Dubai Land Department and Second Century Ventures launch $1.5m accelerator to boost real estate tech startups in Middle East

DLD and Second Century Ventures launch REACH Middle East, a real estate tech accelerator offering up to $1.5M funding for startups using AI, IoT, and blockchain. Applications are open for seed to Series A startups to scale regionally and globally.

Published on: Jul 31, 2025
Dubai Land Department and Second Century Ventures launch $1.5m accelerator to boost real estate tech startups in Middle East

DLD and Second Century Ventures Launch Real Estate Accelerator to Boost Tech Startups

The Dubai Land Department (DLD) has teamed up with US investment firm Second Century Ventures to introduce REACH Middle East, a real estate technology accelerator focused on fostering innovation within the property sector. Applications for the inaugural cohort are now open, with startups eligible for up to $1.5 million in total funding.

This eight-month program targets up to 10 startups at seed to Series A stages, each having already generated revenue. Selected companies can receive seed capital of up to $250,000, alongside access to mentorship, pilot projects with developers and government entities, and opportunities to scale regionally and internationally.

Supporting UAE’s Digital and Economic Growth

REACH Middle East aligns with the UAE’s digital transformation goals outlined in the UAE Digital Economy Strategy, Dubai Economic Agenda D33, and the Dubai Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033. These initiatives collectively aim to add over $27 billion to the national economy.

The accelerator also complements broader regional innovation efforts such as Abu Dhabi’s Hub71 and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 projects, including the NEOM Innovation Hub and the Saudi Real Estate Development Fund.

Dr Mahmoud AlBurai, head of Policies and Innovation at DLD, highlighted that starting in Dubai, the accelerator will provide strong support to entrepreneurs who develop solutions relevant across the Middle East’s property market and beyond.

Focus on Emerging Technologies in Real Estate

The program prioritizes startups leveraging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain within real estate, construction, sustainability, and property management sectors. Beyond funding, participants benefit from industry mentorship, visibility at key trade events, and integration into REACH’s global network of over 330 alumni companies.

Siddiq Farid, Managing Director of REACH Middle East, emphasized the region’s leadership in real estate innovation and the accelerator’s role in helping startups address practical challenges.

Second Century Ventures, affiliated with the National Association of Realtors, is a leading global investor in property technology and supports REACH initiatives worldwide.

Dave Garland, Managing Partner at Second Century Ventures, encouraged startups with ambition to apply and contribute to the evolution of real estate tech in the MENA region and beyond.

How to Apply

Startups interested in joining the REACH Middle East accelerator can submit applications through the official program website. This opportunity is ideal for real estate and construction professionals looking to work with innovative tech solutions that drive efficiency and growth.

For those aiming to enhance their skills in AI and related technologies that impact real estate and construction, exploring specialized courses at Complete AI Training could be beneficial.


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