Middle east investors summit
riyadh
Welcome to the Middle East Investors Summit!
Prepare to be inspired by industry pioneers and thought leaders who are shaping the future of investment across the Middle East and beyond. Our distinguished lineup of speakers brings a wealth of experience, insight, and innovation to the stage, offering perspectives on emerging trends, strategic opportunities, and transformative ideas.
Join us as these experts share their vision, answer pressing questions, and spark conversations that will fuel growth and collaboration. Dive in to learn more about each speaker and the unique insights they bring to this year’s summit
speakers
Majed Al-Saadi
Since November 2019, Majed Al-Saadi has led investor outreach at Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Investment. With over 20 years of experience in investment generation, project management, and stakeholder engagement, he has built strong partnerships and attracted key investors to the country.
Al-Saadi’s achievements include issuing licenses for 160 companies, securing 5,000 foreign investments, and facilitating $17 billion in investments. His leadership fosters strategic alliances and supports economic growth by matching international investors with relevant entities.
In addition to his current role, Al-Saadi serves as a board member at the Halal Center, vice chairman of the Local Content Development Committee, and a committee member at the Royal Court.
Majed Al-Saadi
General Manager of Investor Outreach, Ministry of Investment, Saudi Arabia
Hans-Jörg Baumann
Hans-Jörg Baumann is the founding Partner and Chairman of StepStone Private Debt. As a member of the management team, he is responsible for global business development activities of private debt.
He is also a Co-founder of the Swiss Alternative Investments Circle (SFAMA) and acted for more than 15 years as its chairman.
Before founding Swiss Capital Alternative Investments AG, Mr. Baumann was a key function holder, head of trading & sales and risk management in Switzerland for UBS. He was also a member of UBS’s global trading and sales management board in Zurich.
Mr. Baumann received his MBA from the University of Zurich.
Hans-Jörg Baumann
Founding Partner and Chairman, Stepstone Group
Anya Schiess
Anya Schiess is Managing Partner of Life Science Private Capital (“LSPC”) within J.P. Morgan Private Capital, a division of J.P. Morgan Global Alternatives in J.P. Morgan Asset Management. Anya joined J.P. Morgan Private Capital in 2022. Alongside Gaurav Gupta, Anya is the managing partner of the LSPC platform, which leverages the global
scale, robust healthcare service ecosystem and healthcare data intelligence of J.P. Morgan to invest in life sciences and healthcare companies.
Before joining LSPC, Anya was previously a founder and General Partner of Healthy Ventures. Healthy Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm that invests in healthcare and life science technology. Previously, Anya was a venture capitalist at Thomas, McNerney & Partners where her focus included biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, and genomic technology. Anya has co-founded, helped build, or served on the boards of over 30 companies.
Before investing, Anya was a healthcare operator and led strategy and business development for Cardinal Health’s medical services, distribution, and laboratory businesses as well as several sales & marketing leadership roles at Medtronic. She has launched neurological, cardiovascular, and cardiac rhythm therapies around the world.
Anya earned a B.A. cum laude from Princeton University and an M.B.A. with honors from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
Anya Schiess
Managing Partner, JP Morgan Asset Management Life Sciences Private Capital
Joseph Siletto
Joseph Siletto is the Managing Partner of Life Sciences Private Capital (“LSPC”) within J.P. Morgan Private Capital, a division of J.P. Morgan Global Alternatives in J.P. Morgan Asset Management.
Joseph joined from Vivo Capital in 2024. While at Vivo, Joseph focused on sourcing investments, executing transactions and serving on the board of directors for growth and private equity companies. Over his time with the firm, he sourced and served on the board of over 10 companies. In addition tohis investment and board responsibilities, Joseph also took an active operations role within several portfolio companies.
Prior to his time at Vivo, Joseph created the business plan and was the co-founder for Scion Medical Technologies, a company which completed a half dozen acquisitions to build a global, commercial medical device portfolio focused on interventional oncology. Scion was ultimately sold to NYSE-listed Varian Medial and is now part of Siemens. Prior to his time as an entrepreneur and investor, Joseph was an investment banker for Cowen & Company and Bank of America Securities focused on healthcare M&A and capital raising.
Joseph has a Bachelor of Arts from Duke University and an MBA from the Haas School of Business at the University of California at Berkeley.
Joseph Siletto
Managing Partner, JP Morgan Asset Management Life Sciences Private Capital
Greg Shell
Greg Shell is a partner in Sustainable Investing within Goldman Sachs Asset Management and serves as head of the Inclusive Growth strategy. He joined Goldman Sachs in 2022 as a partner.
Previously, Greg served as a managing director at Bain Capital, co-founding the Double Impact Fund, Bain Capital’s private equity fund focused on social impact.
Before joining Bain Capital, he was a portfolio manager at Grantham, Mayo, Van Otterloo (GMO), and a senior equity analyst in the Global Equity Research group at Columbia Management Group. Greg has served on the boards of several nonprofits, including the New England Advisory Committee of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, Point32 Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, The Boston Foundation and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston.
Greg earned a BS in Political Science with a concentration in Economics from MIT in 1997 and an MBA from Harvard Business School in 2001.
Greg Shell
Managing Partner & Head of Inclusive Growth Strategy, Goldman Sachs Asset Management
Wala Alismail
Wala Alismail is a Senior Strategic Investor Relations Manager at the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia. Wala holds a degree in Biomedical Engineering from University of Houston and have been with the Ministry for seven years with experience in healthcare services business development.
