FLO Mumbai, Chairperson, Ms. Pooja Arambhan Tiwari, in her capacity as Co-Founder and CEO, iiV Health Solutions, received an invitation from His Excellency Abdulnasser Jamal Alshaali, PhD, Ambassador of the UAE to India, to attend the Mumbai Start-up Sundowner, an exclusive gathering celebrating the launch of the UAE–India CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) Council Start-up Series.
Held at Equus, The St. Regis Mumbai, Lower Parel, this high-level diplomatic and entrepreneurial evening brought together leaders from Mumbai’s start-up ecosystem, investors, corporate innovators, and policy influencers. The UAE–India CEPA Council Start-up Series is a newly launched initiative designed to identify and support high-potential Indian startups.
This initiative enables these start-ups to scale internationally through the UAE’s rapidly growing innovation and technology ecosystem. Also, this celebration strengthened the CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) vision of deepening economic and entrepreneurial ties between India and the UAE. This program positions the UAE as a gateway for global expansion for Indian innovators by providing access to:
- Advanced incubators and accelerators.
- Regulatory support and soft landing programs.
- Investors and venture networks.
- Regional and global markets.
The evening at St. Regis Mumbai was curated as a cocktail networking reception, bringing together:
- High-impact Indian start-up founders.
- Venture capitalists and angel investors.
- Corporate innovation leaders.
- Trade and investment representatives.
- Government and embassy officials.
- Selected professionals and ecosystem enablers.
The invitation extended to entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals underscored the UAE’s interest in fostering a collaborative platform between the two nations’ innovation ecosystems.
Strategic Relevance for FICCI FLO Mumbai
Participation in this Sundowner holds strategic value for FLO Mumbai:
- Access to Global Markets
The CEPA Start-up Series offers pathways for women-led businesses to scale internationally through UAE-based platforms.
- Bilateral Business Expansion
Strengthens FLO’s engagement with the UAE on trade, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
- Networking with High-Value Stakeholders
Opportunity for FLO entrepreneurs to meet:
- UAE trade officials
- CEPA Council leadership
- Venture investors
- Middle East market facilitators
- Visibility & Representation
Enables FLO Mumbai to position its members within conversations about global entrepreneurship and cross-border innovation.
Conclusion
The Mumbai Start-up Sundowner, hosted by His Excellency Abdulnasser Jamal Alshaali, marks a significant step in strengthening Indo–UAE entrepreneurial ties.
By connecting top founders, investors, and innovators under the CEPA Start-up Series, the event opens new avenues for collaboration, market expansion, and investment for Indian start-ups.
For FICCI FLO Mumbai, this engagement presents a valuable opportunity to spotlight women-led innovation and align with global programs that amplify Indian entrepreneurship on the world stage.