Welcome to our exclusive guide highlighting the remarkable female venture capital (VC) partners driving innovation and investment in the dynamic landscape of the Middle East in 2024. In this evolving ecosystem, these women are not just breaking barriers but redefining the entrepreneurial and investment landscape with their expertise, vision, and leadership. Join us as we introduce you to the trailblazing women who are making significant contributions to the startup and investment scene in the region.

Adwa AlDakheel - Founder and CEO at Falak Investment Hub

Adwa AlDakheel is the Founder & CEO of Falak Investment Hub, a multifaceted platform supporting entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia. With extensive experience in advisory and board roles for companies like Linkers Technology and Evento, she also founded Ns3a Recruitment, focusing on start-up ventures and product ideation. Adwa holds an MBA in Entrepreneurship and Management from Prince Mohammed Bin Salman College of Business & Entrepreneurship.

Amal Dokhan - General Partner at 500 Global

Amal Dokhan, a General Partner at 500 Global, brings deep expertise in venture capital and entrepreneurship, with credentials from UC Berkeley and MIT Sloan School of Management. Her diverse experience includes advisory roles at organizations like the Saudi Venture Capital and Private Equity Association, reflecting her dedication to fostering entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia and beyond.

Ambar Amleh - Founder & Managing Partner at Ibtikar Fund

Ambar Amleh, Managing Partner of Ibtikar Fund, co-founded the venture in 2016 and oversees its portfolio of 26 startups. Formerly leading Palestine for a New Beginning (PNB), she developed entrepreneurial initiatives and managed Palestine's first acceleration program. With an MBA from Thunderbird School of Global Management and a Marketing degree from Arizona State University, Ambar is recognized for her influence in the Arab world as one of the "50 Most Influential Women".

Amineh Dabbas - Head of Investments at Oasis500

Luma Fawaz is a prominent figure in early-stage business acceleration and investment in the Middle East, recognized for her leadership at Oasis500. With over two decades of experience, she has facilitated over 150 early-stage deals and mentored over 2,500 entrepreneurs. Notably, she is dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs and fostering entrepreneurship in underserved areas of Jordan.

Aya Zaghnin - General Partner at Startup Wise Guys

Aya Zaghnin, General Partner at Startup Wise Guys, boasts a diverse background spanning advisory roles, investments, and board memberships across multiple countries. With extensive experience in finance and business management, including an MBA and a Master's degree in Finance, Aya combines her academic achievements with practical expertise in venture deals and investment readiness programs. Additionally, her involvement in advisory boards and investor roles demonstrates her commitment to fostering growth and innovation within the startup ecosystem.

Basmah Alsinaidi - Managing Partner and Vice Chairman at IMPACT46

Basmah Alsinaidi is the Vice Chairman at IMPACT46, also serving as a Partner & Head of Asset Management. With a focus on technology and startup investments in the MENA region, she brings experience as both an operator of startup projects and a financial advisor across sectors like e-commerce and FMCG. Alsinaidi oversees investment strategies and asset management, utilizing her diverse background to drive impactful decisions.

Dima Shahin - Venture Partner at Silicon Valley Venture & Innovation

Dima Shahin, currently a Venture Partner at Silicon Valley Venture & Innovation, started her investment career at Oasis500 in 2015. With over 14 years of experience, she has managed multiple funds, supported over 50 startups, and consulted for prominent regional VCs and accelerators like Brinc MENA and Falak Investment Hub. Dima's fund management expertise and extensive network have positioned her as a valuable asset in the startup ecosystem across the Middle East.

Elena Aster - Senior Partner at RNK.VC

Elena Aster, a Senior Partner at RNK.VC boasts over a decade of experience in startups, technology, and venture capital investments. With a master's degree in Applied Physics and Mathematics from MIPT, she has been actively involved in entrepreneurial endeavors since 2010, achieving a successful exit in 2015. Since 2017, Elena has focused on investment and fundraising activities in high-tech sectors, garnering recognition as one of the Top Women in Tech from Europe in 2021.