Wala Alismail
Senior Strategic Investor Relations Manager, Ministry of Investment, Saudi Arabia
Dr. Luciano Jannelli
Dr. Luciano Jannelli is the Chief Economic Advisor at the Ministry of Investment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In this capacity, he advises the Minister on policy matters related to strengthening the Saudi domestic investment environment.
Luciano started his career at the World Bank, after which he spent more than two decades in the asset management industry holding senior positions at UBS Group, Bank Julius Baer, Swissquote Group and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank.
Luciano holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Columbia University in the City of New York. He has been an Adjunct Professor of Economics at New York University, where he taught courses on Financial Markets and Global Asset Allocation.
Dr. Luciano Jannelli
Chief Economic Advisor, Ministry of Investment, Saudi Arabia
Markus Solibieda
Markus Solibieda is the Chief Investment Officer of Dussur, the Saudi Arabian Industrial Investment Corporation, headquartered in Riyadh and backed by PIF and other large regional shareholders.
Before settling in the Middle East in 2023, Markus led the global investment activities of BASF, where he built a team to invest in new business models around the chemical industry in North and South America, Europe, China and India.
He started his career as a private equity investor with Deutsche Bank, and continued to build his successful track record at international investments firms like Mandarin Capital, 3i and Advent International.
In addition, Markus as an investor, CFO, and CEO, successfully led the IPO and the expansion of a German technology company with a global customer footprint. Markus received his Master of Business Administration and Finance from the European Business School, following studies in Germany, France and the US.
Markus has been a guest speaker at private equity events and provided university lectures in the US, China, Brazil and Europe. Markus is a chairman / member of the board of several companies in the industrial space in the US, Europe and the Middle East.
Markus Solibieda
Chief Investment Officer, Dussur
Essam A. Albakr
Essam A. Albakr is a seasoned entrepreneur and influential venture capitalist with over 27 years of experience in the investment and finance sectors. As the Founder and CEO of Ejada Investment and Ejada Capital, based in Riyadh, he has established himself as a key figure in the Gulf region’s financial landscape. Essam’s diverse expertise spans private debt, corporate finance, venture capital, and investment banking. His leadership has driven Ejada to manage over $1.3 billion in assets through a multi-strategy private equity approach.
Throughout his career, Essam has been instrumental in advising entrepreneurs and family offices, helping to structure deals and broaden investment opportunities. His hands-on approach, shaped by his entrepreneurial background, reflects his commitment to identifying optimal investment strategies for his clients. He has also played a pivotal role on the boards of several prominent companies, offering strategic insights to guide business growth.
Essam’s achievements extend beyond the corporate world. He has received recognition for his contributions to Saudi Arabia’s economic development, including the establishment of the SME Development Authority and the Youth Business Committee, initiatives that have greatly shaped the venture capital and angel investment ecosystems in the Kingdom. His accolades include the Arabian Business Saudi Achievement Award for Entrepreneur of the Year and recognition as Best Young Saudi CEO by CEO Magazine. With a successful track record in both ICT and finance, Essam continues to drive innovation and success across multiple industries.
Essam A. Albakr
Founder, Partner and Board Member, Ejada Capital; Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Ejada Investment
Dr. Bader Jawid Alsubaiei
Dr. Bader Jawid Alsubaiei is the Chief Executive Officer of the Investment Fund at King Faisal University, the Director of Investment and Recourses Development, and the vice chairman of Alhassa Valley Investment Company.
He obtained his PhD in investment from Loughborough University in the UK and his master’s degree from Brandeis University in the US in finance.
Dr Bader also worked as a lecturer in the finance department at Loughborough University before he joined KFU. He has published many papers in leading journals in financial markets, asset pricing and investment portfolios.
Dr. Bader Jawid Alsubaiei
Chief Executive Officer, King Faisal University Investment Fund
Margarete Schramboeck
Margarete Schramböck is an influential leader in digital transformation and economic strategy, currently serving as a Board Member at Aramco Digital and HUECK. With Aramco Digital, she is part of a landmark $1.9 billion digital investment aimed at reinforcing Aramco’s leadership in energy, driving Saudi economic growth, and expanding the global digital economy. At HUECK, Schramböck oversees innovations in high-tech security coatings for banknotes and passports, impacting 75% of the world’s currencies.
Schramböck founded MSCH Advisory, focusing on strategic consulting for public and private sectors, with special emphasis on Saudi Arabia and Europe. Her experience as Austria’s former Minister of Digital and Economic Affairs and her 15-year tenure as CEO of Central Europe’s largest telecom operator, A1 Telekom Austria, underscore her expertise. Previously, she held leadership roles as CEO of NTT Data and in technical and sales management at Alcatel.
A proactive investor in tech startups, especially in telecom infrastructure and AI, Schramböck is committed to fostering innovation and economic resilience through technology-driven initiatives. She brings visionary insight into the digital landscape and is a strategic force in advancing global digital connectivity.
Margarete Schramboeck
Board Member, Aramco Digital and Former Minister of Economy & Digital Austria
Abeer Al-Hashimi
Abeer Al-Hashimi is a seasoned strategist with over 20 years of experience working with Saudi and international companies, startups, and conglomerates. Since 2012, she has held executive roles, leading transformational projects in the financial sector, technology, EdTech, and government.
In the government sector, Abeer has contributed significantly to developing national strategies and policies. She has designed and managed government-incentivized programs aimed at increasing social and economic impact while reducing costs for the Saudi government. Abeer has served on several national committees, including The Tawteen Committee, chaired by Ministers. She also advised the Minister of Municipality and Housing and led the development of the Saudi Red Sea Authority’s Human Capital Strategy for the coastal tourism sector. Additionally, she was a board member of Takamol Business Solutions, a government-owned company.
