500 Global Promotes Amal Dokhan to Managing Partner of the MENA Region, Championing the MENA Startup Ecosystem
08 Mayo 2024 - 2:00AM
Business Wire
Dokhan's leadership in fostering
entrepreneurship including female founders continues to drive
meaningful progress
500 Global, one of the world’s most active venture capital
firms1, proudly announced the promotion of Amal Dokhan to Managing
Partner of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Dokhan,
a driving force in the firm's endeavors in the region, has
demonstrated exceptional leadership in championing startups within
the MENA region. The appointment makes her one of the first female
Managing Partners of a global venture capital firm in the MENA
region. Ms. Dokhan’s ascension to Managing Partner of 500 Global
MENA follows a similar trajectory for the region broadly as a
powerhouse of startup growth and inclusive representation for women
founders and investors.
Since being appointed Partner in 2021 and General Partner in
2022, Dokhan has spearheaded initiatives such as the Sanabil 500
MENA Seed Accelerator program, solidifying the firm's commitment to
fostering innovation and funding top talent in the region. Under
Dokhan's guidance, the fund has invested in more than 100
early-stage companies across MENA, with a notable milestone of more
than 50% of the recent batch seven of Sanabil 500 MENA Seed
Accelerator consisting of female-founded startups.
“Amal has emerged as a trailblazer and role model, breaking
barriers and helping to pave the way for one of the fastest growing
startup ecosystems in the world that includes significant
representation for aspiring female founders and investors in the
Middle East,” said Bedy Yang, Managing Partner at 500 Global,
praising Dokhan's pivotal role in this transformative journey. “Her
relentless dedication to fostering growth and innovation continues
to drive our mission of building a robust ecosystem that helps
nurture talent and fuel regional and global expansion.”
Prior to joining 500 Global, Dokhan was the Managing Director of
the Babson Global Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership. She was
also the Manager of Learning and Design at the Entrepreneurship
Center at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology where
she Co-designed and Co-led the TAQADAM accelerator program and
Corporate Innovation programs. She has worked at the KAUST Seed
Fund, providing a range of services to startups including preparing
them for the investment committee. Ms. Dokhan was a program
designer and trainer in the Dream Neom program managed by MISK in
collaboration with Boston Consulting Group, a trainer at the MIT
KSA competition startup bootcamp, and Partner and Program Designer
for the MIT MENA Enterprise Forum. Having been a founder herself,
she has been an advocate of angel investing in Saudi Arabia through
her work at Monshaat/GEN Saudi, launching different versions of
angel investing programs and conducting the first formal Angel
investing program in Saudi Arabia.
“The MENA region is buzzing with technological innovation and
investment opportunities. We think this is thanks in part to a
young, tech-savvy population with a thirst for connection, and to
strong support from governments. The ecosystem is maturing quickly,
with successful exits creating a positive feedback loop that fuels
further growth,” said Amal Dokhan, Managing Partner at 500 Global
MENA. “But it's not just about the bottom line. Governments,
state-backed organizations, and other players are all working
together to build a future brimming with innovation and opportunity
for everyone. We're actively engaging the broader community to help
startups gain access to the talent, capital, and global connections
they need to grow. We believe the future of the MENA tech scene is
bright, and we're excited to be a part of it.”
500 Global has shown steadfast commitment to empowering local
entrepreneurs in its endeavors to participate in cultivating a
thriving startup ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. Recognized as one of
the most active investors in the MENA region in 2023, we believe
the firm's support has not only played a part in the growth of tech
companies but also inspired a culture of mentorship and
collaboration among emerging entrepreneurs.
For more on Amal’s promotion and why she believes in the MENA
region as a promising hub for startups, see her blog: Why the MENA
Region is Poised to be a Hub for Future Innovation.
About 500 Global
500 Global is a multi-stage venture capital firm with $2.4B in
assets under management2 that invests in founders building
fast-growing technology companies. We focus on markets where
technology, innovation, and capital can unlock long-term value and
drive economic growth. We work closely with key stakeholders and
advise governments on how best to support entrepreneurial
ecosystems so startups can thrive. 500 Global has backed over 5,000
founders representing more than 2,900 companies operating in 80+
countries. We have invested in more than 35+ companies valued at
over $1 billion and 160+ companies valued at over $100 million
(including private, public, and exited companies). Our 200+ team
members are located in more than 30 countries and bring experience
as entrepreneurs, investors, and operators from some of the world’s
leading technology companies.
500 GLOBAL PROGRAMS AND EVENTS ARE OPERATED BY 500 STARTUPS
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THE FUNDS ADVISED BY 500 STARTUPS MANAGEMENT COMPANY, L.L.C. DO NOT
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1Based on PitchBook’s 2022 Global League Tables:
https://pitchbook.com/news/articles/global-league-tables-2022-annual
2ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT (AUM) CALCULATIONS ARE BASED ON INTERNAL
ESTIMATES AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2023.
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