Mahender BISHT

Especially in the tech sector, Abu Dhabi is positioning itself as a leader in the GCC startup ecosystem. It has never been easier to turn ideas into successful businesses thanks to government initiatives such as interest-free loans. #uae #abudhabi #business #growth #startups #funding #government #strategy

4

"The UAE aspires to have a more diverse, knowledge-based economy. What are some of the most important goals of the UAE under this vision, and how does the government aim to turn them into actionable and impactful results? At this critical juncture for social, economic, and human development, the UAE is doubling down on its efforts to build a more resilient world. In the UAE, we aim to build a strong and well-rounded knowledge-based economy by strategically integrating key elements across its various sub-pillars. We strive to provide cutting-edge education that caters to lifelong learners, fostering an ecosystem that will eventually cultivate skilled, knowledgeable, and well-educated individuals. These individuals will be equipped to design the future and continuously upgrade their skills throughout all stages of life. We also aim to create an advanced environment that fosters innovation and shapes the future. This includes establishing research and development centers, supporting startups, and enhancing collaboration between academia, government, and the private sector. Our goal is to remain at the forefront of the digital economy, driving productivity and efficiency while creating new opportunities in emerging industries. A diversified, knowledge-based economy is also the product of a dynamic and competitive environment. It is an economy that is fast-paced and focused on promising sectors, such as advanced industries and financial technology, while also investing in emerging sectors of the future, such as space exploration. Our vision drives us to build competitive, flexible, and highly productive human capital. Stimulating local talent and attracting global talent are crucial responsibilities for leaders in government as we work to shape the future of our economy and society. Talent is a primary economic driver behind the leadership’s vision for developing a diverse, knowledge-based economy. By fulfilling the ambitions outlined in We the UAE 2031, we aim to further enhance the UAE’s position as a dynamic, attractive, and competitive hub of innovation. To ensure effective implementation, we have set ambitious national goals, including: Doubling GDP from AED1.49 trillion to AED3 trillion Generating AED800 billion in non-oil exports Increasing foreign trade to AED4 trillion Boosting the tourism sector’s contribution to GDP to AED450 billion"

6

MENA has emerged as a vibrant hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, fostering a dynamic landscape for startups. Over the past decade, venture capital has played a pivotal role in fueling this growth, providing essential funding and strategic support to fledgling businesses. MENA’s startup ecosystem raised $1.3 billion through 352 deals in the first nine months of 2024, a slight dip from the same period last year. However, investor confidence surged, with a 34% increase in unique backers to 386 investors. Saudi-based startups led the region, capturing 39% of the total funding, according to MAGNiTT #VentureCapitalists #fundraising #investment #GCC #Assetsmanagers #privatequity #familyoffices #MENA #abudhabi #dubai #saudiarabia

11

1 Comment

https://lnkd.in/d3b_KeZe "“Globally and regionally, the banking sector has an unfavourable relationship with early-stage startups,” said Racha Ghamlouch, co-founder of Digital Digest, a UAE-based digital economy news and market intelligence aggregator. “But we are seeing more debt-funds and venture debt funds investing in growth stage deals, which is filling that gap for later stage companies.” Where banks may be falling short, entrepreneurs are turning to the private credit market to meet their funding needs. Omar Al Yawer, senior executive at Abu Dhabi-based Ruya Partners, who was speaking on the sidelines of the Alternative Investment Management Summit in Dubai this week, said: “The reality is the Middle East has such a big funding gap that exists because the banks are only lending to the big family groups and government backed projects. “So the middle market’s been really left to grow at a turtle-like pace,” he said."

