EWA
Accelerator Launch
In partnership with the UAE Ministry of Economy, the EWA Accelerator introduces its groundbreaking “Investment Readiness Acceleration Program” with a Gender Lens Approach. This initiative aims to equip Emirati and expatriate women entrepreneurs with essential skills in investment packaging, fundraising, and establishing robust networks to secure investment rounds.
During this exclusive event, attendees will have the unique opportunity to hear directly from key decision-makers and founders, gaining valuable insights into the objectives and vision behind this pioneering initiative.
The UAE Ministry of Economy plays a pivotal role in this three-month initiative tailored to early-stage tech startups, including AI, Sustainability, and Blockchain. As the exclusive free zone sponsor, DMCC plays a pivotal role as a strategic partner for this three-month initiative. The Investment Readiness Acceleration Program offers vital support to entrepreneurs transitioning beyond MVP, implementing best practices in investor relations, and facilitating access to funding and potential investors.
EWA Accelerator is a leading global hub for early-stage startups, dedicated to fostering sustainable success in the competitive landscape of startup funding and growth. The programme will select 15 finalists who will gain access to global mentors, investors, and innovation hubs.
Through immersive experiences and personalised feedback, participants will emerge fully prepared to thrive in the competitive landscape of startup funding and growth.
Join us in shaping the future of entrepreneurship in the UAE and beyond.
1st Floor, Almas Tower, Jumeirah Lakes Tower
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
2024 EWA ACCELERATOR | All rights reserved
Abdulla Ahmed Al Saleh is the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy. He has 32 years of experience in the federal government. He served at the UAE Embassy in Washington, D.C. and the UAE Embassy in Paris. Additionally, he worked in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister from 1998 to 2000. In 2004, he joined the Ministry of Economy as the Assistant Undersecretary for International Economic Relations (2004-2006), then as the Undersecretary for Economic Affairs (2006- 2008), followed by the Undersecretary for Foreign Trade (2008-2013), and eventually became the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy for Foreign Trade until September 2020, and since then he is the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy.
He is a board member of the UAE Gender Balance Council, the UAE Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain Council, and Member of the UAE Digital Economy Council. He is also the Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Fund for Corporate Social Responsibility, the Chairman of the Competition Committee, a member of the Higher Committee for Consumer Protection, the General Secretary of the Economic Integration Committee, a member of the UAE Tourism Council, a board member of the Emirates International Accreditation Center, a board member of the Arab Planning Institute, a member of the UAE Trade Negotiation Team, a member of the National Committee for Developing In-Country Value (ICV) Policy, and a member of several advisory boards for colleges and universities in the country.
Abdulla holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the United Arab Emirates University (1990) and a Master’s degree in International Politics from the American University in Washington, D.C. (1997). He has also been awarded an honorary Ph.D. in Philosophy from Amity International University.
Overseeing its long-term strategic growth, Feryal has shaped the corporate governance structure at DMCC, fostering the development of high-growth, high-impact ecosystems that increase global trade and investment flows through Dubai. She has been instrumental in securing DMCC’s reputation as the world’s leading free zone, recipient of the Global Free Zone of the Year award by the Financial Times for nine consecutive years.
With a member base of over 24,000 companies across diversified sectors, DMCC today contributes to 11% of Dubai FDI and 7% of GDP.
Feryal leads the implementation of DMCC’s Smart and Sustainable District Strategy and oversees the development of its iconic mixed-used districts of Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) and Uptown Dubai.
As an official spokesperson, Feryal frequently engages with local and international media to raise awareness of DMCC and promote the commercial appeal of Dubai around the world.
Yulia Stark’s mission is to redefine the global business landscape by championing gender equality, inclusivity, and sustainability. Drawing from her profound experience in investment banking, growth consultancy, and high-level governmental partnerships, she is unwavering in her commitment to fostering a world where women entrepreneurs don’t just participate but lead and thrive.
Through her worldwide connections and establishing an expansive business ecosystem with over 50,000 members of investors, founders and business associations, she is cultivating an environment where abundant opportunities and barriers are fostered. Above all, Yulia recognizes the intertwined nature of gender equality and sustainability, understanding that our future’s prosperity hinges on both. Through empowerment, connection, and sustainable practices, she aims to lead in a balanced and inclusive way.
Yulia Stark is the Founder and the President of the European Women’s Association, EWA. EWA is a global NGO, with headquarters in Brussels, dedicated to advancing the economic empowerment of women. Its mission is to create an inclusive and supportive ecosystem that promotes gender equality, fosters women’s entrepreneurship initiatives, and advocates for development approaches that enable women to thrive in various economic sectors.
EWA acts as a bridge between various stakeholders in the ecosystem, including government bodies, corporations, accelerators, women entrepreneurs, and investors. It facilitates partnerships and collaborations that benefit women in business.
EWAs team runs tailor made leadership, entrepreneurship and Investment readiness programs internationally.
Dariia Vasylieva is a seasoned investment banking executive and a serial entrepreneur with over 17 years of experience in capital markets and $2.5 bn personal sales & trading turnover, incl. fixed income, venture capital, and private equity projects.
As a founder of GETVISION multi-family office, specializing in agnostic Web2 tech startups, she provides strategic guidance, operational support, and funding. Dariia is also the founder of Founders to Founders, a global tech community with 2500+ members, and FD CAPITAL, a VCaaS firm redefining the investment landscape in the rapidly evolving blockchain market in UAE.
Dariia has been working with technology startups on an agnostic approach since 2018 with more than 3000 startups sourced and more than 300 in the deal flow and have an extensive experience in due diligence, fundraising and investor relations.
Beyond offering financial support, as a PHD in Corporate Finance and MBA in Financial management with a deep understanding of the capital markets, financial and technology sector, Dariia delivers a comprehensive package of services, including essential funding, strategic advisory, and valuable resources, all designed to elevate early-stage startups and entrepreneurs with a focused strategy to achieve mainstream and growth.
