Hub71 × PJ Ventures · Abu Dhabi
Dream it here.
Get backed here.
The Dream Makers Fund invites founders from the UAE and around the world to build in Abu Dhabi — and pitch live to Peter Jones CBE for up to AED5m.
The idea
A fund, a championship and a stage — in one.
Most programmes either fund founders or celebrate them. The Dream Makers Fund does both: a structured investment programme for seed and growth-stage startups, run as an open championship that ends on Abu Dhabi's biggest financial stage.
Backed by Hub71 and managed by PJ Ventures in ADGM, it turns Peter Jones's global profile into regional deal flow — and puts Abu Dhabi's entrepreneurs, from first-time teenagers to scaling companies, in front of the world.
Profile → deal flow → backed founders → visible wins.
Four tracks
Four tracks. One stage. Every kind of founder.
Seed Dream Makers
Founders with a proof of concept or MVP ready to launch their business from Abu Dhabi.
Scale Dream Makers
Established, revenue-generating startups expanding their operations into Abu Dhabi and the region.
Young Dream Makers
Founders under 21 — the next generation, including Tycoon alumni — building their first real venture.
Impact Dream Makers
Ventures focussed on delivering entrepreneurial growth in Abu Dhabi.
Ticket sizes are proposed and subject to fund governance.
The journey
From first idea to first investment.
Dream
Applications open. Live Dream Makers masterclasses with Peter Jones CBE and an online Dream Academy help founders sharpen their idea and their pitch.
Build
Shortlisted founders join a Hub71 bootcamp in Abu Dhabi — mentoring from Peter's network, investor-readiness and ADGM set-up guidance.
Pitch
Dream Makers Live: finalists pitch a panel of three Dream Makers, Peter at the centre, for live investment on the Abu Dhabi Finance Week stage.
Back
Investment closes and lands publicly. December's winners become the inaugural Dream Makers cohort, operating from Abu Dhabi.
Dream Makers Live
Three Dream Makers. One night. Real investment.
The flagship moment at Abu Dhabi Finance Week. Finalists pitch live to a panel of three Dream Makers, with Peter Jones CBE at the centre. The winner is backed with AED5m, the runner-up with AED500k, in return for equity — and crowned Abu Dhabi Dream Maker of the Year.
What founders get
More than a cheque.
Equity investment
Backing from the Dream Makers Fund, managed by PJ Ventures in ADGM.
Hub71 access
A place in the Hub71 ecosystem and its founder support programmes.
Mentorship
Direct access to Peter Jones CBE and a global network of operators and investors.
ADGM set-up
Guided company formation and licensing in Abu Dhabi Global Market.
A global stage
Profile on the Dream Makers Live stage at Abu Dhabi Finance Week.
UK–Gulf corridor
Deal flow and partnerships across Abu Dhabi, the region and the UK.
Who can apply
Open to the UAE — and the world.
- · UAE residents and international founders
- · Tech-enabled, high-growth businesses
- · Ready to establish or expand in Abu Dhabi
- · Young Dream Makers: lead founder under 21
Priority sectors
Not exhaustive — every innovative, ambitious idea is welcome.
Your dream. Abu Dhabi's stage.
Applications for the inaugural Dream Makers cohort are open.
Start your application