10

Strategic Milestone: Expanding Seed VC into Dubai's Real Estate Market Dubai’s real estate market continues to be a powerhouse of economic growth, offering immense opportunities for sustainable wealth creation. Today, we brainstormed strategies to craft a specialized Seed VC Real Estate Fund to leverage Dubai’s potential responsibly. Our focus will be on building a fund that emphasizes transparency, investor confidence, and sustainable returns. Key aspects include: Project Selection by Experts: Investments guided by professionals with deep knowledge of Dubai’s real estate landscape. Unionized Investment Structures: Allowing pooled investments, flexible transfers, wealth consolidation, and tax efficiency. Consistent Returns: Stable income through leasing models with potential for long-term appreciation. Governance & Compliance: Adherence to strong regulatory frameworks, ensuring investor protection and market confidence. This approach will provide investors with a robust entry into Dubai’s thriving market, prioritizing growth and trust. Learn More For a deeper understanding, including the concept of unionized structures and their benefits for real estate investments, check out the detailed article attached below. #RealEstate #SeedVC #StrategicInvestments #DubaiGrowth #WealthCreation

8

After exploring the UAE's financial services industry, we are here as a management consultancy that knows how to uncover market opportunities to offer further advice and collaboration. Vanguards Majid Dodehaki

25

🚀 Join Us for an Exclusive Webinar on Venture Capital Trends in MENA! 🚀 I'm looking forwards to host a webinar on 22nd October to discuss the findings from MAGNiTT’s Q3 2024 Venture Investment Report. We'll be unpacking the key insights and trends that are shaping venture capital across Emerging Venture Markets—with a focus on the MENA region. I will be joined by Basil M. and Leena Khalil from Key Capital a new secondaries fund focused on MENA, as we dive deep into the evolving investment landscape and explore what Q4 2024 has in store. 🔑 Key Points to discuss: - What is in store for Q4 and 2025 as we hit event season - Will we see a return of exits and M&A - Feedback from their recent Roadtrip to London 📅 When: 22nd October, 2024 ⏰ Time: 15:00 GST 🔗 Register Now: https://lnkd.in/dvuRSn2s Whether you're an investor, founder, or part of the ecosystem, this is an event you don’t want to miss! #VentureCapital #MENA #PrivateEquity #Startups #EmergingMarkets #Webinar #MAGNiTT

46

3 Comments

Yesterday in Dubai there was a phenomenal downpour, as usual sources and analysts immediately emerged who unequivocally indicated that such downpours had not occurred here for 75 years. I cannot confirm, I was not a witness, but what impressed me was not this... A downpour is just the little things in life, so hundreds of cars drowned, so the wind blew the neighbors' couch off the balcony, well, maybe not far, to the neighboring balcony - sharing economy, use it and pass it on to someone else. We are from Russia, where a snowstorm that cancels everything and paralyzes everything will not surprise anyone, and I've seen trees torn out by the roots and neatly left in the salon of a nearby parked car... What surprised me was that my feed was only about this information, in second place was an interview with Pavel Durov, but firstly it was much more boring, and secondly, it was also Dubai content. It's clear that Facebook algorithms direct me, and it's not a question of chance, and the choice of friends also predictably contributes to this, but it's not just that. 400,000 Emirates IDs (equivalent to a residence permit) were obtained in Dubai by our compatriots, not all of them live here, and many have returned, but even the process of obtaining the document is not cheap (5-7-8k USD), so tourists do not just create it for themselves, which means there are serious intentions. About 250,000 live in the UAE permanently (according to another version, 150), it turns out that the Russian population of Dubai is approximately between Sochi (439k) and Smolensk (332k), so it will continue - we will get a new million city.

5

Had a wonderful conversation with RJ Muriel D'sa on Talk 100.3 Dubai about my journey with Rukam Capital. From starting up as an ‘accidental VC’ to raising our first fund and supporting visionary founders, it’s been a fulfilling journey, to say the least. We talked about the basics of venture capital, the importance of trusting founders, and how empowering startups is at the heart of what we do. The founders we work with take the risks, spot the opportunities, and make our job exciting every day. #WomenInVC #StartupJourney #EmpoweringFounders #RukamCapital

47

3 Comments

Abu Dhabi's strategic push to attract family offices and ultra-high-net-worth individuals marks a transformative shift in its economic landscape. By enhancing investor experiences through exclusive schools, private clubs, and tailored banking, the emirate is cultivating a thriving ecosystem for the wealthy. This influx bolsters local economies and positions Abu Dhabi as a global wealth management hub. The emphasis on education in wealth management and governance demonstrates a forward-thinking approach, ensuring sustainability and responsible stewardship of wealth across generations. As the region attracts self-made billionaires, its financial landscape is set for unprecedented growth and innovation. #wealthmanagement #abudhabi #familyoffices #investmenttrends #ultrahighnetworth

