Founders & Funders

Sina is a Serial Entrepreneur. His latest endeavor is Tiko.es which he founded and serves as CEO. Before that he was the Founder of Markafoni, the first Online Fashion site of Turkey with more than 1,500 people working for the company. The Naspers Group acquired in July 2011 a majority stake at Markafoni and signed for one of the biggest deals in the Turkish internet. Sina is also an active Business Angel and invests in early stage start-ups. He is the President of the Entrepreneurship Foundation and Board Member of Endeavor Turkey Board (2013-2017). Sina has been elected as the “Internet Entrepreneur of the Year” and “Business Angel of the Year” in Turkey. His companies won several awards: “Best Web Start-up 2011” and “Best Online Fashion Site in 2011, 2012 and 2013”. The Wired magazin elected in 2012 and 2013 Markafoni to the hottest 100 companies in Europe. Sina was also selected (2014 & 2015) to the Top 100 most influential tech people Europe. In 2016 he was selected as one of Top 100 most influential tech people in the World (Wired Magazine). In 2019 he was elected to one of the “Brightest Minds Alive” in Turkey by the Forbes Magazine. He was selected for another twenty prizes in Entrepreneurship. Prior to Markafoni, Sina spent more than 5 years with eBay and 12 years with KPMG as Partner. Sina received his diploma from Münster University and joined later Harvard Business School.

Farid Khreino is part of the Sourcing and Selection team at Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem, where he evaluates and supports high-growth startups. Previously, he was a Financial Associate at Interlink Capital Strategies, a Washington, D.C.-based private equity firm. He is the Founder and Board Member of the George Washington University Socially Responsible Investment Fund (SRIF). He holds an MSc in International Business (2021) from the GWU School of Business and a BA in International Affairs & Economics, with a minor in Business Administration (2020) from the GWU Elliott School

Matt Spriegel is the Co-Founder & CEO of Atiom, a behavioral tech SaaS company transforming team engagement, learning, and performance in the hospitality industry. Under his leadership, Atiom has expanded across 5 continents, helping leading hotels enhance guest experience, and increase employee productivity through AI-driven training and gamification. Matt has a passion for scaling businesses and optimizing performance. He loves to connect with new people and outside of work, he’s a tennis player, language learner and lifelong traveler.

Nina Tandon is a tissue engineer and entrepreneur working to change the status quo of healthcare by creating the world’s first “body shop” of replacement body parts engineered from stem cells. As the CEO and co-founder of EpiBone, she is successfully bringing a first-in-class pipeline of bone and cartilage tissues through first-in-human clinical trials. Named one of Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business, Tandon is a frequent speaker and commentator on issues related to the potential of regenerative medicine to transform healthcare, the importance of diversity and inclusion in STEM fields, and the challenges and opportunities of biotech entrepreneurship.

H.E. Alia Bint Abdulla Al Mazrouei has been announced as Minister of State for Entrepreneurship during the new UAE cabinet formation in July 2024. H.E. Alia Al Mazrouei is a highly accomplished entrepreneur with a diverse career spanning entrepreneurship, the private and government sectors. H.E. Al Mazrouei has held a several high-level positions in leading government institutions. As the Chief Executive Officer of the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, she was responsible for overseeing the organization’s efforts to promote entrepreneurship and support small and medium-sized businesses in the UAE. She also served as an Advisor to the Chairman at the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, and the Director General of the Human Resources Authority (HRA) in Abu Dhabi. Prior to that, she was the Director General of the Abu Dhabi School of Government (ADSG). Prior to joining the Government, she was Group Chief Operating Officer of Mazrui International LLC, established by her family 50 years ago and which today is an Abu Dhabi-based conglomerate with a highly diversified business portfolio. In 2013 she was awarded the Arab Women’s Award for Entrepreneurship and in 2014 was voted the twenty sixth most powerful Arab woman in the Forbes Middle East list of the world’s 200 most powerful Arab women. In 2017, she was included in the Forbes list of the world’s 100 most powerful Arab business women. HE AlMazrouei is highly respected for her business acumen, creativity, and her flair for mentoring and nurturing new Emirati talent. H.E. Alia Al Mazrouei received her Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree in Management Information Systems from the United Arab Emirates University in 2001. After completing her undergraduate studies, she went on to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Global Leadership at the same institution, which she received in 2005. Throughout her academic career, Al Mazrouei has demonstrated a strong commitment to her studies and a passion for leadership and management.

Ahmed Hegazy is the Cofounder and CEO of Opteam, a construction tech startup that wants to reduce the resource cost of infrastructure by 20%. His company builds advanced and simple software to help contractors and consultants track and manage projects on-site as well as recover delays using AI and advanced optimization. Before Opteam, Ahmed led sales at SAP, where he closed several of the company’s largest digital transformation contracts globally. His projects had major influences in the energy sector and for the advancement of both the UAE and German digital and innovation economies. He decided to start Opteam with his father, Dr Tarek Hegazy, a world-renowned researcher and Professor in Canada that has compiled several patents and 250+ publications specializing in using AI for construction. Today, the company has newly launched its product into the market having already helped leading companies in the UAE greatly improve construction tracking and reduce construction delays.

Passionate about building ecosystems and seeing them thrive. Years of international success founding and operating businesses in tech. Known for leading and creating high-performance teams also in difficult environments. Solid turnaround and transformation skills in various positions especially in business development. Well positioned as an experienced venture capital investor and program leader in entrepreneurial initiatives. A seasoned corporate leader in government and corporate environments, delivering corporate innovation strategies, and ensuring their implementation. Passionate about attracting new ventures and FDI to Dubai for the greater good of the UAE and MENA.

Taha Memon is a dynamic entrepreneur who has made significant strides in the event management industry. Taha leads Founders Club International, an organization that focuses on fostering international business relationships by organizing investor delegations aimed at supporting countries in attracting foreign direct investment. Through Founders Club International, Taha plays a crucial role in connecting investors with opportunities around the globe, thereby contributing to economic development and growth. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for bringing people together, Taha Memon continues to innovate and expand his ventures, making a lasting impact in both the event management and investment sectors. His dual expertise not only enhances the experience of clients but also strengthens international business ties, showcasing his commitment to creating value on multiple fronts.

Maria Paula ‘MP’ Oliveira connects businesses to the future. She is the SVP, Venture Investments for NeoVentures, Mashreq Bank’s venture capital fund, and chairwoman for the Dubai chapter of AI Salon, a global AI community. A senior global business leader with 20+ years of experience, MP builds resilience to disruption through strategic planning, innovation management, and corporate development. She has closed investments and M&A deals worth $1B+, co-founded two Silicon Valley startups, and launched three innovation hubs (LATAM, APAC, MENA). MP’s expertise spans financial services, professional services, and payments, with a footprint across MENA, APAC, US, and Latin America.

Walid is General Partner of Novo Capital, one of the most active global emerging market investment firms, with holdings across MENA, Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and South Asia. Notable MSA portfolio companies include Klarna, Nubank, Animoca, Xepelin, Tabby, Kitopi, and many others. Previously, Walid was a Partner at Wamda Capital and managed the investments of MENA Venture Investments (MVI) investing in high growth and capital-efficient technology businesses which include some of the region’s most prominent exits such as Souq/Amazon, Yemeksepeti/Delivery Hero and Careem/Uber. With over 15 years of experience in the region’s Venture Capital industry, Walid is an advisor, to many startups and has extensive managerial and leadership roles that has helped start-ups, entrepreneurs and executives plan, build and scale businesses that are aligned with their vision to grow and excel in their markets.