In the financial sector, Abeer played a crucial role in building the infrastructure for SADAD (Saudi bill payment system) in 2004. At AlAwal Bank, Abeer led strategic transformations across retail, corporate, investment, and treasury divisions as head of transformation and change. In EdTech, Abeer was an executive at Fullbridge in Boston, managing the MENA region. She also serves as an advisory board member for a technology company and is an angel investor in three startups.
Abeer holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Education and a Master’s degree in Strategy and Innovation from Oxford.
Abeer Al-Hashimi
Founder and Managing Partner, Vibrant Work
Santhosh Balakrishnan
Santhosh Balakrishnan is the Head of Investment Strategy at Othaim Holding Company (Family Office). Santhosh is the Head of Investment Strategy-Local Investments and is responsible for research, strategy and managing KSA-focused Investments.
Santhosh is an investment professional with around 22+ years of experience in Equity Research, Portfolio Strategy and Investment Management across Saudi and EM, and lastly worked with Riyad Capital as the Director-Head of Equity Research.
Santhosh holds an MBA in Finance and PGDIM-Insurance Management.
Santhosh Balakrishnan
Head of Investment Strategy – Local Investments, Othaim Holding Company
Lo’ai Bataineh
Loai Bataineh is a seasoned investment banker with over 30 years of experience in commercial and investment banking, asset management, and wealth management. He has collaborated with top-tier GCC and American banks, as well as sovereign wealth funds, private equity, and hedge fund institutions across the MENA region.
A prominent figure in the industry, Loai actively participates in business forums, conferences, and panel discussions, contributing articles to various business publications in both Arabic and English. He has served as a board member for several publicly listed companies and mutual funds and has been involved with multiple family office boards as a non-executive director.
Notably, he established the investment banking division at Oman Arab Bank SAOC in 1998, leading it to become the top-ranked investment banking firm in Oman. Loai has successfully executed over 50 corporate finance and advisory transactions valued at over USD 8 billion and managed over USD 1.3 billion in assets.
Recognized among the Top 25 influential expatriates and Top 100 CEOs in Oman, he was also the founding CEO of a full-service investment banking firm regulated by the Financial Services Authority in Oman and has extensive networks across the GCC markets.
Lo’ai Bataineh
Senior Executive Officer, Ominvest Capital DIFC Limited
Imad Al‑Abdulqader
Imad Al-Abdulqader is Albright Stonebridge Group’s Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Regional Manager, where he advises clients of the firm’s Middle East and North Africa practice on policy and business trends in the region and leads the firm’s GCC office.
Before joining ASG, Imad served as the Director of Investor Attraction at the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA), where he participated in drafting country strategy and policies that targeted growth sectors, helped build and train the SAGIA ‘Investment Attraction’ team, and worked across government departments and agencies to implement SAGIA policies.
Earlier in his career, Imad held multiple roles at Atheeb Holding, KSA, including Vice President for Projects and Vice President for Business Development. Before his private sector career, Imad served in the Saudi Royal Air Force for 21 years, progressing into senior command positions, including Air Attaché (rank of Colonel) at the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Paris.
Imad received an M.B.A. from the University of Southern Queensland, Australia; an M.A. in Political Science from the University Pantheon-Assas in Paris, France; an M.A. in Military Studies from the Ministry of Defense in Saudi Arabia; and a Bachelor of Aeronautical Science degree from King Faisal Air Academy in Saudi Arabia. He is also a Certified Management Accountant and holds a certificate from the Joint Defense College in France. He has also served on the board of the Small and Medium Enterprise Authority (SMEA). He speaks Arabic, English, and French. He is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Imad Al‑Abdulqader
Senior Advisor and GCC Regional Manager, Albright Stonebridge Group
Ali Marshad, CFA
Ali Marshad is the Group Head of Asset Management Fixed Income and has over 16 years of industry experience. He joined SICO in 2008 and set up the fixed-income desk after having previously worked as an analyst in the United Kingdom for Mercer Investment Consulting.
Ali also worked previously as a performance analyst for UBS Global Asset Management London and has been a Chartered Financial Analyst since 2013. Ali currently sits on the board of SICO Capital Riyadh and SICO Capital Money Market Fund.
Ali holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Banking Finance and Management.
Ali Marshad, CFA
Group Head of Asset Management Fixed Income, SICO
Muzammel Hussain, CFA
Muzammel Hussain, CFA is the Director of Liquid Investments at Bupa Arabia. Muzammel oversees the investment function of the largest insurance company in the MENA region, with a book size of over USD 3.5 billion. He leads the team managing the treasury, cash, fixed income, and equities portfolios, as well as the relationships with internal and external stakeholders and asset managers.
With over 20 years of financial services industry experience in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, he has developed a multi-dimensional track record in asset management, investment research, portfolio advisory, financial advisory, corporate finance, and risk management. He has successfully launched a money market fund, led various investment initiatives, and contributed to the growth and performance of the organizations he has worked with.
Muzammel Hussain, CFA
Director-Liquid Investments, Bupa Arabia (KSA)
Dr. Miray Zaki
Dr. Miray Zaki is an investor and advisor, Co-founder of Chanya Impact, Chair of Planthesis (US & European Sustainability VC fund), and a PhD supervisor at SSBR. She has invested and managed over $18.5 billion globally across private equity, impact, credit, and special situations. Her experiences span the US, Europe, Africa, and Asia, providing her with a unique understanding of diverse markets.
Most recently, she was the Managing director in charge of all sustainability investments and African investments at Gulf Capital. She was also personally selected by the CEO of UAE-based COP28 to be a Senior Advisor to the presidency on matters of food systems, financing to the global south and tech and innovation.
