SpaceX transformed the economics of space launches and satellite communications while remaining private. Anthropic emerged as one of the world's leading artificial intelligence companies, competing directly with OpenAI and Google in the race to develop advanced AI models. Both companies have attracted billions of dollars from institutional investors and have seen their valuations climb dramatically over the past few years.
For most retail investors, however, there has been one problem: access.
Private companies are traditionally reserved for venture capital firms, family offices, sovereign wealth funds, and accredited investors capable of committing large amounts of capital. By the time many of these companies eventually reach public markets, a significant portion of the value creation has already occurred.
Why investors are paying attention to SpaceX and Anthropic
SpaceX is increasingly viewed as one of the most important private companies in the world.
The company dominates the global commercial launch market through its Falcon rocket program while Starlink has become the world's largest satellite internet network, serving millions of users globally. Recent reports suggesting a potential IPO have reignited investor interest across the broader space sector, with many analysts viewing SpaceX as one of the defining technology companies of this generation.
Anthropic occupies a similarly important position within artificial intelligence. Founded by former OpenAI researchers, the company developed Claude, one of the leading large language models competing directly against ChatGPT, Gemini, and Grok. Anthropic has attracted significant backing from Amazon and Google and has become one of the most valuable private AI companies globally as enterprise demand for generative AI continues accelerating.
Both companies sit at the center of two of the market's most powerful themes: artificial intelligence and space infrastructure.
Accessing private innovation through AGIX
For investors in the UAE and wider GCC, one route to gaining exposure is through the KraneShares Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (AGIX), listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX).
Unlike traditional technology ETFs that focus exclusively on publicly traded companies, AGIX combines exposure to public AI leaders with a limited allocation to select private companies. Among its holdings are positions linked to both SpaceX and Anthropic, providing investors indirect access to businesses that would otherwise remain largely inaccessible.
The ETF also invests across the broader AI ecosystem, including semiconductor companies, hyperscalers, cloud-computing providers, AI software developers, and digital infrastructure firms that benefit from growing adoption of artificial intelligence technologies.
Since launching on ADX, AGIX has gained more than 30%, reflecting strong investor appetite for AI-related assets and continued enthusiasm surrounding private-market technology exposure.
How investors can buy AGIX or other ETFs locally?
For investors based in the UAE and GCC, accessing AGIX is similar to buying any other ETF listed on a public exchange. The first step is obtaining an Investor Number (NIN) through ADX, either directly through the ADX mobile application, UAE Pass, TAMM, or an accredited brokerage firm. The NIN serves as the investor's unique identifier and is required for all trading, clearing, and settlement activities on the exchange.
Once the investor number is issued, investors can open a trading account with a licensed broker that provides access to the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange. Several regional brokerage firms and banks offer ADX trading access, allowing investors to buy and sell ETFs, stocks, and other listed securities directly through their trading platforms.
After funding the account, investors can simply search for the ticker AGIX and place a buy order during ADX trading hours, just as they would with any listed stock or ETF. Transactions are settled through the exchange's infrastructure, providing the transparency and liquidity associated with publicly traded securities.
The Bigger Picture
The attraction of AGIX extends beyond simply owning a small allocation to SpaceX or Anthropic. The ETF represents a broader trend taking place across capital markets: the growing convergence between public and private technology investing. As artificial intelligence and space infrastructure continue attracting enormous amounts of capital, investors are increasingly searching for ways to participate in those themes before the next generation of technology leaders eventually reaches public markets. For many investors, that search traditionally ended at the gates of private equity and venture capital. ETFs such as AGIX are beginning to provide a new alternative.