Joanne is the Director of The Greenhouse by Chalhoub Group, the partner and creator of luxury experiences in the Middle East. Joanne oversees the Greenhouse incubator and accelerator programs and extensive portfolio of startups created in-house through the startup studio. She ensures that all ventures are running smoothly and efficiently while having a focus on growth. Her diverse experience includes playing a pivotal role as a finance business partner in the fashion and beauty industries identifying areas of improvement, implementing effective solutions, and managing financial and operational aspects of different types of organizations. More recently, she has been focusing on driving internal and external innovation initiatives for the Group through The Greenhouse. She holds a finance degree from the American University of Beirut (AUB) as well as a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification.

Kevin has over 20 years of strategy, finance, and investment experience across the globe, with broad exposure to different sectors and business models within complex and dynamic environments. He is the Managing Director of C3 – Companies Creating Change, a B Corp™- certified organisation and impact innovation solutions provider, helping business get great at solving the world’s most pressing environmental and societal challenges, with a specific focus on the Global South. Our offerings range across the impact value chain, tackling the various steps of a changemaker’s journey to identify and scale ‘profit with a purpose’ enterprises aligned with the UN SDGs. Kevin has previously held senior positions at AW Rostamani Group, OSN, Global Integrated Security, Networkers International Plc, and Euromoney Institutional Investor Plc. He has substantial experience in high-growth, fast-paced, innovative environments, with exceptional strengths in strategic development and execution, impact investing, and social entrepreneurship. Kevin is a qualified chartered management accountant (London, UK) and holds an MBA from Warwick Business School (Warwick, UK).

Heba leads Middle East and Africa investments at Alter Global, a San Francisco-based VC backing startups across emerging markets, including LATAM, Africa, MENA, and Southeast Asia. Before that, she was investing in growth-stage startups across MEA at Global Ventures, where she sourced, evaluated, and led deals. She was also part of the investment teams at Shorooq Partners and Plus VC, driving deal execution and building value-creation platforms to help founders scale.

Bader Almubarak is the Co-founder and CEO of Soum, a marketplace that enables users to buy and sell online with convenience, trust, and ease starting in the MENA market. Soum began with second-hand electronics in KSA, becoming market leaders, and is now expanding to autos and collectibles. In just two years, Soum has facilitated hundreds of thousands of transactions across 150+ locations in the KSA, received more than 5 million app downloads, ranked among the 10th most downloaded e-commerce app in KSA for 2024. Soum is backed by local and regional investors including, amongst others, Jahez Group, Isometry Capital, and Outliers Venture and have raised $22Mn to date Prior to founding Soum, Bader worked at McKinsey & Company, executing mergers and acquisitions, and investment diligences for institutional investors in New York, Boston, Dubai, and Riyadh. He holds an MBA from MIT, bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from KFUPM and is a CFA Charter holder.

Allen brings 20+ years of experience in economic development and venture capital with a focus on emerging markets to his leadership roles at Endeavor, a mission-driven organization focused on supporting high-growth companies in emerging and underserved markets. As the Managing Partner of Endeavor Catalyst, Allen leads Endeavor’s innovative co-investment fund that has been recognized as one of the most active global venture investors in markets like Latin America and the Middle East. Since launching in 2012, Endeavor Catalyst has raised over $500M+ across four funds and made 300+ investments in 30+ different countries, including more than 50 companies now valued at $1B+. Allen is a frequent guest lecturer at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and serves on the boards of several entrepreneurship and venture capital-focused organizations, including Kauffman Fellows (Class 16), Alter Global, STV (Saudi Arabia) and Scale-Up Ventures (Brazil). A graduate of Princeton University, he lives with his wife and two children in Northern California.

A Saudi Unicorn(s) builder, a winner of self-made entrepreneur of the year 2021 prize in Saudi Arabia, with more than 23 years of experience in information technology, research and innovation, and digital transformation. Built himself a unicorn that’s the MENA region’s leading e-commerce platform “”Salla””, and an Angel Investor in 5 more MENA Unicorn(s). Currently working on building KnowledgeX.sa the entity which will change the way knowledge economy interacts with entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Omar is a co-founder of Grubtech, a unified commerce SaaS platform for F&B and quick-commerce merchants looking scale their online sales with minimum friction. Grubtech’s SaaS platform is used by customers in over 20 markets across the Middle East, Europe and the UK. Grubtech has secured over $35 million in funding, with notable investors including Addition VC, Jahez Venture Capital, Salica Investments and BY Venture Partners. Prior to co-founding Grubtech, Omar spent 17 years as a private equity and angel investor in Dubai and New York City. He has overseen over $1 billion of private equity investments and served as a director on numerous boards across MENA and Turkey including Ikcon (sold to Reef Technology), Foodie Holdings, souq.com (sold to Amazon), Ison Technologies, Turknet, Waternet and Fine Hygienic Holdings.

Julien is the Senior Partner at Oraseya Capital, where he leads the firm’s investment strategy, oversees deal sourcing and execution, and actively manages a diverse portfolio of early-stage startups. Oraseya Capital invests from pre-Seed to Series B stages, fostering innovation and scaling transformative businesses across key sectors. Julien is also a member of the investment committee. In 2021, Julien launched SANDBOX, Oraseya’s program for investing in and mentoring pre-Seed/Seed stage startups. The program has supported hundreds of founders, with 16 investments made in 2024 alone. Julien plays a pivotal role in mentoring founders, building long-term partnerships, and guiding portfolio companies toward sustainable growth and success.

Chiara de Caro is the co-founder and managing partner of AGCC, a Dubai-based accelerator supporting global business expansion, and a partner at Million Ventures, a Berlin-based venture studio. With a track record of launching and scaling startups, including a $60M venture under Rocket Internet across three continents, she has successfully exited two ventures. Recognized by media outlets like Rai TG1 and Wired, she was named among the “10 Italians shaping the future” by Wired Magazine. Chiara is an active angel investor and member of Rotary International and The Aspen Institute, focusing on fostering innovation and community development.

Farid Khreino is part of the Sourcing and Selection team at Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem, where he evaluates and supports high-growth startups. Previously, he was a Financial Associate at Interlink Capital Strategies, a Washington, D.C.-based private equity firm. He is the Founder and Board Member of the George Washington University Socially Responsible Investment Fund (SRIF). He holds an MSc in International Business (2021) from the GWU School of Business and a BA in International Affairs & Economics, with a minor in Business Administration (2020) from the GWU Elliott School

Rick Fox is an entrepreneur, philanthropist and three-time NBA champion. During his professional basketball career, Rick captained two of the NBA’s most famous franchises, the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers. After retiring from the NBA, Rick pursued a career in television and entertainment. He starred over 200 movie and TV episodes, either as an actor or producer, and has worked alongside Oscar & Emmy nominated producers, directors and actors. Currently an Ambassador at Large for The Bahamas, Rick has given his time and energy in creating The Bahamas Relief Foundation and bringing real-estate development opportunities to the region. Rick is Co-Founder and CEO of Partanna Global – a climate technology company that is revolutionizing the way the world builds with its innovative carbon negative cement. Rick is dedicated to battling one of the greatest challenges of our times – climate change.

