“To create a thriving, interconnected ecosystem for entrepreneurs, where founders across DCO Member States have equal access to resources, support, and opportunities that they need to scale their innovations and drive sustainable economic growth.”
Why STRIDE
STRIDE operates through a structured, unique government-backed, private-sector driven model designed to drive entrepreneurship and innovation across DCO Member States.
The network includes:
- Entrepreneurs: Founders and team members of startups from DCO Member States
- Member State Focal Points: Government-appointed representatives who facilitate data access and bridge policy with on-the-ground implementation.
- Steering Committee: Private sector representatives and investors, to provide strategic direction and market insights.
- Thematic Working Groups: Working groups that are made up of representatives from entrepreneurs, governments, private sector and the DCO General Secretariat to operationalize initiatives and drive impact.
- Ecosystem enablers: We bring together innovation hubs, entrepreneur support organizations, accelerators, and incubators across DCO Member States.
STRIDE is not a parallel support system, but rather a collaborative mechanism that adds value to existing efforts.
How we do it:
a) We enable cross-border expansion: Supporting startups and SMEs in accessing new markets and scaling their businesses across DCO Member States.
b) We facilitate access to investments: Connecting entrepreneurs with funding opportunities, investors, and financial instruments to drive business growth.
c) We drive digital transformation: Equipping businesses with the tools, knowledge, and resources to adopt digital solutions and enhance their competitiveness.
Shape the Future of Digital Innovation
Join STRIDE and become part of a dynamic, cross-border network that drives digital entrepreneurship and innovation across DCO Member States.
Whether you are a policymaker, entrepreneur, investor, or ecosystem enabler, STRIDE provides a collaborative platform to shape policies, expand market access, and strengthen support systems that empower startups and SMEs.
Policy
Innovation and Entrepreneurship Standard of Excellence & DCO Model Startup Act
Comprehensive legal frameworks to foster entrepreneurship, promote advanced technologies, and create a dynamic business environment, addressing startup challenges.
Offers strategic insights for startups aiming to expand internationally.
DCO InvestConnect
InvestConnect opens frontier markets to global investors through two connected platforms, turning verified intelligence into investable opportunities:
InvesTrek: A verified investor intelligence platform combining a curated pipeline of vetted, investment-ready startups with DEN market intelligence and on-the-ground insights from STRIDE enablers helping venture capital firms identify priority markets and assess opportunities across DCO Member States.
DealZone: A curated live-dealmaking platform where high-potential startups with validated solutions or early traction pitch at leading global technology events. Beyond a conventional pitch stage, DealZone leverages DCO convening power to amplify Member State innovation, connect founders directly with investors and ecosystem leaders, and turn global visibility into investment, market-entry opportunities, and strategic partnerships.
STARTUP NEXUS
Startup Nexus supports the cross-border expansion of startups across DCO Member States by connecting them with new markets, commercial partners, investors, accelerators, and other ecosystem stakeholders. Through bilateral activations, the initiative enables market access, partnership building, investment opportunities, knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and lasting business networks.
Key Objectives:
- Support startups in exploring new markets, customers, partnerships, and commercial opportunities.
- Build connections among startups, investors, accelerators, and ecosystem stakeholders.
- Facilitate knowledge exchange and technology transfer.
- Strengthen bilateral networks that support continued business activity.
- Enable investment connections and the cross-border flow of capital and resources