She also served as the first female CIO of a philanthropic endowment in the Middle East, spearheading investment activities for the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable Foundation.
Dr. Zaki’s impressive career includes senior investment roles at ADIA (UAE), Endeavor Capital (US), and Deutsche Bank (UK).
She holds a PhD with distinction in Financial Management and Sustainability from SSBR, an MBA from the University of Chicago, a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the American University in Cairo, and completed her CFA Charter in 2010.
A recognized leader, Dr. Zaki is a Fulbright Scholar and has twice been named one of Dow Jones Financial News’ Top 100 Women in Finance.
Dr. Miray Zaki
Co-Founder, Chanya Impact and Chair of Planthesis
Rachel Pether, CFA
Rachel Pether is a television news anchor, CFA Charterholder, chartered treasurer, member of Mensa and published author.
A trained journalist with over 5 years’ experience at the BBC, Rachel currently hosts two shows produced by FintechTV– Digital Asset Report and TheIMPACT, focused on sustainability. She acts as MC for numerous international high-profile events such as SALT, Crypto Bahamas, the Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute Summit Series and the Global Entrepreneurship Summit.
Based in the Middle East since 2008, Rachel spent almost a decade at Mubadala Investment Company – one of the Middle East’s largest sovereign wealth funds – in their Capital Markets & Treasury team. A CFA Charter holder and chartered treasurer, in 2014 the Association of Corporate Treasurers named Rachel “The One to Watch” in Treasury.
Passionate about helping others become more confident public speakers, Rachel is also the Co-Founder of “The Speakeasy Club”, an online training course for Public Speaking that empowers individuals to hone leadership-level speaking skills and build personal confidence.
In 2009 Rachel published her first book – Jandal Prints on the Globe – and helped to establish a charity called Espoir so that sale proceeds could go towards supporting youth entrepreneurship in New Zealand. She is an advisory board member at the Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute, cryptocurrency exchange MidChains, and the world’s first Shariah-compliant cryptocurrency Islamic Coin.
Rachel Pether, CFA
TV host, TheIMPACT
Aissa Touahria
Aissa Touahria is a seasoned C-level executive with over 25 years of experience in defining growth strategies, developing international ventures, and optimizing organizational structures. His expertise lies in organization engineering within complex, highly regulated environments across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Aissa has extensive industry experience in sectors such as Oil & Gas, Chemicals, Power & Utilities, Renewables, and Healthcare.
Recognized as a subject matter expert, he specializes in investment management, decision-making modelling, market entry strategy, corporate governance, and strategic portfolio management. Aissa has advised over 140 large corporations globally and has managed a $45 billion investment portfolio across Asia, Africa, South America, and Europe.
Notably, he diversified PIH’s industry mix by adding six new business lines and expanding into 12 new geographies while leading cost optimization programs that generated $625 million in savings. Currently, Aissa serves as the Group Chief Investment Officer and Group Chief Strategy Officer at PIH in Doha, Qatar, with prior leadership roles at PwC, Deloitte, SAP MENA, McKinsey & Co., and Sonatrach Group.
Aissa Touahria
Chief Investment Officer, Power International Holding
Khalid Alhumaid
Khalid Alhumaid serves as the Chief Investment Officer at Aseel Capital, one of the leading firms driving innovation in the fintech sector in Saudi Arabia. With a track record of excellence, Khalid has been instrumental in guiding Aseel Capital through the successful management of numerous high-profile crowd-investing funds. His strategic vision and leadership have positioned the firm at the forefront of the fintech industry, with a reputation for pioneering cutting-edge investment opportunities.
Beyond his pivotal role at Aseel Capital, Khalid is a highly respected figure in the broader investment landscape. He currently holds board memberships across more than 20 investment funds, spanning a diverse range of sectors including real estate, private equity, and financing. His expertise in navigating these sectors has earned him a reputation for identifying and capitalizing on high-potential investment opportunities, ensuring long-term value creation for stakeholders.
Khalid also continues to serve as a financial consultant to the General Authority of Awqaf, where he provides expert guidance on managing and growing their investment portfolios. His ongoing contributions to the authority highlight his deep understanding of the intricacies of investment management, particularly within the context of Awqaf’s financial ecosystem.
He holds an MBA in Finance from Jacksonville University, a foundation that has fueled his deep passion for crowdfunding, fintech, proptech, and emerging investment technologies.
Khalid Alhumaid
Chief Investment Officer, Invest Aseel
Michael Harris
Michael Harris is the Vice Chairman and Global Head of Capital Markets for NYSE Group, a part of Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE: ICE).
Harris is responsible for attracting the world’s leading companies to list on the NYSE, the largest and most liquid trading venue. He leads a global team focused on driving dialogue and building strategic relationships with key stakeholders within the private company ecosystem including founders/CEO’s, venture firms, private equity firms, advisory firms and market makers.
Prior to joining the NYSE, Harris spent over four years at Citadel Securities as the Head of Capital Markets and Business Development, where he was responsible for building out corporate relationships and increasing Citadel’s presence with financial sponsors, VCs, corporate clients and equity advisors.
Earlier in his career, Harris served as Deputy Chief Investment Officer at the U.S. Treasury where he helped wind down remaining TARP investments. In addition, he served in a variety of senior investment banking and advisory roles at UBS and JPMorgan.
Harris earned a BA in Economics and a BS in Social Policy from Northwestern University. He currently serves on the board of TriState Capital Bank, an independently chartered banking subsidiary of Raymond James, offering commercial, industrial and private banking solutions.
Michael Harris
Vice Chairman – Global Head of Capital, NYSE Group
Martin Haugaard
Martin Haugaard is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer at European Maritime Finance (Schweiz) AG & Chairman of the Investment Committee.
