B funding underscores the growing importance of cybersecurity solutions.
• Partanna: Securing $10 million in funding reflects a growing interest in sustainable construction materials.

Hub71’s Role in Fostering Innovation

Hub71 continues to solidify Abu Dhabi’s position as a global innovation hub by providing startups with access to capital, market opportunities, and a supportive ecosystem. Cohort 16 is expected to benefit from:

• Mentorship Programs: Connecting startups with industry veterans.
• Access to Investors: Facilitating introductions to a network of global investors.
• Market Expansion: Providing resources to scale operations both regionally and internationally.

Key People at Hub71:

• Dr. Liudmila Prozorova, PhD, MBA – Drives strategic partnerships and supports startups.
• Haythem Riahi, PhD, MBA – Leads innovation and mentorship programs.
• Anjana Aravind – Enhances community engagement among startups.
• Theresa Wernery and David Wernery – Advisors specializing in biotech and sustainability.

Conclusion

The announcement of Hub71’s Cohort 16 brings together a group of startups that are not only innovative but also have demonstrated significant traction in their respective fields. With substantial funding and growing user bases, these companies are well-positioned to make a global impact. Venture capitalists and industry observers will undoubtedly keep a close eye on their progress as they contribute to Abu Dhabi’s burgeoning tech ecosystem.