Startale Expands to Abu Dhabi, Aligning With UAE’s State-Backed Crypto Push

Startale Group, the global blockchain infrastructure company behind Astar Network, is expanding into Abu Dhabi after being selected for Hub71’s Digital Assets cohort. The company — one of 27 firms chosen from more than 2,400 global applicants — will establish operations within Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) under a programme backed by Mubadala and the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development. Startale’s move follows a $63 million Series A round and is intended to accelerate development of its blockchain and stablecoin infrastructure in regulated markets.

“Hub71 and Abu Dhabi Global Market provide the regulatory clarity and global reach we need to scale Startale’s ecosystem responsibly,” said Sota Watanabe, CEO of Startale Group. “Abu Dhabi is becoming a key hub for digital assets, and joining this cohort positions us to expand across Eastern and Western markets, working closely with regulators and institutional partners.”

Context and programme details

Entry into Hub71 places Startale within a network of institutional partners, capital providers and regulators shaping Abu Dhabi’s digital asset strategy. The Hub71+ Digital Assets programme, which is supported by state-linked entities including Mubadala, aims to attract specialist blockchain infrastructure firms by offering access to ADGM’s regulatory framework for digital assets.

Startale said it will expand across three areas of its ecosystem through the programme:

• Blockchain infrastructure — advancing Soneium (developed through Sony Block Solutions Labs, a joint venture with Sony Group Corporation) and Strium.
• Consumer and developer products — expanding the Startale App as an entry point to the Soneium ecosystem.
• Stablecoin initiatives — growing USDSC and JPYSC, the latter developed in collaboration with SBI Group.

Startale also highlighted its existing footprint in Japan through Astar Network, described in company materials as Japan’s largest public blockchain. The firm said the ADGM base will give it closer access to institutional capital and provide regulatory clarity as it scales operations into the Middle East and beyond.

Statements from Hub71

Divya Claudia Nair, Startup Journey Lead at Hub71, welcomed the company’s selection: “Their focus on digital asset infrastructure reflects the strength of our specialist ecosystems and the calibre of founders choosing Abu Dhabi as a launchpad for global growth. We look forward to supporting their expansion.”

Outlook

Startale plans to deploy personnel in Abu Dhabi and to work closely with regulators, investors and partners through Hub71’s platform as it expands across the Middle East and global markets. The company’s articulated priorities — bringing Soneium and Strium online, expanding the Startale App, and progressing USDSC and JPYSC — suggest a focus on building regulated, interoperable infrastructure and stablecoin rails that can serve institutional participants. Contact details released with the announcement list Startale’s marketing address as marketing@startale.com.