NEWS #2 – Austrian Venture Club Dubai: Bridging the Gap Between Europe and the Middle East
In a significant stride towards fostering stronger economic ties between Europe and the Middle East, the Austrian Venture Club (AVC) was officially launched on November 13, 2023, in Dubai. The prestigious event took place at the Al Habtoor Polo Resort, led by Lukas Tremmel. The partnership between Austria and the renowned Al Habtoor entrepreneurial family, owners of the iconic Hotel Imperial in Vienna, undoubtedly emphasized the magnitude of this collaboration.
The Vision of Austrian Venture Club
The Austrian Venture Club, serving as the Venture Arm of the Austrian Business Council in the United Arab Emirates, gathered around 60 successful Austrian expatriates for a vibrant exchange of ideas and networking at the exclusive Al Habtoor Polo Resort. Mohammad Sultan Al Habtoor, expressing his enthusiasm for the initiative, stated, “As an entrepreneur, I am happy to support fellow entrepreneurs. The concept of the Austrian Venture Club immediately appealed to me, and it is an honor for us to provide our facilities for this purpose.”
Notable guests included His Excellency, the Austrian Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Dr. Etienne Berchtold, Mag. Johannes Brunner, the Economic Delegate at the Foreign Trade Center of the Austrian Economic Chamber in Abu Dhabi, and representatives from the Austrian Business Council. The club’s declared objective is to facilitate closer connections between investors in the Middle East and Austria/Europe.
A Visionary Bridge: Baurek-Karlic as Ambassador for AVC Dubai
Venionaire Capital’s CEO, Mag. Berthold Baurek-Karlic, took pride in being one of the keynote speakers at the inaugural event. Furthermore, alongside fellow speakers like Yvonne Winter (Flynow), Camillo Schobesberger (G42, Sandstorm VC), Jakob Kisser (Lawyer), Philipp Peischl (PKE), Markus Raiser (IFZA), and Pascal Haider (Cheeer.com), Baurek-Karlic laid the foundation for future ambitious projects. During the event, he introduced the World Venture Forum, which will celebrate its 10th anniversary next year.
Collaborative Future Projects
Baurek-Karlic, as the Initiator and Master Mind behind the World Venture Forum (WVF), expressed his excitement about the enhanced connection with the Middle East. Moreover, as the appointed Ambassador for the Austrian Venture Club Dubai in Austria, he sees this as an opportunity to contribute to the bridge being built between the two regions. “We are delighted to be part of this bridge. The establishment of the Austrian Venture Club in Dubai provides numerous points for synergies, especially in connection with the World Venture Forum. We see countless opportunities to further strengthen and propel the European startup ecosystem,” commented Baurek-Karlic.
The Significance of the Austrian Venture Club
The visionary founders of the Austrian Venture Club have created a platform that will undeniably strengthen economic relations between the Middle East and Europe. This milestone marks a significant step in promoting business opportunities between Austria and the Middle East. The club aspires to act as a catalyst for investors and entrepreneurs from both regions, paving the way for new collaborations and innovative ventures.
The launch of the Austrian Venture Club in Dubai is not just a celebration of a new chapter but a testament to the potential for growth and collaboration between two dynamic regions. Venionaire Capital, through its active participation and support, reaffirms its commitment to driving innovation and also fostering meaningful connections in the global venture ecosystem. As the Austrian Venture Club begins its journey, the anticipation of groundbreaking projects and mutually beneficial partnerships looms large, promising a future marked by shared success and prosperity.