When it comes to early childhood development, the United Arab Emirates' capital of Abu Dhabi is no stranger to innovation.
In fact, it's home to more startups than any other city in the world, according to data from the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority.
The government-backed venture capital fund has invested in more than 45 startups since it was launched in 2020 and has helped establish more than 10, Yousef Alhammadi, executive director of the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, tells Business Insider.
"We fully foster and support startup innovation, empowering them to thrive while benefiting society," Alhammadi says.
Among the startups the ECA has invested in: Story-Enrich, which offers "digital platforms enhance early childhood education or tangible products promote health and well-being"; Monkibox, which offers mindfulness and social-emotional support; WonderTree, which provides early education and childcare services; and Zenimal, which offers non-tech solutions.
Alhammadi says the ECA focuses on six key factors when choosing startups: team dynamics, traction, passion, ability to localize, market size, and other Abu Dhabi-specific criteria.
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