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Driving Change in the Heart of Innovation
Dubai, known for its gleaming skyscrapers and bustling metropolis, is also home to remarkable individuals who have left an indelible mark on the city. Among them is Lucy Chow, a tech investor and advocate who has become an influential force in the UAE’s innovation ecosystem. With over a decade of experience and a strong commitment to empowering women in the tech industry, Lucy’s journey in Dubai is an inspiring testament to the potential for change and progress in the region.
A Tech Pioneer’s Beginnings
Lucy Chow, often referred to as one of the “OG” tech investors in the UAE, started her journey by co-founding the Women Angel Investor Network. This network had a unique focus: investing in female tech founders. Her passion for digital technologies, particularly in gaming, led her to publish a book titled “Changing The Game.” The book highlights the pivotal role of digital technologies in shaping the future of work, which includes a section on women’s participation.
Lucy is not just an advocate; she is a capacity builder, actively promoting digital transformation in businesses and education. As a Board Member of the American School of Dubai, she spearheads the Facilities Committee, working on the build-out of a Design and Innovation Center for Public Purpose.
Investing in Innovation
With a portfolio spanning over 150 startups, Lucy’s investments have consistently included teams with at least one female partner. Her unwavering focus is on supporting female founders globally, nurturing them to become leaders and market drivers in the tech sector. She is committed to increasing access to funding for Web3 and STEM projects that create real-world impact while opening doors for women and underrepresented groups.
Dubai: A Home for Innovation
Lucy Chow’s journey in Dubai is now spanning an impressive 17 years. During this time, she has actively contributed to the city’s innovation ecosystem by championing innovative thinking and supporting entrepreneurs who push the boundaries of traditional solutions. She thrives on disruptive ideas and strives to provide startup capital to fuel innovation.
Her advocacy extends beyond investment. Lucy is a part of the UNHCR Solidarity Circle, an Ambassador for Women In Games (WIGJ), and a Strategic Advisor to #2022 Female Angels, an organization aimed at diversifying the early-stage investment landscape in MENA.
As an esteemed member of the Asian Impact Leaders Network, Lucy Chow is making her voice heard on a global stage. She believes in the importance of understanding how countries make decisions, and her seat at the table enables her to contribute to action plans that can shape the world’s future.
Recognitions and Contributions
Lucy’s impact on Dubai’s tech and innovation landscape has not gone unnoticed. She has been named among the top voices on LinkedIn for MENA, Women of the Future Top100, recognised as one of the CEO Middle East’s Influential Women in the Arab World and acknowledged by Arabian Business as an Inspiring Female Business Leader. Her role as Secretary General of the Global Women Leaders Committee at WBAF underscores her commitment to fostering female tech entrepreneurs globally.
Her book, “Changing the Game,” aims to remove the stigma from gaming and esports, shedding light on the industry’s vast potential. She believes gaming is a sector deeply intertwined with the future of work, offering diverse opportunities for individuals with various skill sets.
Words of Wisdom
Lucy Chow’s journey in Dubai is marked by her passion for innovation, advocacy for women in tech, and her relentless pursuit of change. She believes in sharing knowledge and advocating for a more equitable future for the next generation of female leaders. Her advice to aspiring women in their respective fields is to build strong networks, tap into possibilities, and find mentors who believe in their potential.
In the coming years, Lucy aims to continue being a connector, creating opportunities, and sharing her knowledge on international platforms. Her vision is one of progress, inclusion, and empowerment for all, making her an inspiring figure in Dubai’s ever-evolving landscape.
In Lucy Chow’s Dubai journey, we find the embodiment of the expat empowering women, leaving an indelible mark on the city and inspiring countless others to follow her innovation and advocacy path.
