CertiK Becomes Preferred Security Partner for Hub71 Startups in Abu Dhabi · Blockster

CertiK has been named a preferred security and compliance vendor for Hub71, giving startups in Abu Dhabi’s technology ecosystem preferred access to the blockchain security firm’s services, a 20% discount on security offerings and a $200,000 subsidy pool for eligible companies. The agreement also grants Hub71 portfolio companies complimentary access to the CertiK Compliance Tool, which is designed to simplify licensing applications and ongoing regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions, including engagement with the Abu Dhabi Global Market Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) and the Central Bank of the UAE.

"It has identified more than 117,000 vulnerabilities while helping protect over $600 billion in digital assets across more than 150 countries," CertiK said, underlining the scale of the firm's work securing Web3 infrastructure.

Helping startups navigate security and regulation

The partnership positions CertiK as an on-ramp to professional security and compliance practices for companies operating within Hub71, the Abu Dhabi-backed ecosystem supported by Mubadala, ADQ and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). Under the deal, participating startups will receive a 20% discount across CertiK’s suite of services and access to a $200,000 subsidy pool intended to reduce upfront costs for audits and compliance work.

• Discount and funding: 20% discount on CertiK security services; $200,000 subsidy pool for eligible Hub71 companies.
• Compliance tooling: complimentary access to the CertiK Compliance Tool to assist licensing and cross-jurisdictional regulatory processes.
• Security services: access to smart contract audits, penetration testing, continuous security monitoring and regulatory compliance support tailored to digital asset businesses.

Hub71 companies will be able to use the CertiK Compliance Tool to support regulatory interactions with authorities such as the FSRA and the Central Bank of the UAE, which the announcement framed as an important capability for teams preparing licensing applications or managing expanding compliance obligations as they scale internationally.

CertiK, founded in 2017, is a major provider in the Web3 security space. The firm reported having discovered more than 117,000 vulnerabilities and protecting in excess of $600 billion in digital assets across more than 150 countries — figures cited in the partner announcement that illustrate the company’s global footprint. The services on offer through Hub71 include traditional security measures such as smart contract audits and penetration testing, alongside continuous monitoring solutions and compliance advisory aimed specifically at digital asset ventures.

Context and strategic rationale

The arrangement reflects a broader shift in the digital asset sector where security and compliance are increasingly integral to product development rather than after-the-fact considerations. Hub71, which provides startups with access to capital, corporate partners, regulators and government agencies, adds CertiK to its roster of ecosystem partners as Abu Dhabi deepens efforts to attract Web3, fintech and AI companies to the UAE.

For founders in Hub71, the offer lowers barriers to institutional-grade security reviews and regulatory preparedness. Services such as smart contract audits and ongoing monitoring can reduce technical risk and support licensing conversations with regulators in the UAE and beyond.

Outlook

For Hub71 startups, the CertiK partnership delivers immediate cost relief through discounts and subsidies while connecting teams to compliance workflows designed for regulated markets. For CertiK, the tie-up expands its institutional footprint within a Gulf hub that is placing increased emphasis on regulated digital asset activity. Both organisations described the partnership as aimed at "giving startups the security, compliance and operational support needed to scale" as digital assets become further integrated into global financial systems.