Fida Taher - Partner at Amam Ventures

Fida Taher is a Partner at Amam Ventures, where she has contributed to strategic investments for over five years. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Microfund for Women and is the Co-Founder & Chairperson of WiBArabia, empowering women in Jordan and the Arab World. With a background in communication arts from the Lebanese American University and executive education from Harvard Kennedy School, Taher brings expertise in entrepreneurship and leadership to her roles.

Haifa Al-Moqbil - Head of Direct Investments at SVC

Haifa Al-Moqbi has been the Director and Head of Direct Investments at Saudi Venture Capital (SVC) since April 2024, with over four years at the firm. She has held roles as Vice President and Investment Manager and has been an Investment Committee Member since April 2023. Haifa's prior experience includes over five years at SNB Capital, where she progressed from Business Development & Strategy Analyst to Investment Banking Associate. She holds a BBA in Finance from Al Yamamah University and has significantly contributed to the investment landscape in Saudi Arabia.

Heather Henyon - Founding Partner at Mindshift Capital

Heather Henyon is a Founding Partner at Mindshift Capital, a global venture fund investing in early-stage technology companies in the Middle East, US, and Europe. With over 11 years of experience, she also founded and directs the Women's Angel Investor Network, facilitating investments in women-led startups, and is a founding member and board director of Dubai Angel Investors, focusing on scalable technology startups in the MENA region. Henyon holds an MBA in Finance and Entrepreneurship from Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management.

Jenny Atout Ahlzén - Partner and Co-founder at Amam Ventures

Jenny Atout Ahlzén is the Partner and Co-founder of Amam Ventures. With extensive board memberships, including Vitas Jordan and CFA Society Jordan, she actively promotes ethical standards and professional development within the investment industry. Jenny's previous roles at BeyondCapital and Silicon Badia reflect her commitment to fostering high-growth ventures and advancing the investment ecosystem in Jordan and beyond.

Jumana El Saadi - Partner at Silicon Valley Venture & Innovation

Jumana El Saadi is a Partner at SVVI, leading the investor network and community with over 8 years of experience in the financial services industry. Beginning her career at Barclays Private Bank, she managed portfolios for ultra-high-net-worth individuals and institutions across East Africa, the UAE, Oman, and the Levant. With a focus on business development and growth strategy, she later joined Safanad, where she worked closely with investment partners, fostering connections between allocators, fund managers, and entrepreneurs globally.

Lana Ghanem - Managing Director at Hikma Ventures

Lana Ghanem currently serves as the Managing Director of Hikma Ventures, leading early-stage investments in digital health and drug delivery. With over 8 years of experience at Hikma, she also holds a pivotal role as Vice President of Digital Health & Life Sciences Investments. Ghanem's expertise is complemented by her education, holding an MBA from Harvard Business School and a B.Comm from McGill University.

Lindsay Miller - Managing Partner at MENA Moonshots

Lindsay Miller is the Managing Partner of MENA Moonshots, based in Dubai, UAE, leading the executive board direction. With an MBA in Strategic Management from Schulich School of Business and an MSc in Design Management from Parsons School of Design, she brings a unique blend of business acumen and design thinking to her role. Lindsay's extensive board memberships, including Warehow, Sineo Packaging, Joi Gifts, and Syantra Inc., highlight her commitment to guiding and supporting diverse ventures across various industries.

Loulou Khazen Baz - Founder and Managing Partner at Spade Ventures

Loulou Khazen Baz is the Founder and Managing Partner at Spade Ventures, a firm focusing on early-stage technology startups in the MENA region. She also serves as a Strategic Advisor at IDWise, contributing to the development of identity verification technology. With a background in digital transformation and entrepreneurship, Loulou holds a BA with Distinction in International Hospitality & Tourism Management from Bournemouth University and has completed executive education programs at Harvard Business School and Harvard Kennedy School.

