Waad Investment to Support Growth Stage Start-Ups

In a significant boost to the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the GCC region, an alliance of investors and GCC-based family offices launched “Waad Investment,” an investment firm with a targeted value of $200 million making it the largest private investment firm dedicated to supporting growth-stage start-ups.

The alliance is led by investor Yaser AlGhamdi, the founder and Chief Investment Operations Officer of Waad Investment, in collaboration with the AlMajed and AlMisfer family offices, Waad Investment, which has funded over 35 companies so far, said.

Waad Investment emerged from an initiative to foster the role of the private sector in driving innovation and economic development in the region, aiming to invest in growth-stage start-ups, as well as offering a network of connections, mentorship, and guidance to enable start-ups to launch products and expand locally, regionally, and globally.

Yaser AlGhamdi, the founder and Chief Investment Operations Officer of Waad Investment, expressed optimism about the future of start-ps in the region, emphasising the importance of collaborating between public and private sectors to achieve comprehensive development.

He said that Waad Investment will bridge the financial gap many start-ups face and will offer comprehensive support that includes financial investment, mentorship, and guidance.

Addressing Funding Gaps

The alliance reflects the commitment of family offices in the GCC to creating a positive impact on the entrepreneurship ecosystem and start-ups, equipping them with the necessary expertise and tools while addressing funding gaps.

The alliance also seeks to increase employment opportunities and stimulate sustainable economic growth in the region.

Nasser AlMajed, Managing Director and CEO of Waad Investment, aid that the alliance aims to change the rules of how family offices invest in start-ups, and to reassure the entrepreneurial ecosystem that family offices possess the expertise in exit strategies, IPOs, and financial solvency to lead the tech scene.

The new firm is part of a broader vision to reinforce the innovation and entrepreneurship landscape in the GCC, as family offices and investors are striving to generate a diverse and sustainable economy based on knowledge and technology, especially given the significant technological advancements the region is experiencing.