In a bold move to reshape early-stage investing in the region, Stryde, a DFSA-regulated digital investment platform, has acquired the fast-growing angel network Qora71. The acquisition marks Stryde’s official entry into the venture capital space, launching a new vertical under the name Stryde71.
This strategic step combines Stryde’s digital investment infrastructure with Qora71’s dynamic angel syndicate model, creating a community-driven platform for retail and qualified investors to co-invest in global startup deals.
From Qora71 to Stryde71: A Strategic Evolution
Founded by Youssef Salem, Qora71 quickly became one of the region’s standout angel networks. Backed by Hub71’s Angel Investor Support Package, it:
- âś… Built a network of 130+ strategic angel investors
- âś… Facilitated 50+ investments
- âś… Deployed over $2 million in capital in just five months
- âś… Created an additional $1 million pipeline for upcoming deals
Now, under the Stryde umbrella, Qora71 is rebranded as Stryde71, a dedicated VC vertical focused on expanding access to high-quality startup investments.
What Stryde71 Brings to the Table
The new venture arm aims to create an end-to-end investment experience for both investors and founders. By combining Qora71’s syndicate model with Stryde’s regulatory and technical infrastructure, Stryde71 offers:
- Co-investment opportunities for both retail and accredited investors
- Global deal flow across early and growth-stage startups
- A fully digital, DFSA-regulated platform for investing
- Direct access to capital for founders, backed by a strategic community
This move also signifies Stryde’s entry into Abu Dhabi via ADGM, further boosting the emirate’s role as a VC and innovation hub.
Driving Early-Stage Capital in the UAE
The launch of Stryde71 reflects the growing momentum of early-stage investment in the region. The initiative builds on Hub71’s broader mission of making the UAE a global destination for tech and innovation.
- Basma Ahmed AlBadi AlDhaheri, Head of Value Creation at Hub71, said the transformation of Qora71 into Stryde71 is “a natural next step” and a reflection of the community’s shared success.
- The new model supports founders through capital access, investor connectivity, and scalable growth infrastructure.
Leadership and Vision
Commenting on the deal, Hadi Halabi, Co-founder of Stryde, said:
“Bringing Qora71 into the Stryde family is a milestone. Youssef’s work has been exceptional. Together, we’re building the next generation of startup investing, regionally and globally.”
Youssef Salem, now a Partner at Stryde, added:
“Qora71 was about giving exceptional founders access to strategic capital. With Stryde, we can now scale that mission exponentially.”
Final Thoughts
Stryde71 isn’t just a rebrand, it’s a reimagining of what early-stage investing can be. As the UAE cements its position as a global innovation hub, Stryde71 offers a regulated, digital, and inclusive model that empowers both investors and founders to grow, together.