Martin Haugaard is a successful businessman with 25 years of experience in asset management, and real estate and a primary focus on shipping funds over the last decade. Proven track record of generating excellent returns for investors through dedication, disciplined project management and establishing offices across Europe. Currently based in Switzerland and driving global opportunities for European Maritime Finance (EMF) into the future.
Martin Haugaard
Founder and Chief Executive Officer, European Maritime Finance
Stephen Schueler
Stephen Schueler is the Managing Director and Chairman of Green Transition, Investment Committee for European Maritime Finance (EMF). EMF currently has a $2 billion AUM dollar portfolio of vessels including tankers, car carriers and the new ammonia carriers. All vessels are of the latest construction, eco class and most fuel-efficient A-rated. EMF is at the forefront of leading the industry through the green transition of sustainable shipping.
Stephen is the former Officer for Maersk, managing their 388 offices across 160 countries. Member of the Executive Board, CEO of the Safmarine Shipping Line and Chairman of Maersk Inc. the US American fleet.
Stephen is the former Head of Global Retail Operations for Procter & Gamble and the former Head of Retail Sales and Marketing for Microsoft.
Stephen Schueler
Chairman and Chief Operating Officer, European Maritime Finance
Kenneth Tveter
Kenneth Tveter heads Clarksons Green Transition Group and possesses an extensive understanding of the energy transition with a special focus on the commercial impact and opportunities arising.
Kenneth has 15 years of experience in commodity, energy and shipping finance, spanning investment banking, risk management, broking, trading and portfolio management. He worked for 10 years for DNB and DNB Markets.
Before Joining Clarksons, Kenneth worked as a portfolio manager for Svelland Capital and co-founded an IMO 2020 shipping fund. He also worked as an advisor to Oldendorff, the world’s largest dry bulk owner and operator, on topics related to commercial impact and opportunities from emission regulations.
Kenneth is Clarksons “Green Expert” and has been presenting for the IMO and at other high-profile events on topics related to shipping decarbonization.
Kenneth holds an MSc. in Finance from BI Norwegian Business School.
Kenneth Tveter
Global Head of Green Transition
Clarksons Green Transition Group
Faisal Baig
Faisal Baig is the Chief Investment Officer at ASFAR (Saudi Tourism Investment Company), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
With over two decades of experience in private equity, venture capital, M&A and investment banking, Faisal is a seasoned investment professional. He currently manages investments at ASFAR, a PIF subsidiary with a mandate to invest over $1.6 billion across the tourism value chain in line with Saudi Arabia’s 2030 vision.
Faisal has previously successfully originated and executed transactions in the U.S., Europe and the Middle East, covering industries such as technology, consumer goods, manufacturing and oil & gas.
Most recently, he was a Division Head in Aramco’s corporate development team, where he looked after strategic M&A and joint ventures for the company. Previously, Faisal worked in private equity with firms such as GFH and Investcorp where he was responsible for originating and executing mid-market private equity transactions.
Faisal started his career in US where he worked with industry-leading firms such as Citi, JPMorgan and New Enterprise Associates (NEA). Faisal holds an MBA from Yale University and a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering from Michigan State University.
Faisal Baig
Chief Investment Officer, ASFAR (Saudi Tourism Investment Company)
Abdullah AlHarbi
With 20 years of experience across the private, public, and non-profit sectors, Abdullah AlHarbi currently serves as the Vice President of Marketing and Business Development for the Saudi Red Sea Authority and is also the President of the Saudi Boxing Federation. His extensive career highlights a strong leadership role in various high-profile projects and initiatives that shape the future of Saudi Arabia.
Before joining the Saudi Red Sea Authority, Abdullah was the Marketing and External Relations Advisor for the Royal Commission for Riyadh City. There, he oversaw a diverse portfolio, including major projects like Riyadh Public Transportation (Riyadh Bus and Metro), the Riyadh Foundation, and other key city initiatives. His significant involvement extended to Saudi Vision 2030 megaprojects, such as NEOM and the National Transformation Program.
Previously, Abdullah held the role of Corporate Marketing Director for King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), where he spearheaded corporate marketing strategies, customer experience programs, and city loyalty initiatives. At Waad Academy, he was instrumental in launching the fully tablet-based school and securing Cambridge Independent School Status accreditation. Abdullah’s earlier career includes a decade at Procter & Gamble, where he held various leadership positions, including overseeing the Fabric Care Category for the Arabian Peninsula. He holds a double major with honors in Computer Engineering and Information Science from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) and an MBA with a focus on Marketing from The American University in Dubai (AUD).
Abdullah AlHarbi
Vice President of Marketing & Business Development, Saudi Red Sea Authority
Ali Husain
Ali was born in Kuwait but been roamaing the planet planet all of his life. Ali holds both Bacholar and master’s degree in petroleum engineering from the Colorado School of Mines. Along the way, He spent 11 years working in the energy exploration business for bp in Alaska and the Arctic before coming back to the Arabian Peninsula to continue the exploration work for bp in Arabia. In 2016, Ali decided to leave the oil industry and his prestigious job as the Petroleum Engineering Manager for the world 5th largest oil field to focus on the adventure business he started, Husaak Adventures.
Since the start of Husaak in 2013, Ali has been working diligently in helping advance activating Arabia and building the regional tourism industry. Husaak started focusing on developing GCC nationals by introducing them to the adventures in the great outdoors, through Husaak, we have succeeded so far in introducing over 250,000 individuals to hardcore adventures and soft experiences in Abu Dhabi, Oman and Saudi Arabia.
