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Zug, Switzerland & Abu Dhabi, UAE. February 19, 2026.

Swiss headquartered global technology startup investor and ecosystem builder CV VC is growing its global activities by merging with Abu Dhabi-based accelerator Elixir to meet the growing demand for internationally connected early-stage blockchain, AI and digital-economy acceleration services operating in and from the United Arab Emirates.

The move aligns CV VC’s international investment, acceleration and ecosystem-building activities with Elixir’s regional presence in Abu Dhabi, as the UAE continues to position itself as a regulated hub for digital assets and frontier technologies.

It also supports CV VC’s strategy of operating across interconnected, innovation focused and regulated jurisdictions. In addition to its main hub in Switzerland, CV VC has existing operations in Liechtenstein, South Africa, the UK, Dubai, Germany and Portugal

“By combining our global footprint investor experience with Elixir’s regional depth, and building on the UAE’s regulatory clarity and international reach, we aim to support founders developing scalable technology based ventures in and from the region for global markets,” said Mathias Ruch, Founder and CEO of CV VC.

CV VC will expand Elixir’s Abu Dhabi-based team and network, contributing its global Web3 investment and ecosystem expertise while linking Elixir to CV VC’s international hubs. Elixir will continue to deliver founder programmes in Abu Dhabi and beyond, including powering the Digital Assets Programme at Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global technology ecosystem.

Olaf Hannemann, Co-Founder of CV VC, who steers CV VC growth activities globally, added: “The UAE has demonstrated exceptional foresight in building an assured, regulated and innovation-friendly environment, making it a natural fit for our long-term growth strategy.” 

Concluding the announcement, Rachel Herauf, Head of Founder Services at Elixir, said:
“Abu Dhabi’s capital strength and long-term vision for digital assets is increasingly attracting founders building globally relevant companies. CV VC’s global insight and network will significantly strengthen our ability to support these new builders.”

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About CV VC
CV VC is a private blockchain venture capital firm driving the adoption of transformative technologies worldwide. Through its investment product suite, encompassing venture capital portfolios, liquid hedge fund portfolios, and a renowned accelerator program, CV VC empowers qualified investors to gain exposure to blockchain innovation and digital assets. Additionally, CV VC provides consulting and advisory services to corporates and governments.

At the heart of CV VC is CV Labs, its ecosystem business pillar, operating across Switzerland, Liechtenstein, South Africa, Germany, Portugal, and Dubai. Through its accelerator programs, global hubs, industry-leading events, co-working spaces, and research, CV Labs connects startups, corporates, and investors, enabling them to harness blockchain technology’s full potential.

Together, CV VC and CV Labs embody venture, ecosystem development, and entrepreneurial excellence. With 80 investments in blockchain startups, it has a visionary team led by Philipp Rickenbacher, former CEO of Bank Julius Baer as Chairman, industrialist Alex Wassmer as Vice Chairman, Philipp Rösler, former Vice-Chancellor of Germany, founder & CEO Mathias Ruch, and co-founder Olaf Hannemann.

‍About Elixir

‍Elixir supports global web3 startups, helping founders launch faster, raise more capital, and scale into new markets. Partnerships across leading Web3 companies, investors, corporates, and governments enable a thriving ecosystem to connect founders with the right investors, partners and technologies.