PayPal partners with Ignyte to support startup growth in the Middle East

By Gloria Methri

PayPal has partnered with Ignyte, a global digital platform that helps startups and small businesses grow. As a founding partner, PayPal will make it easier for entrepreneurs to manage payments and expand across borders in the digital economy.

This partnership aligns with PayPal’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in the UAE and the broader Middle East. Ignyte, launched in October 2024 under the Dubai Digital Economy Strategy, is a global startup ecosystem backed by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

As a digital hub, Ignyte connects founders with top mentors, investors, and over 250 exclusive perks from industry leaders. Its mission is to transform the startup landscape and position the region as a global hub for innovation and business growth.

“The UAE is rapidly cementing its status as a global tech powerhouse, driven by innovation, ambition, and a world-class business ecosystem. At PayPal, we are committed to turbocharging startups and SMBs, empowering them to thrive in today’s digital economy,” said Otto Williams, Senior Vice President, Regional Head and General Manager, Middle East and Africa at PayPal. “Our partnership with Ignyte reflects this commitment, helping entrepreneurs in the UAE and beyond seamlessly scale their businesses across borders. By combining PayPal’s world-class cross-border payment solutions with Ignyte’s dynamic ecosystem, we’re unlocking new pathways for growth, investment, and success.”

Through this partnership, PayPal will enable startups and SMBs within the Ignyte ecosystem to seamlessly receive and make payments across global markets. Additionally, PayPal will also collaborate with Ignyte on:

• Tailored support and exclusive offers for startups and SMBs, helping them navigate the complexities of cross-border payments and financial operations.
• Thought leadership events that bring together industry leaders to discuss trends, challenges, and opportunities in digital commerce.

The initiative aims to empower 100,000 startups, equipping them with the right support system to scale their businesses worldwide. Through its partnership with PayPal, Ignyte will further enhance its mission to provide startups with seamless access to cross-border payments, expert guidance, and scalable solutions.

“Dubai is fast becoming a global epicenter for entrepreneurship and digital innovation,” commented Mohammad Alblooshi, CEO of DIFC Innovation Hub. “Ignyte is at the heart of this transformation, and our collaboration with PayPal strengthens our ability to provide startups with the essential tools they need to grow, attract investment, and compete on the global stage. Together, we are fostering an ecosystem where bold ideas meet boundless opportunities.”