Luma Fawaz - CEO at Oasis500

Luma Fawaz is a prominent leader in early-stage business acceleration and investment in the Middle East. She's been recognized by Forbes as one of the region's Top 100 Power Businesswomen. Leading Oasis500, she's facilitated over 150 deals and supported 2,500 entrepreneurs, with a focus on empowering women. Fawaz holds a BA in Political Science and International Relations from Boston University and an MBA in Finance from the Institute of Diplomacy.

Mona Al-Mukhaizeem - Managing Partner at Savour Ventures

Mona Al-Mukhaizeem is the Managing Partner of Savour Ventures and the Co-Founder of Sirdab Lab, Kuwait's pioneering startup hub. With a background in industrial engineering and an MBA from Hult International Business School, she brings extensive experience in advisory and business development roles. Mona is dedicated to supporting entrepreneurship in the MENA region through mentorship, training programs, and strategic initiatives.

Noor Sweid - Founder and Managing Partner at Global Ventures

Noor Sweid is the Founder and Managing Partner at Global Ventures, dedicated to empowering disruptive technology companies in emerging markets. With a background spanning finance, biotechnology, and entrepreneurship, she has achieved significant milestones, including scaling and IPO-ing a public company in the MENA region. Recognized as one of Forbes' "World's Top 50 Women in Tech," Noor also holds leadership roles in various organizations, including the Middle East Venture Capital Association, TechWadi, and EFE Global.

Noora Hamid (Fahmawi) - Partner at Noble Partners

As a partner at Noble VC, Noora Hamid leverages over a decade of experience in financial instrument trading, both locally and internationally. She co-founded and managed an AED80 million company in Abu Dhabi, overseeing portfolios for thousands of high-net-worth individuals. Additionally, she serves as a board member at Al Bashayer Investment Company and has been recognized as one of the strongest 100 Arab women globally by Arabian Business magazine in 2011.

Nora M. Alsarhan - Deputy CEO & CIO at SVC

Nora M. Alsarhan, Deputy CEO & CIO at SVC, holds an MBA from Alfaisal University and a BS in Information Systems from Prince Sultan University. With extensive experience in investment management, she has held key roles such as Chief Investment Officer and Investment Committee Member. Nora has contributed her expertise to organizations like Bupa Arabia and MonshaatSA, specializing in equity funding and transaction advisory services across various sectors.

Sacha Haider - Partner at Global Ventures

Sacha Haider, currently a Partner at Global Ventures, joined the firm as a Senior Associate in early 2020, bringing five years of investment experience across diverse emerging markets. Previously, she worked as an Associate at Colony Capital in Mexico City and was part of The Abraaj Group's Sub-Saharan Africa Investment Team based in Kenya. Sacha holds a BA in History and Politics from the University of Warwick and is fluent in Spanish and Urdu.

Sarah Abu Risheh - Partner at Nuwa Capital

Sarah Abu Risheh, currently a Partner at Nuwa Capital, brings extensive experience in investment and financial advisory roles, with previous positions at Wamda Capital and EY. She holds a BCom in Finance with a Concentration in International Business from McGill University and has interned at Standard & Poor's in London.

Sarah AlSaleh - General Partner at Outliers Venture Capital

Sarah AlSaleh is currently serving as a General Partner at Outliers Venture Capital, with over two years of experience in this role. Before her current position, she held roles as an Investment Partner and Investment Manager at STV. Sarah holds a Master of Arts in International Policy Studies from Stanford University. She is a Kauffman Fellow and an Ambassador at The Seasteading Institute.

Sarrah Al-Juaid - Managing Director at MEVP

Sarrah Al-Juaid, Managing Director at MEVP since 2022, brings over a decade of experience in public equities and strategic partnerships. With a background in finance and risk management, she has previously worked in New York City and Riyadh, focusing on the economic drivers behind multinational companies. Currently leading MEVP's efforts in Saudi Arabia, Sarrah is instrumental in identifying investment opportunities and expanding the firm's network in the technology sector.