Matt Spriegel is the Co-Founder & CEO of Atiom, a behavioral tech SaaS company transforming team engagement, learning, and performance in the hospitality industry. Under his leadership, Atiom has expanded across 5 continents, helping leading hotels enhance guest experience, and increase employee productivity through AI-driven training and gamification. Matt has a passion for scaling businesses and optimizing performance. He loves to connect with new people and outside of work, he’s a tennis player, language learner and lifelong traveler.

Nina Tandon is a tissue engineer and entrepreneur working to change the status quo of healthcare by creating the world’s first “body shop” of replacement body parts engineered from stem cells. As the CEO and co-founder of EpiBone, she is successfully bringing a first-in-class pipeline of bone and cartilage tissues through first-in-human clinical trials. Named one of Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business, Tandon is a frequent speaker and commentator on issues related to the potential of regenerative medicine to transform healthcare, the importance of diversity and inclusion in STEM fields, and the challenges and opportunities of biotech entrepreneurship.

Loulou is a tech entrepreneur, investor, and podcast host with 20 years of work experience spanning GCC markets. Loulou is currently the Managing Partner of Spade Ventures, a 200+ investor syndicate investing > $2Mn in early-stage ventures in MENAP, the producer and host of Conversations with Loulou, the top 10 Business & Entrepreneurship podcast across key MENA markets. Previously Loulou founded Nabbesh.com, the MENA region’s first and largest online marketplace connecting businesses with 100,000+ freelancers (now Ureed.com). Loulou is speaker at regional and international conferences, holds a BA from Bournemouth University, is a CFA Level 2 candidate and has completed an Entrepreneurship program at The Harvard Kennedy School.

Shadi Karra is a Senior Investment Associate at Antler. Prior to joining Antler, his experience spanned strategy and business operations within both the public and private sectors. Shadi began his career at the United Nations Development Programme and the San Francisco Mayor’s Office. He later transitioned to the startup ecosystem, overseeing business operations and strategy at a health tech startup, followed by a role as a strategic client partner at a leading media company. Shadi studied Political Science at the University of California, Berkeley.

A seasoned expert in Flight Operations and Regulatory Affairs, licensed aircraft dispatcher by the Saudi Arabian General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) with extensive experience across multinational organizations. His expertise drives the advancement of a key players in the Saudi and global aviation markets

Hammam Attar is a venture builder and strategic leader, currently Venture Building Principal at BIM Ventures. He specializes in launching and scaling startups, with expertise in business modeling, investment structuring, and strategic growth. Previously, he held leadership roles at the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority and Accenture, focusing on strategic planning and financial analysis. Hammam holds a BSc in Accounting from King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals and is a Certified Strategy and Business Planning Professional. Passionate about innovation and entrepreneurship, he is committed to building and accelerating high-impact ventures.

Founder & Managing Partner of BIM Ventures, the leading Saudi Venture Studio. Passionate about building innovative, exciting and financially sustainable ventures.

Ahmad Ramahi is a serial entrepreneur and fintech innovator, dedicated to empowering gig workers through financial inclusion and mobility solutions. As the Founder & CEO of Thrivve, he has transformed the company into one of the region’s leading fintech-driven platforms for the gig economy, helping thousands of workers access instant payouts, vehicle financing, and earnings visibility. With over 14 years of experience in entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and operations, Ahmad’s journey began at Careem, where he gained deep insights into the mobility and gig economy landscape. Prior to Thrivve, he founded WeDeliver, a successful logistics-tech startup, before pivoting to fintech to tackle the financial challenges gig workers face globally. Under his leadership, Thrivve has secured multi-million-dollar funding, forged strategic partnerships with Uber, Amazon, and Hungerstation, and is scaling across Saudi Arabia and the region. Ahmad holds a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering and has been recognized for his entrepreneurial impact by the Davos World Economic Forum. His passion for financial inclusion, technology, and empowering underserved communities drives Thrivve’s mission to redefine financial access for gig workers at scale.

I assist my partners and clients in transforming their organisations by designing and implementing startup and innovation programs that bring stakeholders from across the value chain together to solve environmental, social, and business challenges. Since 2010, I have been designing, planning, and executing innovation and entrepreneurship programs for universities, foundations, and banks, including the University of Arts London, Emirates Foundation, Impact Hub, Abu Dhabi Arts and Music Foundation, Commercial Bank of Dubai, and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank. In 2023, I founded Fluid Labs, which helps organisations achieve their innovation goals through tailor-made pop-up innovation labs. I utilize a human-centric approach, facilitation training, and communication skills to simplify complex technology and business concepts and communicate them to stakeholders in a way that delivers actionable results. I am passionate about unlocking creativity, promoting sustainable travel and tourism, and building strategic partnerships that drive the future of business forward.

Rasha Manna is the General Manager of Flat6Labs Amman, an early-stage venture fund and seed program manager. Rasha started her career in audit with Arthur Andersen. She then joined Hikma Pharma as part of the Initial Public Offering team that was responsible for the company’s listing on the London Stock Exchange. Following the IPO, her career shifted to investment banking, founding and heading the Equity Research department at Amwal Invest and then at JordInvest. Rasha then transitioned to the start-up world in the capacity of Managing Director of Endeavor Jordan. She then took on the role of Chief Growth Officer at Luminus Education, a fast growing social enterprise working to address the societal challenge of youth unemployment through Vocational and Technical schools of excellence, and through fostering entrepreneurship via incubation and acceleration programs. Most recently Rasha was mandated by the UNDP in Jordan to design, implement and engage public and private sector in the SDG Impact initiative which looks to drive capital flows towards SDG aligned investment opportunities. Rasha Manna completed her undergraduate degree at the London School of Economics and her Executive MBA at the American University of Beirut, is a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor and an alumnus of the Thnk School of Creative Leadership

Zeena Zalamea is a broadcaster and producer for radio, TV and global events. She runs communication workshops under her programme Soundbite, and is the co-founder of podcast production company Portal Productions.

Mohammad Alblooshi is the Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Innovation Hub and an advocate for fostering innovation within the Dubai start-up ecosystem. He has been a driver in building DIFC’s reputation as a FinTech hub across the UK, USA, Singapore and India. He has worked heavily on aligning needs of the start-up ecosystem in the region by introducing a series of subsidised licensing schemes and an integrated offering for FinTech firms in DIFC. Mohammad also spearheads the Dubai FinTech Summit, Dubai AI & Web3 Festival and the Future Sustainability Forum.

