About this programme

Organised by Rainmaking Expand, the GIA Abu Dhabi Acceleration Programme provides tailored market entry support via three phases:

Phase 1: Go-To-Market Strategy Alignment: De-Risk Your Market Entry

Spanning 1-2 months, this phase focuses on working with your company to develop a clear, common understanding of your market entry strategy considering the specifics of the United Arab Emirates market. The process for this is tailored for every company as we recognise that no two market entry strategies are the same.

At the end of this phase, you will be able to identify assumptions on the business model, (re)define the customer segments and the value proposition best suited to them and master a compelling presentation for the United Arab Emirates.

Phase 2: Go-To-Market Strategy Execution: Develop Commercial Opportunities

Spanning 2-6 months, this phase focuses on the execution of the Go-To-Market strategy. During this phase, we focus on connecting with key players within the United Arab Emirates and developing relationships with potential partners. You can expect us to collaborate and navigate introductions which can lead to commercial outcomes such as partnerships, client projects, investment, joint research and more.

Phase 3: Post-Programme Support: Commercial Engagement Development

After completing Phase 1 and 2, your company will move into Phase 3 for 18 months, which focuses on post-programme support. Phase 3 consists of regular check-ins and ad-hoc business introductions when we identify new potential leads in relation to your business needs. In order to maximise your success in the United Arab Emirates, this post-programme support is tailored to your needs and requirements.


About Rainmaking

Rainmaking is a venture development firm focused on building next generation ventures and accelerating venture growth. Under the Rainmaking Expand programmes, they create commercial opportunities that help growth-stage startups to scale rapidly and bulletproof their expansion to new markets. They focus on achieving commercial outcomes, market access and comprehensive post-programme support for growth-stage companies they partner with.


Key features

  • inbox
    Open applications
    Applications are conducted on a rolling basis so that companies can join the programme at a timing that best suits their business needs and priorities.
  • expand-right
    Accelerated market expansion

    Participants will deepen their knowledge of Abu Dhabi’s business landscape and culture, sharpen their business models and go-to-market strategies, and refine product-market fit.

  • users-alt
    Coaching opportunities
    Participants will have individual meetings with Rainmaking for in-depth coaching and customer identification.
  • briefcase
    Curated business meetings
    Companies will each get matched with relevant Emirati’s corporates, investors, public institutions and other relevant counterparts, tailored to their in-market needs.

Eligibility

  • Check
    Singapore-based tech startups
  • Check
    Incorporated with at least 30% local equity held directly or indirectly by Singaporean(s) and/or Singapore PR(s), determined by the ultimate individual ownership
  • Check
    An existing product in the market that has achieved initial traction OR demonstrated sufficient initial validation and traction through partnership, investment or proven research
  • Check
    Sufficient resources, e.g. stable funding and team

How to apply

Applications for the GIA Abu Dhabi Acceleration Programme are now closed. Interested applicants can register your interest here to be notified of upcoming programmes.

Still thinking of what programme to participate in?
Submit your interest and EnterpriseSG will reach out to you when an opportunity arises for the relevant Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) programmes.