In the last years, Husaak became a regional activator working with different government entities on developing and activating the crown jewels of Arabia. The goal is to make them safely accessible and enjoyable for the people while still preserving and respecting the environment. Ali also introduced the Unconventional Classroom concept and working closely with educational institutes like KFUPM and social enterprises like Emirates Nature to develop the next level leaders for Arabia.
On the business front, Husaak significantly grew from a small adventure shop in a garage to 3 different businesses and 8 Adventure Centers with more than 100 employees managing multiple national parks across Oman, Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi.
Ali Husain
Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Husaak Adventures
Marcos Dussoni
Marcos Dussoni is the Chief Financial Officer at EVIQ, the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Company, with over 15 years of experience in finance, investment, and strategic leadership. He specializes in transforming family businesses, having led key initiatives in investment management, business restructuring, and growth strategies.
Marcos’s expertise includes navigating M&A deals, implementing ESG practices, and enhancing corporate governance within family-owned and multinational enterprises. Marcos has played a pivotal role in driving competitiveness across various sectors, including FMCG, real estate, energy transition and healthcare.
A London Business School alumnus, he brings a global perspective to positioning family businesses for sustainable growth.
Marcos Dussoni
Chief Financial Officer, EVIQ
Mike Scott
Mike Scott is a seasoned professional with over 24 years of experience in the private equity and energy sectors. In 2012, he founded Pelican Energy Partners, bringing together a skilled team of executives with extensive backgrounds in oilfield manufacturing and services. He also established a network of over thirty former CEOs and twenty former business owners in the energy industry, enhancing Pelican’s access to deal flow and expertise. Under his leadership, Pelican has raised three funds dedicated to the oilfield services and equipment (OFSE) sector, investing in more than 25 platform companies along with numerous add-on acquisitions. Mike has served as chairman of the board for over a dozen companies.
Before launching Pelican, Mike was a principal at Sorenson Capital Partners, managing $650 million in assets. He also held key roles at Cameron International Corporation, focusing on corporate development and lean manufacturing techniques. With six years of engineering experience at Valtek International and AlliedSignal, Mike holds five patents and numerous design awards. He earned both a BS and MS in Mechanical Engineering from Brigham Young University, along with an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Mike Scott
Managing Partner and Founder, Pelican Energy Partners
Awaiz Patni
Awaiz Patni is an accomplished finance professional with international expertise, currently serving as the Group CFO at Bugshan Investment Company Limited in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. His 20 years of experience in the Middle East include a distinguished 12-year tenure at EY in Riyadh, where he excelled in Assurance and Tax roles across diverse sectors.
A graduate of Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics, Bombay, India, Awaiz holds memberships in the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), is a Certified Public Accountant from the US. Additionally, he holds a law degree from Mumbai University.
Awaiz’s responsibilities extend beyond traditional finance roles, encompassing corporate portfolio management, capital allocation, and strategic asset allocation. He previously held the position of leading the IT function, where he directed IT strategy and spearheaded transformation initiatives for the Group. Managing the risk/return profile, he oversees the accounting, finance, treasury, and compliance aspects of the Group’s global investment portfolio.
In his role, Awaiz guides the Group’s investments across diverse asset classes, including cash, equity, fixed interest, hedge funds, private equity, venture capital, and real estate, both directly and through funds. His multifaceted expertise contributes significantly to the Group’s financial success and strategic growth.
Awaiz Patni
Chief Financial Officer, Bugshan Investment
Eric Arnould
Eric Arnould brings his vast experience as a seasoned Investment Banker to the development of Jolt Capital’s growing portfolio. With an extensive deal-making track record in equity raisings and placements that entails building complex syndications in sometimes innovative structures with sophisticated investors, Eric is an adept strategist and manager in building investment plans and executing transactions. Eric is on the Board of Alpha Mos, BC Platforms, and Evum.
Prior to Jolt Capital, Eric spent 16 years in Equity Capital Markets at Natixis, covering technology companies, utilities and renewable energies. Appointed Managing Director (2012) then Global Head of ECM activities (2017), member of the Executive Committee of the Investment Banking division, managing 25 people covering the full range of ECM from Origination and Equity Syndicate, up to Structuring & Execution and Corporate Broking. Eric supervised 100+ market operations including 40+ IPOs.
Before that, Eric had started his career with the investment banking teams at Société Générale, with a focus on ECM between 2002 and 2005 in Frankfurt and Paris, after a first experience as analyst among the M&A FIG team of Deutsche Bank in London.
Eric is an alumnus of HEC Paris and holds a CEMS Master’s degree from the University of Saint-Gallen (Switzerland) and an Executive master’s in technology management & Innovation at Ecole Polytechnique (France).
Eric Arnould
General Partner, Jolt Capital
Jason Tan
Jason Tan is a Partner and the Chief Investment Officer of Jeneration Capital and is responsible for asset selection for JenCap.
Before joining Jeneration Capital in 2017, he was Managing Director and Global Partner at Tiger Global Management, a technology and consumer-focused global investment management firm. Before joining Tiger Global, Jason was Director of China at TA Associates and looked after investments in growth companies in China.
Previously, he was Director of Asia-Pacific at Summit Partners, Associate at Crimson Investments and Associate Consultant at Bain & Company. Jason has 18 years of investment and consulting experience in Asia and the U.S. Jason is Chair of the Investment Committee.
Jason graduated from Northwestern University with joint Bachelor of Arts degrees in Economics and Chinese Culture and a Master of Arts degree in Economics. He is fluent in English and Mandarin Chinese.