Niall is the founder and CEO of Elevision Media, a leading Digital-Out-of-Home media company with operations in the UAE and the UK. Under his leadership, Elevision has built a robust network of digital screens across premium properties, partnering with major developers like DIFC, Emaar, Nakheel, and Dubai Holding. With a focus on innovation & technology, Elevision has pioneered programmatic advertising, audience measurement, and advanced resident communication tools in the DOOH space. Beyond Elevision, Niall is an entrepreneur with extensive experience in media, technology, and property partnerships. He is currently spearheading Elevision’s international expansion, with a strategic push into the London market At step, Niall brings his insights on the evolution of DOOH, the role of smart cities in media, and the intersection of data, advertising, and audience engagement.

نايلة تويني التحصيل العلمي: • 2009: شهادة ماجستير في التفاوض والاستراتيجيا، كلية جان مونيه، جامعة Paris XI • 2007: شهادة ماجستير في الإعلام والتواصل، الجامعة اللبنانية، بيروت، لبنان • 2005: إجازة في الصحافة، الجامعة اللبنانية، بيروت، لبنان • 2000: شهادة البكالوريا القسم الثاني، مدرسة سيدة الناصرة، بيروت، لبنان • مرحلة التعليم الابتدائي، Saint Honoré d’Eylan et les Moineaux، باريس، فرنسا الخبرة المهنية • حالياً إدارة المنصّات الرقمية لشركة “”النهار ميديا””، والتي تشمل الموقع الإلكتروني، وقنوات مختلفة عبر مواقع التواصل الاجتماعي، والـ””ويب تي في””. وفي هذا الإطار إطلاق العديد من المشاريع والخدمات: إطلاق خدمة النهار بريميوم في عام 2017 إطلاق خدمة “”النشر المباشر”” Publish Live في عام 2016 لغرفة أخبار عصرية ومتطورة، ما يؤّمن عائداً أسرع وأفضل وأعلى على الاستثمار إطلاق خدمة الأخبار عبر الواتساب، 2015 إطلاق “”النهار تي في”” (Annahar TV) للفيديوهات بناءً على الطلب (VOD) في عام 2014 تصميم جديد للموقع الإلكتروني، 2013 نشر الأرشيف إلكترونياً بدءاً من أعداد “”النهار”” الصادرة في عام 1982 إطلاق نسخة “”النهار”” الرقمية المستقلة الجديدة، 2012 • رئيسة مجلس الإدارة ورئيسة تحرير صحيفة “”النهار”” (منذ أيلول/سبتمبر 2011): إطلاق تصميم جديد وتطبيق خاص بجهاز الآيباد، 2011

An entrepreneur focused on building one of the world’s largest climate models in AI, Jay Sadiq is the founder of FortyGuard, where he has developed advanced solutions to combat urban heat, enhance sustainability, and integrate temperature features into global applications. Born in Abu Dhabi, Jay is a 3-time founder with a long track record of founding and funding tech startups. An international award-winning entrepreneur, he is part of AI and Climate Advisory Boards for some of the world’s largest foundations. Jay is known for his collaborations with NVIDIA, Google, Microsoft, and other leading global companies, driving innovative climate-tech solutions that push the boundaries of AI-driven sustainability and urban resilience.

Sura Fitiani is a Pipeline Development Officer at Intersect, where she focuses on supporting early-stage startups during the ideation phase. With a strong commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, Sura has been instrumental in providing early-stage startups with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in Palestine’s evolving tech ecosystem. Her work encompasses capacity-building initiatives, mentorship programs, and strategic partnerships, all aimed at fostering innovative, tech-focused, and tech-enabled solutions. Driven by her passion for connecting Palestinian entrepreneurs to regional and international opportunities, Sura is dedicated to showcasing their resilience and achievements on a global stage. She actively collaborates with ecosystem stakeholders to bridge the gap between Palestinian talent and global markets, providing access to critical resources, training, and business opportunities that empower the next generation of innovators.

Suraya Turk is the Managing Partner of Legal Circle, a forward-thinking UAE-based law firm providing Startups, SMEs, multinationals and government entities with optimal legal and commercial solutions. Legal Circle has positioned itself as a leading legal firm in the technology sphere, providing expert advice to diverse clients navigating this ever-changing regulatory landscape. Suraya has held the role of Managing Director with both international and local law firms in the UAE, and prior to that enjoyed a highly successful career as a qualified lawyer in Australia. This background provides her with a wealth of experience advising clients on a global platform as well as establishing top-performing legal firms and specialist legal teams. Suraya is passionate about working with startup founders, investors and women in business to enable them to achieve and exceed their business goals.

Walid is the co-founder and co-CEO of MEVP, with deep involvement in the MENA region’s VC and technology ecosystem since the mid-2000s. He has played a key role in the setup, scale, and exit of several VC funds and tech companies, serving as a board member and advisor to many successful internet and technology businesses globally. Prior to MEVP, Walid worked in Public Policy (UAE Prime Ministry Office), Strategy Consulting (Booz Allen Hamilton), and Industrial & Software Engineering in France. He holds a Master’s in Industrial Engineering from INSA de Lyon (France) and an MBA from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania (USA).

Omar is the founder and CEO of the UAE’s leading payment links platform, Nomod. Omar previously founded and exited JadoPado to Noon

Dr. Jelena Janjusevic is Associate Professor of Finance and Head of Accountancy, Economics and Finance, at Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University Dubai. In her more than 20-year-long working experience, Dr. Janjusevic has worked with – government officials, municipalities, social partners, and international institution representatives – World Bank, IFC, EBRD, USAID, UNDP, CHF, EC, etc. Besides teaching, Dr. Janjusevic has strong managerial and research experience. She has previously been engaged with many different projects dealing with macroeconomics, sustainable development, and public administration capacity building (initiating several reforms in the energy sector, urban planning, financial, health, pension system, education system, investments, business environment, and legislation improvement). She has been recognised among the Top 100 Sustainability Voices of 2025 by Climate Penpal Media alongside inspiring leaders driving real change in the Middle East

Ankit Shah is the CFO & Co-Founder of Silkhaus, a proptech startup revolutionizing short-term rentals across Asia. He leads Silkhaus’ strategic vision, securing multiple successful financing rounds through investor engagement. Previously, Ankit was Senior Director of Corporate Development at Careem and Director of Finance at Snapdeal. He began his career at Deloitte and KPMG, building a strong foundation in finance and consultancy. Ankit holds a bachelor’s in Computer Science from the University of Arizona and an MBA from IESE in Barcelona. An Indian citizen, Ankit’s global experiences have shaped his passion for Silkhaus’ mission: creating a new investment asset class for real estate owners and offering premium living spaces for digital nomads—like himself.

Massimiliano Magrini has built his career at the intersection of business and technology. He was responsible for launching AltaVista and Google Italy as their founding country manager before starting Annapurna Ventures, a venture capital studio, in 2009. In 2013, he co-founded United Ventures, where he provides strategic guidance to portfolio companies and leads investments in innovative technologies aimed at long-term value creation. Massimiliano is also a lecturer, mentor, and keynote speaker with extensive experience in digital innovation and disruptive technologies.

