Funding Season is About to Start in the UAE.

Here’s How to Be Prepared to Raise Funds from Family Offices

Family offices in the UAE are some of the best in the world to have as your investors. These families have built this country, contributing to sectors like fashion, retail, automotive, and real estate. They are true and hardcore business people that have accumulated much-deserved, hard-earned wealth by establishing these sectors. Therefore, relationship building is crucial when approaching them for investment.

Most family offices in the UAE operate based on collective decision-making, deeply rooted in their culture. These family offices seek to invest in startups & companies that will enhance their status and benefit the UAE. They want to bring in the best and brightest to revolutionize the sectors they invest in. This desire to make a positive impact is a primary reason why UAE family offices invest in companies from the United States, Canada, Europe and other Western regions.

When these family offices invest in you, they also want to showcase their forward-thinking approach. They seek bragging rights to demonstrate how they are contributing to the UAE's progress. This healthy competition among family offices boosts the economy by investing in the next best business from abroad and nurturing it locally.

So, what can you do to ensure you raise funds from these family offices?

**1. Understand Relationship Building:**
Family offices operate from a collective decision-making, status-based, community-oriented mindset. Show them not just your potential returns but also how you will impact the economy and revolutionize your industry. Demonstrate that having you in their ecosystem is a huge asset, making them shine alongside you.

**2. Establish a Local Presence:**
Consider basing your operations in the UAE, offering your services locally, and contributing to the local economy. Having someone well-associated with the local economy to support you can be a significant advantage.

**3. Participate in Events:**
Attend and speak at events, being physically part of the local ecosystem. This visibility can help you build valuable connections and establish credibility.

**4. Show Reliability:**
Remember that family offices in this region are not venture capital experts. They have only recently started investing in startups and growth-stage companies. Assure them that you are a reliable investment and won’t derail their motive to continue investing in new ventures.

If you plan to stay abroad and not establish a local presence, raising funds may be challenging. However, if you take advantage of the upcoming season, fly to Dubai, establish a local presence, and meet with family offices, you have a great chance of securing investment from some of the best investors.

If you know someone who is coming to the UAE or if you are planning to visit, make sure to share this post with them.