Building for investors from day one
A fintech growth specialist relocating to the UAE with plans to raise investment.
Speak to us about your situationThe situation
Elliot had lived in several countries and run companies in several more. Dubai was to be a long-term base, and he expected investors to come in down the line. The question wasn't where to set up so much as whether a budget free zone would carry the plan.
Why they came to us
He found us through our marketing while still living in Spain. After several online meetings he chose us as a firm that understood what a structure has to stand up to when an investor's lawyers look at it, not just the cheapest route in.
What we recommended
DMCC, with a management-consultancy activity — not IFZA. For a business that intends to raise money, the free zone's reputation, governance and international recognition stand up to the scrutiny investors and counterparties apply in due diligence; a smaller free zone wouldn't have. On DMCC's own published figures it has more than 26,000 registered companies, and it has won fDi magazine's Global Free Zone of the Year award nine times.
With an investor-backed business in Dubai, at Start Business Services we steer towards the more expensive free zone, because we have watched the saving on a cheaper licence disappear the first time a due-diligence team asks why the company sits where it does.
The outcome
The company was set up in DMCC, the corporate bank account opened, Elliot's visa and his partner's visa completed, and office space arranged. We handle the accounting and ongoing compliance.
Thinking about a move like this?
Tell us what the business does and where it is heading, and we will tell you whether we are the right firm.
Talk to us