Sonia Gokhale - Co-founder and General Partner at VentureSouq

Sonia Gokhale, Co-founder and General Partner at VentureSouq, previously served as an Investment Professional in the Global Special Situations Group of Abu Dhabi Investment Council (ADIC), focusing on venture capital and tech deals. Before her venture capital role, Sonia worked as an Actuarial Consultant at Mercer Human Resource Consulting in Dubai and Toronto. She holds a B.Sc in Actuarial Science from the University of Toronto.

Sonia Weymuller - Co-founder and General Partner at VentureSouq

Sonia Weymuller, Co-founder and General Partner at VentureSouq, has extensive experience across various sectors. She has worked with Acumen’s KawiSafi Fund, Turner Broadcasting, Viacom, and Microsoft. She is involved in various organizations, including the Cartier Women’s Initiative and the Yale Alumni Schools Committee. Sonia holds a B.A. from Yale University, an MSc from the London School of Economics, and is a Kauffman Fellow.

Soumaya Ben Beya Dridje - Junior Partner at Rasmal Ventures

Soumaya Ben Beya Dridje is a Junior Partner at Rasmal Ventures in Doha, Qatar, where she has worked since June 2023, contributing to the launch of Qatar’s first independent VC fund manager. She previously served as an Investment Specialist at Qatar Development Bank and held roles at Plug and Play Tech Center and Smart Capital in Tunisia. She holds a Global MBA from EDHEC Business School, with a focus on Venture Capital and Sustainability, and has a background in communication and leadership from the University of Delaware through the MEPI Student Leaders Program.

Stephanie Nour Prince - Partner at Nuwa Capital

Stephanie Nour Prince, a Partner at Nuwa Capital, brings a wealth of experience in network operations and communications. Prior to her role at Nuwa Capital, she held various positions at Wamda, Telephone.com, and others, focusing on ecosystem relations, community management, and technical leadership. Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the American University of Beirut.

Tamara Abdel-Jaber - Partner at Amam Ventures

Tamara Abdel-Jaber is a Partner at Amam Ventures, where she has been involved since January 2019, focusing on empowering women in business. She’s also the co-founder of Women in Business Arabia and the Chair of Governance at CMC-Global Institute. With over 20 years of experience, Tamara holds an Accounting and Finance degree from the University of Jordan and a CPA from the AICPA.

Eesha Khader - Partner at Achar Capital

Eesha Khader, a Partner at Achar Capital, holds a First Class Honours BSc in Business Management with a focus on Entrepreneurship from the University of Surrey. With over three years of experience at Achar Capital, she evaluates pre-seed and seed stage investment opportunities, conducts due diligence, and supports portfolio companies' growth. Additionally, Eesha has served in strategic roles such as Associate Director of Investments at a Family Office, overseeing investment activities and managing operations.

Dr. Ghida Harfouche - Partner at TVM Capital Healthcare

Dr. Ghida Harfouche, a Partner at TVM Capital Healthcare, brings over 19 years of diverse experience in investment, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and consulting. She excels in sourcing, evaluating, and executing new investment opportunities, conducting due diligence, and actively participating in fundraising activities. With a distinguished scientific background including a PhD in Pharmacology, Cell, and Molecular Biology, Ghida combines her expertise in life science consulting with an MBA and a DESM from renowned institutions in Lebanon and France.

In conclusion, the presence and impact of female VC partners in the Middle East are undeniable and continue to grow stronger each year. Through their dedication, insight, and determination, these women are fostering innovation, supporting entrepreneurship, and driving positive change across various sectors. As we celebrate their achievements and contributions, we look forward to seeing how they will further shape and influence the future of venture capital and innovation in the Middle East. Their stories inspire us all to push boundaries, challenge norms, and create inclusive opportunities for growth and success in the startup ecosystem. Here's to the continued success and empowerment of female leaders in VC across the Middle East and beyond.