Why Dubai's Startup Scene Is the Future
Join Lara Varlamova at STEP 2025 as she hosts Michael Lints, Partner at Golden Gate Ventures, for a conversation about the rise of the MENA startup ecosystem, the future of venture capital in the GCC, and what it really takes for startups to scale in 2025 and beyond.
From his early days at STEP in 2014 to mentoring and investing across Southeast Asia and the Middle East, Michael shares powerful insights on:
- ✅ The evolution of Dubai’s innovation scene over the past 11 years 🌍
- ✅ Why corporations need startups to survive
- ✅ The real challenges founders face — from fundraising to hiring
- ✅ The role of mentorship in building successful ventures
- ✅ How AI, fintech, and deep tech are transforming emerging markets
Whether you’re a marketer, founder, or creator, this episode breaks down how to turn your YouTube presence into a real brand asset.
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