10 Slovenian Startups Land in Dubai for an Intensive Market Expansion Week at in5
A week-long market access program brought 10 Slovenian startups to in5, resulting in direct UAE investor access, government engagement, and one company incorporated on the spot.
Highlights at a glance
Bringing European Innovation to the UAE
In February 2026, in5 welcomed a delegation of 10 Slovenian startups, investors, and ecosystem partners for an intensive one-week market access program. Designed to provide direct UAE market exposure and actionable expansion pathways, the program activated venues and communities across in5 Tech at Dubai Internet City, in5 Design at Dubai Design District, DQuarters at Dubai Media City, and Dubai Expo City during STEP Conference Week.
The program covered the full spectrum of what it takes to enter the UAE market: regulatory and licensing clarity, fundraising readiness, investor introductions, government engagement, and live pitching. Startups left with concrete connections and a clear picture of what building in Dubai looks like in practice.
Real Outcomes from Day One
The clearest measure of the program’s impact came within the week itself: LUNNORA FZ-LLC was incorporated as a free zone company during the delegation, making it one of the fastest market entry conversions achieved through the program. For the other participating startups, the week generated a pipeline of live opportunities and active conversations that have continued well beyond the program dates.
Each startup participated in five dedicated one-to-one pitch sessions with investors and mentors, receiving direct feedback on their proposition and guidance on positioning for the UAE and wider Middle East market. An investor readiness workshop delivered by Angel Partner PK Gulati of Angel Spark strengthened regional fundraising understanding across the cohort.
Strategic Partnerships and Ecosystem Access
The program was strengthened by two key external collaborations. Let’s Ventures, an India-based venture capital firm, co-hosted an in5 Demo Day during STEP Conference Week, expanding deal flow and investor exposure for the Slovenian cohort. A collaboration with WHX at Dubai Expo City facilitated a healthtech panel discussion, providing dedicated visibility for in5 Science startups and establishing a foundation for ongoing cooperation.
Government engagement was a core element of the week. Sessions with the Dubai Health Authority, Dubai Chambers, and representatives aligned with the D33 Economic Agenda gave startups first-hand insight into Dubai’s startup-enabling policies and the support structures available to international companies entering the market.
The program also generated meaningful collaboration between the delegation and three existing in5 startups, creating early-stage partnerships and synergies that extend the value of the week beyond the delegation itself.
A Replicable Model for International Market Entry
The Slovenian delegation demonstrated what a well-structured international soft-landing program can deliver: immediate ecosystem immersion, curated investor access, cross-entity TECOM engagement, and measurable market entry outcomes within a single week. The collaboration across in5 Tech, in5 Design, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Science Park, and DQuarters proved the breadth of what the TECOM ecosystem offers to international cohorts.
Participating startups have continued to actively engage with the networks formed during the program, with several progressing opportunity discussions and exploring pathways to establish a permanent presence at in5. The model is now a blueprint for future international delegations looking to make Dubai their next market.