8

1 Comment

🚀💼 The venture capital (VC) landscape in the GCC is booming! 🌍 Check out the key points to understand the rapid growth and unique dynamics shaping the market. #VC #GCC #InvestmentOpportunities Rapid Growth and Investment Increase Despite global economic uncertainties, the GCC has seen a 30% increase in VC funding in 2023, contrasting with the global decline. This growth is driven by investor confidence in the region's potential, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Dominance of Sovereign Wealth Funds and Family Offices The investor landscape in the GCC is distinct, with sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) and family offices playing a pivotal role. The region is home to four of the largest 10 SWFs in the world, which significantly influence the VC ecosystem. Family offices also manage substantial private wealth, investing in promising startups with a flexible long-term investment horizon. Active Venture Capital Firms Local and international VC firms such as BECO Capital, Saudi Technology Ventures (STV), and Middle East Venture Partners (MEVP) are actively investing in the region. These firms have supported successful startups like Careem, SWVL, Anghami, and Property Finder. Sectoral Focus The VC investments in the GCC are diversified across various sectors, with a strong focus on fintech, e-commerce, green technologies, renewable energy, and electric mobility. Saudi Arabia's fintech sector, for example, has seen significant investments, including unicorn-status rounds for companies like Tabby and Tamara. Government Initiatives and Support Regional governments are driving economic diversification efforts, which include strategic investments in tech infrastructure and innovation. Initiatives like Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the UAE's National Innovation Strategy are creating a supportive environment for startups and VC investments. Infrastructure and Regulatory Environment The GCC is investing heavily in infrastructure development, including high-speed internet, co-working spaces, and regulatory frameworks conducive to innovation. A new fund passporting framework, set to be implemented in 2025, aims to streamline the registration and promotion of investment funds across the GCC, enhancing regulatory oversight and investor protection. Market Access and Trade Dynamics The GCC's strategic location offers unique market access opportunities. The region's trade dynamics and extensive sovereign funding create a fertile ground for startups and high-growth companies. This is further enhanced by the presence of active angel investors, venture capitalists, banks, and family offices that provide both financial resources and strategic value. Future Outlook The GCC VC market is expected to continue growing, with predictions of 45 unicorns worth an estimated $100 billion emerging from the region by 2030. The increasing number of venture deals and the average investment ticket size indicate a robust and expanding startup ecosystem.

9

talabat the leading on-demand delivery platform in the Middle East and North Africa, has priced its initial public offering (IPO) at the top of its price range, raising $2.04 billion. The company increased its offering size from 15% to 20% of its total share capital to accommodate substantial investor demand, it announced last week. This marks the largest global technology IPO in 2024 and the largest IPO in the Middle East & North Africa this year. It is also among the top ten global IPOs this year. The final offer price was set at AED 1.60 per share, implying a market cap of $10.16 billion at listing. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dGK-HysZ Source MENAbytes

14

The UAE has emerged as the largest backer of new business projects in Africa, committing $110bn between 2019 and 2023, surpassing traditional investors like the UK, France, and China. Key investments include $72bn in renewable energy, reflecting the UAE's strategic shift towards diversifying from oil and gas. Emirati firms, such as DP World and Abu Dhabi Ports, have expanded their footprint across African infrastructure and energy sectors, while a surprise $1.1bn deal secured a UAE stake in Zambia’s Mopani Copper Mines. However, some projects, like a $34bn green hydrogen initiative in Mauritania, face delays, and concerns persist about labor rights, environmental standards, and unaccounted gold exports. Critics caution that while UAE financing supports Africa’s energy transition, it also poses risks of exploitation and criminality. With $60bn invested and over 21,000 African companies operating in the UAE, the nation is solidifying its role as a pivotal partner for Africa’s economic growth. #UAE #Africa #Investment #RenewableEnergy #Infrastructure https://lnkd.in/eAd_5KvJ

16

UAE's flexible policy frameworks, supportive investment environment, and innovation-focused legislation have made it a regional hub for startups.Despite continuous efforts to enhance competitiveness and foster innovation, the country leads globally in startup indicators. #uae #startup #economy #business #startups

8