Stefania Brunori is a Marketing Specialist, Personal Branding Expert and Mindfulness Coach with over 20 years international experience in managerial positions. Having worked in Europe and the Middle East, her core areas of expertise are Personal Branding, Content Marketing and Leadership Skills, developing and implementing solid strategies to facilitate companies and individuals expand beyond their limits. Originally from Europe, she has been working in the UAE for 13 years, both for multinational companies such as Teka and Nokia and Middle East leaders & SME corporations with regional reach. Her entrepreneurial career started in 2015, when she conceptualized and launched the Middle East’s most complete website for Yoga & Meditation. Since then, she’s been working with Start-Ups, SMEs and Social Impact Entrepreneurs to enable their growth with the best practices of success. She provides Personal Branding Services and Business & Leadership Coaching too, where she brings together her expertise in Brand Strategy, Coaching and Growth Mindset techniques. She is also a Females Entrepreneur Mentor at the United Nations, table moderator and is a 2x TEDx Keynote Speaker.

Blake Beltram is the founder of MindBody, the global leader in wellness business management software that transformed the fitness and wellness industry. Among other innovations, he pioneered the concept of booking wellness services online. Blake is an author, mentor, podcaster, and zero-to-one startup creative. Skilled at blending big-picture vision with pragmatic execution, his work reflects a commitment to the Human Experience. His entrepreneurial memoir (editing phase) shares lessons from his roller-coaster journey as a Fit-Tech pioneer, and he has met with and inspired countless entrepreneurs. Having recently launched his daughter into college as a single father, Blake is now exploring opportunities to commit this next chapter to a meaningful pursuit.

Dany Farha is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of BECO Capital, one of the first and largest non-governmental VC firms, currently managing $495M in AUM. With over 25 years of entrepreneurial and investment experience, Dany founded and exited ventures like Bayt.com, Butlers, and Intercat. Since establishing BECO in 2012, he has led investments in some of the region’s biggest success stories, including three unicorns: Careem, Property Finder, and Kitopi.

Michael Lahyani, Founder and CEO of Property Finder, has been instrumental in attracting global investors to the Middle East’s proptech landscape. After introducing the region’s first real estate classifieds and launching Property Finder in 2007, Michael has played a pivotal role in securing major investments that have contributed to the growth of the regional real estate market. In 2024, Property Finder raised $90 million in debt financing while also buying back shares from BECO Capital, one of its early investors, signalling strong investor confidence in the company’s future. Earlier, in 2018, Property Finder attracted $120 million in funding from General Atlantic, a leading US private equity firm, further solidifying the region’s reputation as a hub for high-growth tech businesses. These deals not only fueled the company’s expansion but also showcased the Middle East’s potential to draw significant international investment into its burgeoning tech and property sectors. Michael’s leadership continues to push the boundaries of innovation, with a focus on data, digital transformation, and diversity in the real estate industry. His efforts earned him a place on Forbes Middle East’s list of the Top 100 CEOs in 2023. A graduate of HEC Lausanne with a bachelor’s degree and MBA in finance, Michael was the first entrepreneur from the Middle East selected by Endeavor, a leading global community of high-impact entrepreneurs. Passionate about mentoring young entrepreneurs, he has helped elevate the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Property Finder’s success is also studied at Harvard Business School, further demonstrating its global impact. In recognition of his contributions, Michael, a Swiss national, was honoured with the prestigious UAE passport in 2020

Mazin Abbas, 6 years of investment experience. Mazin is currently a Partner at Key Capital, focused on supporting the investment process and portfolio companies. Mazin was previously part of the team at Aditum, a $7bn DIFC asset manager where he led regional deployment for the manager’s VC fund. Prior to that, he was the first hire for Foundation Ventures, a MENA-focused early stage venture capital fund launched in partnership with US-based HOF Capital. Mazin holds a BSc in Finance with a concentration on Entrepreneurship from the University of Tampa in Florida.

Emine Yilmaz Butun is a visionary leader with 19+ years of expertise in strategy, finance, innovation management, digital transformation, and corporate finance. As the founder and CEO of AcceleratEMEA, she specializes in driving innovation, mentoring startups and scale-ups globally, and advising corporates on scaling innovation, governance, and business model transformations. Her career spans key roles in Fortune 100 companies like AIG, GE, MetLife, and Philips, where she led M&A integrations, digital transformations, and financial planning. Emine is also a co-founder of multiple startups in health tech, ed tech, and e-commerce. A CPA and part-time lecturer. A frequent speaker and a moderator at global summits, Emine empowers organizations, innovators, and the ecosystem to adapt and thrive in today’s fast-evolving digital landscape.

Elie Khouri is a seasoned marketing expert, businessman, and investor. In 2017, he founded Vivium, a single-family-oBice managing a curated portfolio of investments in real estate, design, ventures, and collectibles. By forming strategic partnerships with industry leaders like Sotheby’s International Realty, Elie has expanded Vivium’s influence across the UAE, KSA, UK, and Spain. Prior to that, Elie had a 30+ year career in marketing and still serves as Chairman of Omnicom Media Group MENA, part of the global marketing communications company Omnicom Group. A recognized and influential leader, Elie is frequently sought after for his industry and investing insights. His contributions have earned him multiple recognitions, including being featured among the most influential leaders in the region. Under his leadership, Omnicom Media Group MENA was consistently recognized as one of the top employers in the UAE. Elie is dedicated to nurturing entrepreneurship and startups. As a core judge on Shark Tank Dubai, he is passionate about mentoring founders and helping them scale their businesses. Beyond his business endeavors, Elie is a renowned collector and patron of the arts. He currently sits on the board and investment committees of globally recognized museums, contributing to various initiatives that advance art and culture. He is also celebrated in ARTNEWS’ top 200 collectors.

Reims career includes working with TV stations like the BBC to being an Executive Producer and Head of Events at Dubai One. Reim launched her production company Ti22 Films in 2011, winning 28 New York Festival Awards & a Cannes Corporate Media and TV Award. Reim has worked with some of the globes largest multinationals and broadcasters such as National Geographic, Times of India, Discovery Channel etc. Reim Executive Produced the daily live global TV show for Expo 2020 and in 2023 launched DXB Today, a daily lifestyle show on Dubai One TV. With her experience in Mega Events, Reim was the Content Commissioning Coordinator at COP 28. Reim has served on the Jury of the New York Festival for 10 years and is a consultant, trainer, speaker and moderator.

With more than two decades of experience in leadership roles across the globe, Mercedes has cultivated expertise in strategic management, high-performance environments and international leadership. She seamlessly succeeded in implementing her knowledge towards founding Parkron, an innovative smart parking solution in the social and sustainable ecosystem. Her expertise lies in leveraging resources within to achieve success. Mercedes is a visionary tech founder in the dynamic world of technology and innovation. With a relentless passion for pushing boundaries, Mercedes is reshaping the landscape of smart cities and the tech industry with profound curiosity and a determination to create transformative solutions.

Lamis is the Founder of FoodSwap, pioneering the #1 food matchmaker app. She is an ex-Product Strategist at Noon and Emirates General Petroleum, a finalist in the App Olympics Best App in Dubai Awards, and an active mentor for startups with the Dubai Digital Chamber. Lamis is also a sought-after speaker, frequently sharing insights at leading tech platforms.

