Expand North Star ‘24: Your Guide to The Largest Startup and Investor Event
Key Themes this year, Best Networking Options, and the exclusive Investor Summit
Hey founders, funds, & friends 👋,
A warm welcome to the 32nd edition of the “Mehtta Ventures Dubai” investment digest newsletter, your weekly news digest about startup stories across the Middle East & India, digital / business trends shaping our lives and curated venture investment opportunities.
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Today’s program:
Apple drops out of the OpenAI investment round: WHY?
Expand North Star ‘24: The Largest Startup and Investor Connector Event
Key Themes to Watch at Expand North Star ‘24
And….Action!
Apple drops out of the OpenAI investment round: WHY?
Apple Withdraws from OpenAI Investment Talks
Recent news from the Wall Street Journal reports that Apple has withdrawn from negotiations to join OpenAI’s upcoming $6.5 billion funding round. While Apple’s exit from these talks is noteworthy, it leaves major players like Microsoft and Nvidia in a prime position to lead the investment.
A Competitive AI Landscape
With the iPhone 16 and Apple Intelligence launch on the horizon, Apple’s move raises questions about its AI strategy and competitiveness in the rapidly evolving AI arms race. In contrast, Microsoft continues its heavy involvement with OpenAI, having already invested $13 billion and gaining a 49% stake with rights to 75% of profits until its investment is returned. This partnership has already yielded substantial returns, with OpenAI’s technologies integrated into Microsoft products (Copilot, Office 365, LinkedIn), significantly boosting sales.
Apple's Strategic Withdrawal
While the details of Apple’s withdrawal remain speculative, the possibility of competition between Apple and Microsoft in the AI space looms large. OpenAI’s transformation from a non-profit to a for-profit entity could have further ramifications, setting the stage for new competitive dynamics in the tech industry.
Implications for Investors
The AI landscape is shifting rapidly. Apple's decision to step back from this round might signal a recalibration of its AI strategy and keeping certain ideas and strategies close to it’s chest, while Microsoft's commitment solidifies its position as a dominant player. Investors should closely monitor these developments as they signal broader industry trends, including the growing prominence of AI in enterprise applications.
Expand North Star ‘24: The Largest Startup and Investor Connector Event
From October 13-16 this year at the iconic Dubai Harbour, Expand North Star 2024 will showcase the world’s leading startups and connect them with investors from across the globe. This year’s event promises to be the biggest yet, attracting over 70,000 attendees and 1,200 investors.
Opportunities for Investors
Expand North Star offers a unique opportunity for investors to discover early and late-stage startups with innovative solutions across sectors such as AI, fintech, blockchain, and sustainability. The event will facilitate over 5,000 investor meetings through its dedicated Investor Sunday (13th October), focusing on investment opportunities in AI, deeptech, fintech, and sustainable finance. As an investor you can apply here for your invite.
Key highlights include the Supernova Challenge 2.0, the world’s largest early-stage startup pitch competition with a $200,000 cash prize (equity free), and the launch of the Corporate Arena, designed to foster strategic collaborations between corporations and startups. As per their web site, “To participate in the Supernova Challenge pitch competition, you must be an exhibiting startup at Expand North Star 2024. We will notify you once Supernova Challenge is open for applications for our 2024 edition via email. Once you apply, you will receive emails on if you’ve been selected for the Virtual Qualifiers or for the Semi-Finals.” It seems they are still accepting applications for this challenge. Check out more details here.
Global Participation
Expand North Star 2024 has drawn startups from over 100 countries, with notable participation from European nations like Germany, Ireland, and Italy, as well as emerging markets like Brazil, South Korea, and Ethiopia. This year’s event will also spotlight climate tech, sustainability, and ESG innovation through the newly added GITEX Impact exhibition.
Strategic Networking
For investors attending, pre-arranging meetings is crucial to making the most of the event. With a jam-packed schedule and over 1,800 exhibiting startups, the event offers an unparalleled networking opportunity, but careful planning is required to maximize your impact. For registered folks, I highly recommend to start networking and pre-booking meetings by downloading the app here (Android).
Key Themes to Watch at Expand North Star ‘24
This year’s event is structured around 17 conference tracks and 9 stages, each focusing on high-impact sectors:
AI and the Future of Living
Blockchain and Web 3.0
Media and Creativity
Fintech and Sustainable Finance
High-Profile Speakers
The event will feature prominent voices from the tech and investment world, including Sean O’Sullivan, Founder and Managing Partner at SOSV, and Sir Martin Sorrell, Executive Chairman of S4 Capital. Additionally, Neil Patel, Co-Founder of NP Digital, will explore the intersection of AI, Web 3.0, and media.
Exclusive Investor Summit
The Global Investor Summit, held exclusively for investors, will address future trends in AI, blockchain, and deeptech, with leading fund managers discussing strategies for the next decade. Participants will include representatives from European Investment Fund, bpifrance, and SpeedInvest, making this a must-attend for any investor looking to stay ahead of the curve.
Side Events: Northstar by Night
The best networking opportunities present themselves post the event. Do not forget to check out the side event list and register / ask for an invite to an event that piques your interest.
After a busy day doing business, unwind and hang out with friends at the iconic hotspot of Dubai Harbour.
Every evening attendees of Expand North Star and GITEX will enjoy a line-up of entertainment, food and drinks in the city of fun.
So, whether you want to unwind, network, party or do more business, make sure you enjoy North Star by Night.
Yacht Parties, Ai DJ Session, Exclusive Music from the world’s hottest music festival, special shows, Beach parties, and even skydiving
Conclusion: Capitalizing on Emerging Tech Opportunities
As the AI landscape continues to evolve, institutional investors are presented with opportunities to capitalize on the convergence of AI, blockchain, fintech, and sustainability. Apple’s withdrawal from OpenAI’s funding round may signal strategic shifts, but events like Expand North Star offer a front-row seat to emerging trends and next-generation startups that are reshaping the future.
For investors looking to diversify portfolios, now is the time to engage with startups pioneering advancements in AI, deeptech, and sustainability. Expand North Star is the premier platform to discover these ventures, foster strategic collaborations, and position your investments for future growth.
We look forward to connecting with you at Expand North Star 2024 and exploring the next big opportunities in tech investment.
Best regards,
Mehtta Ventures Dubai
This newsletter is designed to keep your institutional investor audience informed about critical market developments and upcoming investment opportunities while encouraging strategic participation in upcoming events like Expand North Star. Let me know if you would like to make any further adjustments!
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