Business

Offline, a private members' community for founders of scaled-up startups, has officially launched in the UAE, marking its first international expansion. Established by Utsav Somani, who previously introduced AngelList to India, Offline is designed to foster a network of successful startup founders on a significant growth trajectory.

Offline has quickly made its mark in India, and its expansion into the UAE further bolsters the region’s dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem. The UAE, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, has emerged as a leading tech hub in the MENA region, attracting over $2.5 billion in venture capital since 2022. With more than 4,000 startups active in the UAE, the local ecosystem is ripe for the specialized support and networking opportunities that Offline offers.

Utsav Somani shared his inspiration behind founding Offline: “In 2016, when I launched my own company, I craved a community where seasoned founders could share ideas, solve problems, or simply give candid feedback. Traditional networking events fell short of providing deeper connections and knowledge-sharing opportunities. When I realized none existed, I founded Offline.”

Offline's membership is exclusive to founders who meet specific criteria, including raising $5 million, achieving $5 million in ARR, exiting a company for $10 million, or currently leading a company valued at $50 million. Notable early members in the UAE include the co-founders of CoinDCX, Hunch, Fuze, Ultrahuman, and Verloop, while in India, Offline's community features prominent figures from Zomato, Rentomojo, Awfis, 1mg, Shiprocket, Cred, Noise, and Bizongo.

Members of Offline benefit from a range of exclusive offerings, including high-impact, closed-door meetings facilitated by executive coaches, unique social experiences, talks by industry leaders, special brand perks, masterclasses for skill-building, and a 24/7 digital community for immediate advice and feedback.

Somani highlighted the significance of the UAE’s tech landscape: “With Abu Dhabi and Dubai at the forefront of technology, the UAE's ecosystem is buzzing with unmatched energy and potential. This dynamic environment is the perfect stage for Offline to expand its community.”

A standout feature of Offline’s offering is its annual retreat, scheduled to take place in the UAE from December 6-8, 2024. Members will also have the opportunity to attend the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix, blending high-caliber networking with unforgettable experiences.

Offline has attracted investment from leading investors, including Better Capital, DeVC, Huddle, and Riverwalk Ventures. The community has grown to nearly 100 members in India since its launch in January 2024, with a target of 150 members by year-end.

As Offline continues to build its community in the UAE, it remains committed to offering elite founders a unique blend of support, guidance, and connections, setting a new standard for entrepreneurial communities in the region.

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