Nubi Kay currently spearheads Startup Programs at Paystack, a pan-African payments company empowering merchants across the continent. He drives business development, sales, customer success, and strategic partnerships, building bridges between African businesses and global markets. Through HoaQ Ventures, Nubi has helped deploy $3.5 million in funding to over 100 early-stage startups across Africa and its diaspora. His experience includes enabling startup growth at Stripe, and previous roles as a Digital Strategist at Mediacom and Technology Consultant at Accenture. Nubi holds a BSc in Electrical Electronics Engineering from Eastern Mediterranean University, Turkey, and a Master’s in Business Innovation Management from Smurfit Business School, University College Dublin. His career exemplifies the intersection of financial technology leadership and ecosystem building across Africa.

Rawan is the co-founder of Zest Equity, a technology platform building infrastructure to streamline and digitize private market transactions. She has over 12 years of experience in strategic advisory, banking and finance, across diverse roles. Previously led a Dubai based investment firm, where she was able to set up and oversee business operations, regulatory matters, compliance, risk management and governance functions. These are all values she believes are core building blocks for sustainable growth.

Zubair is the founder of MENAbytes, a leading online media platform covering tech and startups in the Middle East and North Africa. He co-founded Flare, a video-first e-commerce marketplace in Pakistan, which pivoted into a UGC management platform for Shopify merchants after Flare’s closure. Zubair also writes Termsheet, a newsletter analyzing private and public internet companies and industry trends.

Rateb H.Rabi is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Intersect-a startup incubator, accelerator and Business support enabler, subsidiary of Bank of Palestine Group, incubated and operating in the bank’s flagship premises in 5 Palestinian cities, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with the mission of enabling, empowering and engaging globally the Palestinian Tech-ecosystem at all levels, providing Founders and startups with resources to develop cutting edge sustainable scalable Tech-solutions, while promoting a culture of collaboration, problem-solving and design thinking. Recently leading Palestine’s Private Sector Tech Link Insourcing program creating Tech Jobs locally and RISE and SAFE programs which collectively raised and disbursed through grants and blended finance $4.5 million to sustain, empower and scale the tech sector.

Anushweta Mukherjee is the Regional Lead for Funds in the Middle East at Carta, where she leads go-to-market efforts for private capital funds. As the first hire for Carta in the Middle East, she plays a pivotal role in establishing and growing Carta’s presence in the region. Prior to joining Carta, she was with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, where she led several initiatives aimed at attracting companies to Abu Dhabi and supporting their expansion into the region. With over 10 years of diversified experience in the Middle East, Anushweta specializes in corporate strategy development, market entry, growth strategy and business developmen

Archana Jahagirdar is the Founder and Managing Partner of Rukam Capital, an early-stage VC fund focused on consumer brands. One of the few women solo general partners in venture capital in India and globally, Archana is known for her deep market intuition Achievements include being nominated to the National Startup Advisory Council (NSAC) and recognized in Mint’s “100 Women Entrepreneurs” and Inc42’s “41 Women Torchbearers of India’s Startup Investment Space” Before founding Rukam Capital, Archana built her expertise in deal sourcing, accelerators, and angel networks, investing in brands like Burger Singh Rukam Capital has invested in 18 companies, including Beco ,Sleepy Owl and GoDesi. Archana also co-organizes events like New Delhi Slush’D and founded Bootstrap Incubation, a non-profit for early-stage founders

Racha Ghamlouch is the co-founder of the Digital Digest, MENA region’s digital economy news and market intelligence aggregator. Racha has 15 years of experience in developing and advising the digital economy in MENA from market expansion to fostering local innovation. She led content, initiatives and programs at ArabNet for 7 years and moved on to build community engagement at BECO capital, after which she switched to focus on the Digital Digest, a digital economy news aggregator and consulting companies on the MENA region’s digital economy.

Michael Lints has 20+ years of experience as an operator and investor. He is a partner at Golden Gate Ventures and leads the firm’s first venture capital fund in the MENA region, focusing on investing in early-stage startups in the Middle East and connecting Southeast Asia to the region. Previously, Michael co-founded an IT-managed services startup, was a vice-chairman of the Economic Development Board Rotterdam, and was chairman of the Young Economic Development Board. Michael is co-director of the award-winning social impact documentary Broken Chains. Michael collaborates with world-renowned players in the sports entertainment industry, bridging sports and venture capital.

Jacopo is a senior director in FTI Capital Advisors, a leading M&A advisory boutique which has been focusing on the TMT sector in the Middle East for the last decade. Jacopo focuses his work on IT services, and he worked on a significant share of the few successful transactions in the nascent IT services Middle East M&A market, involving targets like Bespin Global, LinkDevelopment and GlassHouse. He can provide the audience with an investors’ point of view on the IT services industry, and a view of how he expects the IT services M&A market to evolve over the next few years.

Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer, Headed the commercial department for Vodafone Romania and played leading role in turning around the business there from a declining YOY to grow by 13% and was the most growing Vodafone OPCO for that year. Led the Growth team in Vodafone Egypt building & growing one of the most famous telecom services in Egypt – 365 PROGRAM – which was the foundation for offer Personalization in the whole Egyptian telecom market.

NATALIA SYCHEVA Senior Partner and Researcher Digital Economy Expert Fulbright Fellow A researcher, policy advisor, and educator, Natalia Sycheva is synonymous with her innovative approach to strategy, program, and policy design, as well as her impeccable track record in nurturing digital economy ecosystems. She has played a pivotal role in supporting the establishment of new private and public sector entities and building their capacity. As a partner of Integra Seven, a policy advisory firm, Natalia leads a consortium of venture capitalists, policymakers, and researchers in conducting work focused on assessing the state and challenges of tech talent access and retention for the competitiveness of nations. The first public report on Dubai was launched in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Economy and Wamda earlier in 2023. A Fulbright Fellow with extensive experience in research and academia in international trade, trade diversification, and decision-making, Natalia has been instrumental in shaping the digital economy landscape. Today, Integra Seven proudly partners with the International Chamber of Commerce on a mission to drive the digital transformation of Chambers of Commerce globally. Recognized as the Woman of the Year by Entrepreneur Middle East magazine in 2019, Natalia has been a key influencer in shaping the digital economy in Dubai. She spearheaded policy advocacy work on behalf of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, focusing on critical issues such as tech venturing in the Emirate and capital fundraising. Natalia’s deep passion for supporting youth is evident through her regular mentoring of young talent and her involvement in projects like the Youth Career Guide program and Youth Advocacy Series. Her regular engagement at universities demonstrates her commitment to nurturing the next generation.

Said Murad is a Senior Partner at Global Ventures. Prior to Global Ventures, Said was COO of vertical e-commerce platform, Jamalon, where he led the company’s operational efforts and played a pivotal role in helping the company raise its Series B. Said was also previously COO at EFS Facilities Services leading the security services business and EFS’s activities in Jordan. Said also previously held the position of CEO of Groupon UAE, where he was responsible for managing and sustainably growing Groupon’s Local, Goods and Travel business lines. Before Groupon, Said worked with Deloitte’s strategy consulting team, as well as with SHUAA Capital as an AVP in the CEO’s Office, in addition to previously working in private equity at the firms Dubai International Capital (including Jordan Dubai Capital), and Abraaj Capital. Said holds an MBA from INSEAD, France.

