StartAD and VentureSouq Conclude 9th Annual Angel Rising Investor Symposium
ABU DHABI 26th November 2025 The 9th Annual Angel Rising Investor Symposium, organised by startAD, the Abu Dhabi-based global accelerator powered by Tamkeen and anchored at NYU Abu Dhabi, and VentureSouq, the MENA-based venture capital firm, recently concluded at Abu Dhabi Global Market.
Held in partnership with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), the symposium brought together investors, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and climate innovators under the theme “Scaling Climate Resilience in the Global South”.
Discussions on Climate Adaptation and Resilience
Shaikha Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Executive Director of Integrated Environmental Policy and Planning Sector of EAD, noted that adaptation is viewed as an environmental, social, and economic priority at EAD. She highlighted the earlier launch of the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Adaptation Plan (2025-2050), which offers a long-term framework to enhance the resilience of ecosystems, communities, and the economy.
Nihal Shaikh, Associate Director of startAD, stated that communities in the Global South face the most substantial climate-related pressures, including projected GDP losses of up to 64 percent by the end of the century. Shaikh emphasised that increasing ClimateTech investment is essential for environmental, economic, and social stability.
Sonia Weymuller, Co-Founder and General Partner at VentureSouq, said the symposium reflected the depth and range of thought leadership emerging from the region. She observed that the dialogue among venture-backed founders and policy innovators was collaborative and solutions-focused. Weymuller added that a shared understanding emerged on the need for an inclusive investment approach that aligns early-stage capital with long-term policy priorities to strengthen climate resilience in the Global South.
Key Sessions and Thematic Discussions
Sessions such as Leveraging Technology to Adapt to Climate Change and Bridging the Gap: Unlocking Early-Stage Investment for Economic Growth explored how advancements in water, energy, and urban infrastructure can be expanded throughout the Global South. These discussions also examined how blended finance, venture capital, and digital tools can reduce risks for early-stage investment and support economic development.
Another session, Policy as a Multiplier: Enabling Ecosystems for Climate Innovation, gathered regional and international policymakers to review frameworks and funding models that integrate adaptation into national strategies. Meanwhile, How AI is Supercharging Climate Solutions addressed the role of artificial intelligence in climate modeling, carbon accounting, and energy optimisation.
Networking and Collaboration
After the formal programme, a networking session enabled investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to exchange perspectives and consider potential areas for collaboration.