Today’s episode is with Katie Wachsberger, a co-founder of DANA, an Abu Dhabi based accelerator and funding platform for women-led startups in desert tech, including the sectors of agritech, foodtech, water solutions, renewable energy, circular economy, and waste management. DANA offers startups a tailor made program, including hands-on mentorship, business model construction, proof of concept and feasibility testing at DANA beta sites, corporate design partnerships, AI implementation with Microsoft, go-to-market in MENA and India, and seed funding. She is passionate about the incredible technology already embedded in the way our natural environment functions, and believes in the endless capabilities of female founders. We spoke about the following and so much more: ✅ How she and her co-founders started DANA, and why the accelerator is named DANA ✅ Some of the companies in DANA’s portfolio which include industries like desert tech, agritech, foodtech, water solutions, renewable energy, circular economy, and waste management. ✅ Why she and her co-founders believed in offering funding as well as mentorship and skills ✅ How she deals with adversity and keeps moving forward ✅ How the pandemic shaped their business Stay tuned for upcoming episodes with startup founders in the Middle East and North Africa! Please tag us and tell us what you learned. We’d greatly appreciate a review if you are enjoying these conversations.