Jason Tan
Chief Investment Officer, Jeneration Capital
Stephanie Heller
Stephanie Heller (Galantine) is a seasoned entrepreneur and investor with deep expertise in private equity, venture debt, and fintech innovation. As the Managing Partner and Founder of Bootstrap Europe, she leads the charge in providing growth companies with non-dilutive financing options through venture debt, helping them scale without the pressure of immediate equity dilution. With over 230 European transactions under her leadership, Bootstrap Europe has become a critical source of capital for the next generation of innovators, supporting companies across sectors from clean energy to artificial intelligence.
In addition to her work at Bootstrap Europe, Stephanie co-founded TomatoPay, a fintech company that leverages open banking to simplify payments for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This initiative reflects her vision for integrating technology into finance to create more efficient, accessible, and user-friendly systems for businesses. Her position on the board allows her to stay at the forefront of fintech development, further broadening her impact on the evolving financial landscape.
Stephanie’s career has been a journey of bridging the gap between technology and investing. From her early days at Deutsche Bank’s Mergers & Acquisitions team to founding The Real Economy Effect, she has consistently demonstrated a keen ability to identify and nurture disruptive innovations. Her work spans multiple industries, including healthcare, clean motors, and water filtration, proving her versatility and commitment to investing in solutions that have the potential to reshape industries and improve lives.
Stephanie Heller
Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Bootstrap Europe
Dr. Leen Kawas
Dr. Leen Kawas brings her deep expertise to the fund, helping to assess life sciences opportunities by drawing on her experiences in drug discovery, operation, clinical trial methodologies, regulatory strategies, commercialization, and financing. These skills were instrumental to her success as the former CEO of Athira Pharma and her ability to raise about $400 million and lead the company through an IPO.
Dr. Kawas has won many awards and recognitions for her leadership and accomplishments including:
Endpoints 20(+1) under 40 (2021)
Life Science Entrepreneurial Achievement Award (2020)
French-American Foundation Leader (2019)
Alzheimer’s Cure Coin Award (2019)
Biospace 7 Millennial Influencers in the Biotech Industry (2019)
GeekWire Startup CEO of the Year (2019)
40 under 40 in Life Science Leader (2017)
PharmaVOICE 100 honoree (2017)
Association of Washington Business Entrepreneur of the Year Award (2016)
EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women (2016)
Puget Sound Business Journal 40 under 40 Award (2016)
EY Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist (2016)
GeekWire Young Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist (2016).
She was named one of Seattle’s Most Influential People by Seattle Magazine and one of the Women to Watch in Life Sciences by the Washington Biotechnology and Biomedical Association in 2015.
Dr. Leen Kawas
Managing General Partner, Propel Bio Partners
Charles Conn
Charles Conn is a co-founding partner of Monograph Capital, a life sciences-focused venture firm based in London and San Francisco. He leads Monograph’s investments in technology-enabled pharma and healthcare services companies.
Previously he was CEO of Oxford Sciences Innovation, a £600m venture firm formed in partnership with Oxford University. Charles is a seasoned cross-sector leader, entrepreneur and author. He was the founding CEO of a public tech company and later served as CEO of the Rhodes Trust in Oxford.
He is Chair of Patagonia and co-author of best-selling books on problem-solving. Charles began his career at McKinsey & Company, where he was a Partner. He is a graduate of Harvard Business School and Oxford University where he was a Rhodes Scholar.
Charles Conn
Co-Founding Partner, Monograph Capital
Dr. Sascha Berger
Dr. Sascha Berger is the Investment Director for Biotech at NEOM, leading global investments in the broader life sciences field. With nearly 20 years of professional experience, Sascha focuses on advancing cutting-edge healthcare innovations that address global challenges and opportunities.
At NEOM, Sascha contributes to creating a global hub for transformative technologies in healthcare, with a particular focus on innovative treatments and regional health priorities.
Previously, Sascha was a General Partner at venture capital investment fund TVM, where he led investments in pharmaceuticals, medtech, and digital health, serving on the boards of multiple portfolio companies in the US and EU.
With an academic background in chemistry and finance, Sascha has a decade of experience in life science venture capital, having previously worked in M&A and strategy consulting. He is passionate about bridging the gap between science and business and driving impactful innovations that improve patient outcomes in Saudi Arabia (KSA) and globally.
Dr. Sascha Berger
Investment Director – Biotech, NEOM
Dr. Mohammed Ishaq Ali
Dr. Mohammed Ishaq Ali’s career journey spans over 25+ years, and stands as a testament to dedication and continuously evolving expertise in the field of capital markets. His proficiency lies in managing asset management business, advisory services and arranging functions. He specializes in research-driven investment management of funds and discretionary mandates across diverse asset classes and regions for institutional, governmental and high-net-worth clients. His career is characterized by the development and nurturing of robust relationships with clients, regulators, financial institutions, and other stakeholders.
Dr. Ishaq is currently working as Head of Asset Management & Advisory Services at WinVeston Capital, Saudi Arabia. Prior to this role, he held pivotal leadership roles at prominent institutions such as Al Rajhi Capital, ANB Capital, and Yaqeen Capital, among others showcasing his extensive expertise and capabilities. Furthermore, he is an accomplished author and speaker, sharing insights on topics related to the capital markets. He also serves as an Advisory Committee Member at the University of Business & Technology in Saudi Arabia.
He holds a PhD in Business Management, an MBA in Finance & International Business, and a B.Com from Osmania University, India. He also possesses several global investment management certifications.
Dr. Mohammed Ishaq Ali
Head of Asset Management and Advisory Services, WinVeston Capital
Ronit Karamchandani
Ronit Karamchandani serves as the Head of Middle East Research at Preqin. Ronit joined Preqin, an alternative asset intelligence company, in 2017, and is based in Dubai. Ronit heads the Middle East Research Team, which is responsible for initiating, managing, and developing relationships with fund managers and investors in the MEA region.