Dr. Sheen is an award-nominated podcaster, entrepreneur, and former Oliver Wyman consultant, based in Dubai. She is the first Mauritian to have a degree from Oxford University and a PhD from Cambridge University. As the founder of the ProfessionElle Network, she empowers women through professional development and storytelling. Her podcast, Dream, Girl, has garnered over 100 million views, featuring interviews with actors, influencers, and industry leaders. With a dynamic blend of corporate expertise and creative flair, she is committed to inspiring and shaping the next generation of women leaders.

Mamoun serves as Wego’s Chief Business Officer. Prior to this, he occupied the positions of Chief Commercial Officer and Managing Director for Wego, the largest online travel marketplace in the MENA region and one of the fastest growing tech companies in Dubai. Wego is dual-headquartered in Singapore and Dubai and Mamoun runs the business from the Dubai office where he is responsible for managing operations across the region. He is a significant shareholder in the company. Mamoun helped launch Wego’s Middle East operations in 2013 and expanded the company’s footprint across MENA and into India. Prior to that, he established the Advertising & Media sales unit and was Acting GM for MENA before being promoted to Managing Director. It’s Mamoun’s ability to move effortlessly between the high-tech world of Silicon Valley and the high-touch world of the Middle Eastern travel and tourism industry that makes him a particularly effective senior executive. Mamoun is a member of EMIR Corporate Intelligence Network, MEA business group and German Emirati Joint Council for Industry & Commerce (AHK). He was named by Arabian Business as one of the ‘Young Achievers 2021’. Prior to joining Wego, Mamoun held senior roles in some of the region’s best known digital media start-ups including iKoo (first and largest online advertising network in the Middle East acquired by Yahoo!) and Diwanee (largest premium lifestyle content publisher acquired by Webedia). Mamoun has lived in Dubai since 2005 and was a sales exec for Audi before joining the tech industry.

Tarek Kabrit is the CEO and co-founder of Seez, launched in 2015. He is a venture partner with Nuwa Capital, a mentor with Endeavor, and serves on the investment committee of Flat6Labs. Before Seez, Tarek had a 20-year career in finance, including roles at Yahsat, Abraaj Capital, Siraj Capital, and Deutsche Bank, where he executed over $2 billion in M&A deals and advised on the largest MENA IPO to date. He began his career as a strategy consultant at Booz and Co., focusing on telecom, healthcare, and industrial sectors. Tarek holds an MBA from INSEAD, an MSc in Finance and Economics from London School of Economics, and a BA in Economics from the American University of Beirut. He is a CFA Level II candidate.

Vadim Fedotov is the CEO and Co-Founder of Bioniq, an AI-driven personalized supplements company that leverages blood biomarker data for micronutrient optimization. Fedotov has charted a diverse path from his early days as a professional basketball player with the German National Team and in the USA to his foray into the corporate sphere, where he held significant positions as the CEO of various multinational and public companies (GRPN). Fedotov launched Bioniq in London, UK in 2019 and quickly established its niche in the health tech industry. Through its expansive operations in 12 countries, the company has cultivated one of the most diverse biochemical databases globally and become a trusted partner of eminent medical institutions like Lanserhof and King’s College Hospital, and athletic organizations including German National Teams and the UFC.

Office of the CEO, President of International at Groq, Inc. Senior advisor to Blackstone and Siguler Guff ($20 Bil AUM) Operating partner at Kestrel Partners in London ( https://kestrelpartners.com/ ) Previously roles include: Founder and Managing Partner of Seif Capital, Chairman of Astrea Acquisition Corp (NASDAQ: ASAX). Board member or a Sr. advisor to: X-Energy, Axiom Space, Vcinity, Edgecloud Link (ECL), Ethernovia Founder and CEO of Stanford Business Systems (SBS – acquired by Accenture), Emerging Markets division leader at Cisco Co-founder of CNTP, a global, multi-stage, technology investment firm with $300 mil AUM Board Member of Global Capacity Mr. Moazami holds a Masters of Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University and Bachelors of Science in Engineering Sciences and a Minor in Economics from University of California, San Diego.

Hani Murad, CEO of Rainmaking and Startupbootcamp MENA, is a seasoned leader with over a decade of experience in building and scaling businesses. He has driven multimillion-dollar sales pipelines, led market expansions across KSA, UAE, and Jordan, and forged impactful partnerships. As a founder of multiple ventures in hospitality and trade spanning Jordan, UAE, Spain, and the US, Hani combines entrepreneurial expertise with a passion for innovation and economic growth. His leadership has delivered transformative results in health-tech, ERP solutions, and startup ecosystems, positioning him as a key driver of growth and impact in the MENA region.

Naif Alobaidallah is the Co-Founder of SDM, the region’s first health-tech startup leveraging artificial intelligence to tackle the rise of systemic and chronic diseases. With a proven track record of fostering innovation, Naif has led SDM to secure strategic partnerships with prominent entities like the Saudi Ministry of Communications and Information Technology ,Saudi Ministry of Health, STC, and many others. Previously, Naif built his expertise over nearly a decade in investment banking and government-led private sector stimulus initiatives in Saudi Arabia and the US. SDM has received global recognition, including being featured by the World Economic Forum for its groundbreaking work in healthcare technology. Under his leadership, SDM was also selected for Google’s inaugural AI First Accelerator program and received the SDAIA AI Ethics badge as one of the region’s early adopters of ethical AI practices. Naif continues to lead the transformation of healthcare through cutting-edge AI solutions.

Clara Armand-Delille is a French-American PR professional, founder & MD of ThirdEyeMedia, a global PR agency that helps startups, scaleups and VCs scale their brand during crucial growth stages with hubs in Lisbon, Spain, Italy, UK and more across Europe, the US and Latin America. ThirdEyeMedia’s past and present client portfolio includes Sorare, Celo, Atomico, Wise, Netflix, 500 Startups, EU4UA, EightRoads, 360 Capital, FoodCheri, Juni. With 15+ years of experience in communications strategy in the digital and tech space across multiple markets, Clara has a track record of building startups’, founders’ and VCs’ public profiles through communications campaigns, media announcements and strategic positioning strategies. Clara has previously held Senior Executive Comms positions at Google, Accel and iZettle. She holds an MA from the Institut d’Etudes Politique in Paris, and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Brown University with a BA in International Relations.

Sion leads the ventures and investment activities at Plug and Play Abu Dhabi. From direct investments in early stage startups, to technology sourcing for corporate and government partners, Sion has interfaced with entities across the fintech, healthtech and industry 4.0 verticals. She hopes to build a thriving local ecosystem for startups of all stages. Outside of Sion’s day-to-day work, she is a mentor for the Zayed University Partner Challenge Program, as well as an advocate and advisor to female founders through the Women in VC network and Plug and Play’s FoundHer initiative.

Qais Ammori leads Almosafer’s digital strategy and technological innovation, overseeing digital products, user experience, software engineering, data, AI, and cloud operations. With over 15 years of industry experience, Qais ensures his teams deliver scalable, innovative solutions that enhance customer experiences across Almosafer’s brands. He played a pivotal role in major initiatives, such as developing the ‘STC TV’ platform, now a regional leader. Qais focuses on crafting Almosafer’s digital product roadmap, aligning it with business goals and evolving customer needs. His expertise in solution design, software architecture, and cloud computing, combined with his ability to scale technology teams, drives Almosafer’s success. Qais is committed to fostering innovation, staying ahead of industry trends, and integrating cutting-edge technologies to maintain Almosafer’s competitive edge.

