Abu Dhabi’s Hub71 helps tech-savvy companies succeed

Hafla, an Abu Dhabi-based startup, has launched a one-stop solution for event organizers to manage everything they need for an event using smart technology. The interactive platform uses data and algorithms to provide personalized recommendations to help find venues, equipment, services and catering for any type of event.

The simplicity of the model caught the attention of investors and customers. To date, Hafla has attracted over $1.5 million in seed funding and hosted over 3,000 events for over 500 enterprise clients.

Fundraising is critical for startups, but is also a key pillar in sustaining the tech ecosystem that nurtures high-growth tech companies like Hafla. Hub71 in Abu Dhabi is a good example. A global tech ecosystem with an established network of venture capital funds has been supporting Hafla and over 100 other tech startups to scale and develop solutions that make a real impact.

Badr Al-Olama, acting CEO of Hub71, explained: “Founders who are scaling the leading businesses of the future are inspiring new ways to influence the way we do things.” The value of Hafla’s innovative approach has caught Hub71’s attention as it is actively working on Use AI technology to solve problems in the events industry.

“We knew we could help accelerate the company’s growth, while also providing Hafla and others like it with resources to continue changing the direction of the industry,” Al-Olama added.

Hafla benefits from equity-free incentives (subsidized housing, office space and health insurance), lowering set-up fees and spurring new business opportunities for Hub71’s other start-ups as well as other Abu Dhabi entities. For Hafla, Hub71 support means early recognition, lower operating costs and timely guidance – just a few of Hafla’s many advantages in the market.

“I see people spending a lot of time and effort supporting startups across all tech industries. Innovative concepts need a community to believe in them and provide early support in a risk-free setting,” commented Vaibhav Doshi, founder of Hafla. Today, Hafla works with more than 850 suppliers in the UAE.

“We are grateful for the leadership of Hub71 who have been very supportive and trusting of us all. All elements of an effective technology ecosystem are critical to the survival and success of early stage startups,” added Ghassan Nawfal, vice president of Hafla.