Motivating Venture Capital in the Era of MENA Technology and Innovation
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