Ambar Amleh is Founder and Managing Partner at Palestine’s only venture capital firm, Ibtikar. Ibtikar has two funds under management, its current fund (Ibtikar Fund II) is targeted at USD 30M. Ibtikar fills a critical funding gap faced by Palestinian entrepreneurs between seed and later-stage regional VCs. Portfolio companies include Alma Health, Mashvisor, Coretava, Verity, and Mental. Ambar is a member of the 23rd class of Kauffman Fellows, and was named as one of the “50 Most Influential Women in the Arab World” by CEO Middle East Magazine and “20 Women VCs of MENA” by MENAbytes. Ambar has an MBA from the Thunderbird School of Global Management and a Marketing degree from Arizona State University.

I work at The Private Office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum, where I oversee strategic partnerships with international tech companies, startups, and venture capital funds. Through collaboration with global tech hubs, founders, and innovation parks, I actively explore opportunities in AI, IoT, spacetech, sustainable tech, and other transformative technologies that can be implemented in Dubai. My work inspires me, as it offers a unique perspective on the groundbreaking innovations shaping the future and changing the world today. Previously, I represented Qatari investors in Eurasia at Qatar Investment and Trade Advisory (under the Embassy of Qatar in Russia), where I worked with QIA, QDB, and QFC, focusing on investments in Eurasian technology companies. My professional journey has fueled my passion for understanding how innovation transforms societies and human life. I am particularly fascinated by the emergence of megatrends that define the future of entire states and nations.

Jawad is an entrepreneur with 18+ years of experience in the field of technology, digital transformation and healthcare innovations. He has served Saudi Airlines, King Abdulaziz University and Saudi Aramco Base Oil Company. And has founded Athir and Mawrid to drive healthcare innovations and to digitalize enterprise resources and interconnect the ecosystem.

Romain is a Partner at Antler, the world’s leading early-stage venture capital firm with a portfolio of over 1,300 investments worldwide. He heads a $60M fund focused on supporting 120+ tech-enabled startups across MENAP. Before joining Antler, Romain served as an Associate Partner at McKinsey & Company, where he played a pivotal role in developing startup and tech ecosystems for governments throughout the MENAP region.

Mohammad AlRazaz is a seasoned entrepreneur and the visionary Co-founder & CEO of OTO, the leading shipping gateway for online businesses and omnichannel brands across the MENA region. At just 22, he launched Jeeny (formerly EasyTaxi) in Saudi Arabia under Rocket Internet, becoming the youngest Country Manager in the global EasyTaxi network. A graduate of MIT’s prestigious Global Entrepreneurship Bootcamp, where he was selected from over 800 applicants, AlRazaz has since founded multiple successful ventures in transportation, e-commerce, logistics, and technology, demonstrating his passion for innovation and transformative leadership.

Hasan founded Arzan VC in late 2013 and it grew into one of the most active VCs in the MENA region, having made investments in 45+ startups, including Careem, TruKKer, Mejuri, iKcon and Hala. Prior to Arzan VC, Hasan used to work with Global Investment House in their Private Equity Department, and he was a member of both the transaction and due diligence teams. Hasan also co-founded different businesses and was instrumental in building the right teams to manage the growth prospects of each company. For example, he co-founded Edge Foods, an F&B operator and accelerator, and led its operations for three years. He currently sits on the boards of Al Amanah Holding and BBK Geojit Securities. Hasan earned an MBA from INSEAD and a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University.

Amal Dokhan is a Managing Partner at 500 Global, a seasoned professional with experience in startup investments, corporate innovation, and consulting in the MENA region. Previous to joining 500 Global, Ms. Dokhan was the Managing Director of Babson Global for Entrepreneurial Leadership. Previously, she was the Manager of Learning and Design at the Entrepreneurship Center at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology where she led the New Ventures Acceleration and Corporate Innovation programs. Prior to that engagement she worked in the KAUST Seed Fund developing marketing and events, while also providing a range of services to startup clients. Ms. Dokhan sits on the board of several organizations such as Wayakit Company, Cranfield University UK, King Abdulaziz University. She contributes to a monthly column at Leaders Magazine on Innovation & Entrepreneurship, and has been a speaker at Davos World Economic Forum, TEDx at Kaust, the Annual Conference of the Islamic Development Bank, among others. Ms. Dokhan holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, English Language & Literature from the King AbdulAziz University, and a Masters of Strategic Marketing and Marketing Management from the University of Wollongong.

Hussein Attar is the CEO of Tech Invest Com, a 1Bn SAR saudi investment firm that invests in MENA-based growth-stage tech startups and private equity investments in technology companies. He founded a tech startup that was selected as one of the top 50 Arab startups by Forbes. He sits on the board of several tech companies and a member of Oqal and Falak angel investment groups. He is also a board member of the Saudi Venture Capital and Private Equity Association.

Hasan Haider is the Founder and Managing Partner of +VC, an early stage venture capital firm focused on investing in tech and tech-enabled startups in MENA and its diaspora. He has over 14 years of experience investing in MENA startups. Hasan was previously Managing Partner, MENA at 500 Startups and led the firm’s growth in the MENA region, turning 500 Startups into the most active VC fund in the MENA region, raising and deploying the 500 Falcons fund, building partnerships and running programs in the region to help build the regional ecosystem. Hasan has invested in around 230 startups in the region over the course of the last 14 years. Prior to 500, Hasan was the co-founder and CEO of Tenmou, the first business angel’s organization in Bahrain and one of the first in the MENA region. Hasan’s work in developing angel investment in emerging markets through Tenmou has been picked up as a Case Study by the World Bank and Harvard and was taught to Entrepreneurship Policy makers at Babson College. Hasan started off his career in finance and investment banking at Sico, before he moved to Tenmou.

Mubariz is a seasoned legal expert specializing in tech startups and investors. He’s the founder of Carbon Law and a prominent startup lawyer in Pakistan. With vast experience, he’s advised on over USD 250m in deals for startups, venture capital, and angel investors. Mubariz collaborates with regulators to boost foreign investment and innovation in Pakistan. His work with the State Bank of Pakistan, allowing Pakistani founders to establish foreign holding companies, has been pivotal in driving startup investments in recent years. Mubariz also supports founder education on governance and fundraising through various initiatives.

Omar Al-Shabaan is an Entrepreneur, Business Developer, and a consultant with around 20 years of work experience, he is the co-founder and CEO of The Space. He was leading Partnerships at Misk Innovation, a subsidiary of Misk Foundation, as well as serving as a short-term consultant with The World Bank group on Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and was an Advisor for the National Digitization Unit. He co-founded The Space, a Saudi company focused on developing and operating coworking spaces, incubators, and accelerators. Omar has worked previously in Nestle, Healthcare Development Holding group, and Tam Development where he contributed in the latest to creating multiple public engagement programs in the Kingdom and regionally. Omar has an MBA from IE business school in Madrid, and an Executive Master in Corporate Communication from the same school.