The Middle East is an affluent region and home to very sophisticated investors, including sovereign wealth funds, large family offices, and venture capital. Yet, most successful regional startups raise the majority of their funding from international investors. While the ability to raise funds from international investors is validating the quality and maturity of growth and late stage startups in the region, there is insufficient funding available from investors in the home market. 

In this panel, we will explore the underlying reasons for this gap and ways to foster a better regional investment ecosystem.

Moderator

Saud Al Nowais, UAE Commercial Attache (Counselor), Embassy of the UAE, Trade & Commercial Office

Speakers

Ron Cao, Founder and Managing Director, Sky9 Capital

Fadi Ghandour, Executive Chairman, Wamda Capital; Co-Founder and Vice Chairman, Aramex

Sumant Mandal, Managing Director, March Capital Partners; Co-Founder, The Hive

Abdulrahman Tarabzouni, CEO and Managing Director, STV