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.

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