Capital is moving from West to East. Do you follow?
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Over the past 2 months, I have been closely analyzing how GCC capital is repositioning towards local investment, actively attracting foreign companies and investors and welcoming early-stage startups, with a particular focus on the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
What stands out is not just intent and promises, but committed capital: Qatar, for example, this month has doubled its startup and co-investment allocation, moving from a $1B framework announced in 2024 adding new $2B targeted at startups and scale-ups. Ticket sizes range from up to $1M at seed and up to $5M for later stages, often alongside regional or strategic co-investors.
UAE accelerator programs starting at 60,000 USD cash for equity + housing, health coverage and offices.
40% of global Sovereign Wealth Funds are in the GCC regions, now they are the ones leading the later stage financing for private companies. Targeting as well a comprehensive development of their public markets, with many expected new IPOs for this year.
This shift is already influencing how global venture funds and fund managers evaluate cross-border opportunities and European startups should be paying close attention.
I am available for short, focused advisory engagements to help founders assess whether the region makes strategic sense and how to approach it intelligently.
- A realistic mapping of GCC investors and funding pathways
- Clarity on which markets (UAE / KSA / Qatar) actually fit their stage
- Short, focused guidance before committing time or capital to the region
Currently based in Europe and in active exploration of the GCC ecosystem, willing to work with founders who want to evaluate the region before committing on-the-ground resources.
Capital is moving from West to East, do you follow?
