Expand North Star at GITEX GLOBAL 2025 Accelerates Global Startup Growth Across 180 Countries

Dubai, UAE Expand North Star, the world’s premier startup and investor event and a key part of GITEX GLOBAL, returned for its 10th edition from 12–15 October 2025, drawing over 2,000 startups and 1,200 investors from 180 countries. With Brazil as the official Country Partner and first time participants from Ecuador and Chile, the event reaffirmed its role as a catalyst for global digital growth and cross-border investment.

Showcasing its continued significance in the international startup ecosystem, Expand North Star focused on scaling startups, elevating funding opportunities, and catalyzing deal flow across emerging AI economies. With global venture capital investment reaching US$368 billion in 2024, the event provides an unmatched platform for startups to connect with investors, accelerate innovation, and access new markets.

Building Bridges to Brazil and Beyond

As Expand North Star’s first official Country Partner, Brazil was prominently represented, with over 50 dynamic startups exhibiting at the event. Tatiana Riera, COO at ApexBrasil, Brazil’s national trade and investment promotion agency, emphasized the UAE’s role in fostering global innovation. “Expand North Star is more than a showcase, it’s about co-creating the future between Brazil, the UAE, and the world,” she said, highlighting the importance of international partnerships in driving innovation.

New Markets: Ecuador and Chile Make Debut

Ecuador participated for the first time, represented by 22 companies, including 20 startups spanning AI-driven banking to medical technologies. Ecuadorian Ambassador to the UAE, Felipe Ribadeneira, noted the strategic opportunity to leverage Dubai’s growing position as a global AI hub and highlighted plans for a technology logistics corridor to strengthen Ecuador UAE ties.

Chile also made its debut, showcasing 12 innovative service companies across mining, education, finance, construction, and entertainment. The Chile-Dubai Innovation Summit at the Chilean Pavilion will further help Chilean companies expand their reach across the UAE and Middle East while diversifying their exports.

Connecting Startups with Global Capital

Expand North Star’s investor network attracted 1,200 participants managing over US$1.1 trillion in assets, underlining the event’s role as a gateway to funding and growth. Dr. Jorg Goschin, CEO of KFW Capital, highlighted the UAE’s strategic position for facilitating venture capital investment and co-investment in high quality European innovation.

Forging Global Partnerships

Dubai World Trade Centre, the organiser of GITEX GLOBAL and Expand North Star, secured multiple international partnerships during the event with entities including Presight, 28 Digital, ApexBrasil, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia. These collaborations strengthen Dubai’s reputation as a global innovation hub and provide a platform for startups to scale globally.

By connecting startups with investors, international markets, and strategic partners, Expand North Star continues to foster inclusive digital growth, create jobs, and accelerate the emergence of unicorns. The UAE government aims to generate 30,000 new jobs by 2030 and create at least 10 unicorns by 2031, with Expand North Star playing a central role in achieving these milestones.