Dar Ventures taps Plug and Play to expand startup programme across Africa

Dar Ventures, the venture arm of design and engineering firm Dar, has teamed up with global startup platform Plug and Play to broaden its startup program for technology firms operating in architecture, engineering, construction (AEC) and the broader built environment across Africa and beyond. This collaboration will grant DarE, Dar Ventures' current program, access to Plug and Play's extensive network of startups, investors and corporate partners.

The 12-week hybrid program will focus on pre-seed to pre-Series A companies with a minimum viable product (MVP) or market-ready product, primarily in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, while remaining open to global participants. Despite Africa's technology sector raising $1.44 billion in 174 deals during the first half of 2026, early-stage startups garnered only $9 million, a decline from $25 million the previous year, according to TechCabal Insights.

DarE aims to support technology for specialized sectors, such as construction and infrastructure, by providing industry expertise, customer access, capital and international market opportunities. Targeted companies should have early market validation and strong potential for commercial adoption and global expansion. Select startups will receive expert support, one-on-one mentorship, direct industry engagement and curated access to investors, corporate partners and international markets.

DarE also plans to create a global alumni community to maintain connections among participating companies, fostering continued collaboration, knowledge exchange, investment and cross-market expansion. Nader Aboushadi, co-founder of Dar Ventures, expressed excitement about the partnership with Plug and Play, stating that it will elevate DarE's ambitions by connecting exceptional founders with expertise, markets and capital.

Since launching as an incubator in 2023, DarE has supported 32 startups across four cohorts, offering industry expertise, commercial opportunities and an investment network to founders. The partnership with Plug and Play will expand DarE's focus beyond its initial Middle East and North Africa (MENA) emphasis. Karima El Hakim, Partner, Africa at Plug and Play, emphasized the importance of building robust execution beyond surface-level integrations, aiming to connect founders with industry, accelerate commercial adoption and support technologies shaping the future of construction and infrastructure worldwide.