Introduction to Web3 Innovation
Dubai, UAE, played host to an exclusive gathering of the most promising minds in Web3, courtesy of Cointelegraph Accelerator’s VC-Startup Connect, on June 13, 2025. This invite-only event was tailored for curated networking, real deal-making, and high-quality content, offering a rare opportunity for builders, investors, and institutional players to exchange insights and drive forward the next era of blockchain innovation.
Pitch Competition: Spotlight on Startups
The day featured a high-stakes pitch contest, showcasing the region’s most promising early-stage projects. A high-caliber panel of judges from renowned firms such as CLS Global, Draper Dragon, Tess Ventures, 50x Capital, and ICP evaluated the startups. The winners of the pitch competition were announced, recognizing their innovative ideas and potential for growth.
Highlights from the Day
The event began with a deep dive into Dubai’s regulatory strategy, discussing how the city is positioning itself as a global blockchain hub. Key speakers included Belal Jassoma from DMCC, Dan Johnson from VARA, and Irina Heaver from NeosLegal. They emphasized the importance of proactive licensing frameworks and cross-border collaboration in creating a conducive environment for blockchain innovation.
Ecosystem Builders Take the Stage
A panel discussion examined how protocols are maturing beyond infrastructure and into community-focused ecosystems. Speakers such as Bruno Calabretta from DFINITY, Mario Casiraghi from Fetch.ai, Tina Qi from Monad Foundation, and Vladislav Ponomarev from TON Factory emphasized the need for developer experience, real UX, and tailored incentive models to distinguish successful ecosystems.
Enterprise x Blockchain Adoption
Real-world implementation took center stage in another panel, where leaders from finance, real estate, and marketing shared how blockchain is making a measurable impact. Rajat Sakhuja from Mastercard highlighted the company’s efforts to abstract blockchain complexity for end users, including projects like alias-based payment solutions and on-chain credentialing. Gerrit Steen from DAMAC emphasized blockchain’s potential to revolutionize real estate development, while Filippo Buzzi from HexTrust shared pilots with government agencies like the Dubai Land Department.
Special Thanks to Our Partners
This edition of VC-Startup Connect was made possible with the support of industry-leading partners, including DMCC, Peanut Trade, and NewTribe Capital. DMCC provided the venue, while Peanut Trade championed innovation in the space as a key sponsor. NewTribe Capital helped curate the VC-list and hosted a panel on the role of grants in the current state of the market.
Conclusion
The VC-Startup Connect event in Dubai brought together the most promising minds in Web3, driving forward the next era of blockchain innovation. With its focus on curated networking, real deal-making, and high-quality content, the event provided a rare opportunity for builders, investors, and institutional players to exchange insights and shape the future of the industry. As the Web3 ecosystem continues to grow and mature, events like VC-Startup Connect play a crucial role in fostering innovation and collaboration.
