Founder's Guide to the ADX Growth Market | ADX GCEO
1. How is the ADX helping startups and growing companies access capital to scale?The ADX provides a clear and simplified pathway to capital markets, making access to funding faster, more flexible, and more efficient. Through the Growth Market, we enable startups/SMEs to raise funds via private placements under the progressive framework aligned with reforms under Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2025, which allow private companies to raise capital on-market without a full IPO. This regulatory evolution significantly reduces time-to-market and cost barriers, making capital access faster and more flexible. Beyond regulation, we support companies from readiness to execution, ensuring companies can scale with ease of access to capital while maintaining strong governance and investor confidence.
2. What role do capital markets play for startups beyond venture capital?
Capital markets are not simply an alternative to venture capital—they are a platform for sustained growth, liquidity, and long-term value creation.. At the ADX, we connect companies to a deep and diversified pool of institutional and international investors, enabling access to significantly larger capital pools. Through advanced mechanisms such as book-building, our fully digital e-IPO platform, and pathways to global index inclusion, listed companies benefit from enhanced liquidity and stronger demand Importantly, the listing process institutionalizes governance, transparency, and disclosure standards - key factors that elevate credibility and position startups for regional and global expansion.
3. How does the ADX strengthen the startup ecosystem in Abu Dhabi?
ADX plays a central role in connecting the startup/SME ecosystem to capital markets, effectively bridging innovation with investment. Working with partners such as Abu Dhabi Global Market, Hub71, and Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, we support a pipeline from startup to listing. Our role is to simplify access, align companies with investor expectations, and support a sector contributing over 63% of non-oil GDP.
4. How does the ADX help bridge the funding gap for scaling startups?
ADX addresses both the capital gap and the structural gap by making capital more accessible on a scale. The new regulations have simplified LLC-to-joint stock conversion, at the same time, the ADX provides a regulated, efficient platform that enables companies to raise capital quickly and credibly. The ADX Growth Market, with 15 companies, is a high-growth segment, with trading values rising to nearly 60 billion dirhams in 2025, up from 1.5 billion dirhams at launch, clear evidence of increasing investor demand.
5. How does the ADX support startups in gaining visibility and access to international investors?
The ADX combines global visibility alongside capital access. Through international roadshows and investor engagement programs, we actively connect companies with institutional investors across key global markets, expanding their reach and supporting
capital formation. Being listed on ADX — one of the largest growing exchanges globally by market capitalization — enhances credibility and international exposure.
6. How does the ADX support startups after listing?
Our commitment extends well beyond listing. In addition to the strongly connected and supportive Abu Dhabi business ecosystem, we work closely with the Middle East Investor Relations Association (MEIRA) to provide investor relations guidance and workshops focused on disclosure, communication, and engagement best practices. We also leverage AI-driven solutions to enhance disclosure efficiency, generate market intelligence, and investor targeting helping companies communicate more effectively and make better-informed decisions. These capabilities enable companies to communicate with greater precision, strengthen transparency, and sustain investor demand—ensuring long-term growth and resilience in the public markets.
For more insights, read the GCEO's full interview with Aletihad on the growth of capital markets.