KAUST ·
KAUST hosted the Arabian Venture Forum in November 2016 to support venture capital in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region. KAUST Ph.D. graduate Edward Canepa presented Sadeem, a startup he founded with other KAUST students and a professor. The forum aimed to bolster the VC ecosystem in the region. Why it matters: Such university-hosted events can play an important role in fostering entrepreneurship and investment in Saudi technology ventures.
KAUST ·
KAUST and the International Venture Club are seeking tech companies in the Middle East and Europe for investment and expansion opportunities in Saudi Arabia. The Arabian Tech Tour, held in Jeddah and Riyadh in November 2015, will showcase 25 emerging companies from the region and 25 growth companies from Europe. Selected companies will present to VCs, corporations, and business angels. Why it matters: This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia's National Science, Technology and Innovation Plan to create a knowledge-based economy and foster innovation, particularly in cleantech.
KAUST ·
KAUST hosted the 2015 Arabian Tech Tour, a regional version of an international event for venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders. The event featured 50 early-stage companies from 15 countries pitching to over 100 representatives from global investment and venture capital firms. Total assets under management of attending investors were estimated at around $10 billion. Why it matters: This event highlights KAUST's role in fostering innovation, attracting knowledge-based industries to Saudi Arabia, and creating high-value jobs in the Kingdom.
KAUST ·
KAUST, VentureSouq, startAD, and Tamkeen have partnered to launch the first Conscious Investor Fellowship in the GCC. The six-week virtual program aims to enable regional investors to create sustainable change through high-impact investments. The fellowship will host 25 investors from family offices, corporations, and government entities. Why it matters: The program aims to empower mission-driven investors in the region and accelerate investment in technology-driven startups addressing societal, economic, and environmental challenges.
KAUST ·
KAUST Discovery reports on KAUST's support for the Saudi Arabian venture capital industry. No specific details are provided in the summary. Why it matters: Without additional context, the specific impact of this support is unclear.