Techstars, Emirates NBD partner on AI fintech for MENAT

Emirates NBD and startup accelerator Techstars announced a partnership built around a commercially-driven model that funnels high-growth AI and fintech startups directly into the bank's regional operations. The model, called "Acceleration-to-Enterprise," targets markets across the Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye.

Miguel Rio Tinto, Emirates NBD's Group Chief Digital and Information Officer, said the bank wants to tap into what he called the "new wave of innovation in agentic finance." Dubai is home to nearly 60% of GCC fintech companies, he noted. The partnership gives selected startups a direct pathway into enterprise banking, supporting solutions that could affect how Emirates NBD serves its nine million active customers.

Neeraj Makin, head of strategy, analytics and venture capital at the bank, said the partnership deepens engagement with global technology networks. The goal is to accelerate innovation opportunities that support the group's long-term digital and AI ambitions across the region.

David Cohen, CEO of Techstars, said the partnership gives fintech and AI founders a "front-row seat to one of the most dynamic financial markets in the world." The UAE's push to become a hub for data-driven innovation makes it a launchpad for enterprise-grade solutions, he added.

The initiative aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda, which aims to rank Dubai among the top four global financial centers by 2033. Startups accepted into the program will pilot banking solutions using Emirates NBD's cloud-native infrastructure.