The MENAP region’s digital economy is witnessing a significant consolidation of Swiss capital and Emirati operational depth. CV VC (Crypto Valley Venture Capital), the Zug-headquartered technology investor, has finalized a merger with Abu Dhabi-based accelerator Elixir. This strategic move creates a unified investment and acceleration engine. This engine will bridge the gap between European Web3 innovation and the UAE’s rapidly maturing regulatory landscape.
Strategic Infrastructure: The “Digital Asset Program”
The merger directly bolsters Abu Dhabi’s status as a global testbed for emerging technologies. CV VC will now integrate its global venture capital expertise into Elixir’s existing infrastructure. Most notable of them is the Hub71+ Digital Assets ecosystem.
Key Operational Shifts:
- Program Leadership: Elixir continues as the primary operator of the Digital Assets Programme at Hub71, now backed by CV VC’s international network.
- Team Expansion: CV VC will aggressively scale Elixir’s Abu Dhabi-based team to manage increased deal flow in AI and blockchain.
- Global Interconnectivity: UAE-based founders gain direct “soft-landing” pathways into CV VC’s other global hubs, including Liechtenstein, South Africa, Germany, and Portugal.
Leadership and Vision: Bridging Capital to Context
The leadership from both entities emphasizes that the merger is a response to the “flight to regulation” currently seen in the digital asset market. Abu Dhabi’s clear legal frameworks, governed by the ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market) and VARA, provide the stability global investors demand.
“By combining our global footprint with Elixir’s regional depth, we aim to support founders developing scalable technology-based ventures in and from the region for global markets.”
— Mathias Ruch, Founder and CEO of CV VC
Core Investment Verticals:
| Vertical | Focus Area |
| Blockchain | Infrastructure, on-chain finance, and decentralized identity. |
| AI | Agentic workflows and AI-integrated digital economies. |
| Digital Assets | Tokenization of real-world assets (RWAs) and regulated exchange infrastructure. |
Impact on the Abu Dhabi Startup Funnel
Abu Dhabi is moving toward an “end-to-end” pathway for entrepreneurs, from initial idea validation to global scaling. This merger fills a critical mid-stage gap in that funnel.
- Incentives: Startups within the Hub71+ Digital Assets ecosystem can access up to AED 250,000 in cash investment and an additional AED 250,000 in service incentives.
- Talent Access: The partnership streamlines the acquisition of 10-year Golden Visas for technical founders and their families.
- Market Entry: Elixir’s local ties facilitate easier entry into the MENA market, while CV VC provides the bridge to Swiss institutional capital.