AstroLabs is a Dubai-based digital capability building company with offices in Riyadh.[1] It started as Google for Startups (GFS) co-working space member of the GFS Tech Hub Network, as of 2024 it is no longer a member of GFS Tech Hub Network.

AstroLabs DMCC
Founded2013
FounderLouis Lebbos, Muhammed Mekki
Area served
United Arab Emirates, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Key people
Roland Daher(CEO)
Websitehttps://astrolabs.com

Overview

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AstroLabs is the first tech hub that is partnered with Google in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).[2] Network members have access to over twenty hubs in various cities in the world, and can also meet with local entrepreneurs.[3][4] The work space is located in Dubai's Jumeirah Lakes Towers neighborhood.[5] AstroLabs was founded in 2012 by Louis Lebbos & Muhammed Mekki, co-founders of Namshi.com.[6][7] The company launched in March 2013.[8]

In 2016, AstroLabs hosted the Women in STEM (WiSTEM) Hackathon,[2] among 328 other public community events.[9]

In 2020, Astrolabs launched its first Set-Up in Saudi Platform, on how businesses can set up a 100% foreign-owned entity in the Kingdom.[10] AstroLabs has inspired the formation of technology-based businesses in the area.[11]

Company name

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The company's name is based upon the astrolabe, a tool for navigation that was used by mariners in the Middle Ages.[12]

References

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  1. ^ "Developers in the Desert: Google's Oasis for Startups in Dubai". Bloomberg L.P.
  2. ^ a b "Gitex Technology Week to Host Global Start-Up Meet". Khaleej Times. 7 January 2016. Archived from the original on 2018-03-13. Retrieved 2 May 2017.
  3. ^ "Smooth sailing for Dubai start-ups with AstroLabs co-working space". The National. Retrieved 7 January 2016.
  4. ^ "Google Ties Up with AstroLabs to Create Tech Hub in Dubai". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 7 January 2016.
  5. ^ "For Entrepreneurs, By Entrepreneurs: AstroLabs Sets Out To Vitalize MENA Tech Startup Ecosystem". Entrepreneur Middle East. Retrieved 7 January 2016.
  6. ^ "AstroLabs Dubai sign on 30 startups ahead of Google tech hub launch". Wamda.
  7. ^ "AstroLabs". DMCC.
  8. ^ Hamid, Triska (March 4, 2015). "AstroLabs gives women in tech start-ups a helping hand". The National. Retrieved May 10, 2017.
  9. ^ "AstroLabs GFE Impact". GFE.[permanent dead link]
  10. ^ "AstroLabs' New Online Platform Eases Procedures For Setting Up Foreign Companies In Saudi Arabia".
  11. ^ "Omani Entrepreneur Seeks to Replicate Dubai Success with Shopping Website in Sultanate". Times of Oman. 29 November 2016. Archived from the original on 2018-11-15. Retrieved 2 May 2017.
  12. ^ Hamid, Triska (September 8, 2014). "DMCC, AstroLabs and Google team up for tech hub launch". The National. Retrieved May 10, 2017.

Further reading

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