Ronit has more than six years of experience in the alternative assets industry, working with global clients and stakeholders across various sectors and geographies. His areas of expertise include Private Equity, Venture Capital, Hedge Funds, and Private Debt & Valuations.
Ronit holds a degree in Economics from New York University.
Ronit Karamchandani
Head of Middle East Research, Preqin
Kshitij Jain
Kshitij Jain is an Investment Director at Private Office based out of Abu Dhabi and looks after Global Private Market portfolio. Previously he was an Investment Professional in Dubai at Miras Management where he looked after Private Equity Investments & Venture Capital Portfolio for the USA and Asia Geography.
He has previously worked as an Investment Banker at Barclays and interned as a consultant at BCG. Pre – MBA he worked in the Global Markets division at Nomura.
He completed his Masters in Business Administration from IIM-Ahmedabad in 2019 where he graduated as Gold-Medallist (equivalent of valedictorian/summa cum laude). He keeps keen interests in exploring Investment Opportunities, Business Valuations & Portfolio Management.
Kshitij Jain
Investment Director, Oros Asset Management
Mario Kozma
Mario joined Tyrus Capital in November 2015 as Portfolio Manager. Prior to that, he was Chief Investment Officer at Dubai-based Belhoul Investment Office and before that, Investment Manager at Waterloo-based Inter-IKEA Treasury.
Mario has developed a 17-year track record in Private Equity spanning across sourcing, analysing, structuring and executing primary and secondary transactions covering developed and emerging markets. Prior to that, from 2001 to 2003, he worked as Investment Analyst in the Merchant Banking team at Lehman Brothers in London.
Mario holds a bachelor degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering and a master degree in Business Administration from Ecole Superieure des Sciences Economiques et Commerciales (ESSEC) in Paris.
Mario Kozma
Investment Manager, Tyrus Capital
speakers
Majed Al-Saadi
Since November 2019, Majed Al-Saadi has led investor outreach at Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Investment. With over 20 years of experience in investment generation, project management, and stakeholder engagement, he has built strong partnerships and attracted key investors to the country.
Al-Saadi’s achievements include issuing licenses for 160 companies, securing 5,000 foreign investments, and facilitating $17 billion in investments. His leadership fosters strategic alliances and supports economic growth by matching international investors with relevant entities.
In addition to his current role, Al-Saadi serves as a board member at the Halal Center, vice chairman of the Local Content Development Committee, and a committee member at the Royal Court.
Majed Al-Saadi
General Manager of Investor Outreach, Ministry of Investment, Saudi Arabia
Hans-Jörg Baumann
Hans-Jörg Baumann is the founding Partner and Chairman of StepStone Private Debt. As a member of the management team, he is responsible for global business development activities of private debt.
He is also a Co-founder of the Swiss Alternative Investments Circle (SFAMA) and acted for more than 15 years as its chairman.
Before founding Swiss Capital Alternative Investments AG, Mr. Baumann was a key function holder, head of trading & sales and risk management in Switzerland for UBS. He was also a member of UBS’s global trading and sales management board in Zurich.
Mr. Baumann received his MBA from the University of Zurich.
Hans-Jörg Baumann
Founding Partner and Chairman, Stepstone Group
Anya Schiess
Anya Schiess is Managing Partner of Life Science Private Capital (“LSPC”) within J.P. Morgan Private Capital, a division of J.P. Morgan Global Alternatives in J.P. Morgan Asset Management. Anya joined J.P. Morgan Private Capital in 2022. Alongside Gaurav Gupta, Anya is the managing partner of the LSPC platform, which leverages the global
scale, robust healthcare service ecosystem and healthcare data intelligence of J.P. Morgan to invest in life sciences and healthcare companies.
Before joining LSPC, Anya was previously a founder and General Partner of Healthy Ventures. Healthy Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm that invests in healthcare and life science technology. Previously, Anya was a venture capitalist at Thomas, McNerney & Partners where her focus included biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, and genomic technology. Anya has co-founded, helped build, or served on the boards of over 30 companies.
Before investing, Anya was a healthcare operator and led strategy and business development for Cardinal Health’s medical services, distribution, and laboratory businesses as well as several sales & marketing leadership roles at Medtronic. She has launched neurological, cardiovascular, and cardiac rhythm therapies around the world.
Anya earned a B.A. cum laude from Princeton University and an M.B.A. with honors from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
Anya Schiess
Managing Partner, JP Morgan Asset Management Life Sciences Private Capital
Joseph Siletto
Joseph Siletto is the Managing Partner of Life Sciences Private Capital (“LSPC”) within J.P. Morgan Private Capital, a division of J.P. Morgan Global Alternatives in J.P. Morgan Asset Management.
Joseph joined from Vivo Capital in 2024. While at Vivo, Joseph focused on sourcing investments, executing transactions and serving on the board of directors for growth and private equity companies. Over his time with the firm, he sourced and served on the board of over 10 companies. In addition tohis investment and board responsibilities, Joseph also took an active operations role within several portfolio companies.
Prior to his time at Vivo, Joseph created the business plan and was the co-founder for Scion Medical Technologies, a company which completed a half dozen acquisitions to build a global, commercial medical device portfolio focused on interventional oncology. Scion was ultimately sold to NYSE-listed Varian Medial and is now part of Siemens. Prior to his time as an entrepreneur and investor, Joseph was an investment banker for Cowen & Company and Bank of America Securities focused on healthcare M&A and capital raising.
Joseph has a Bachelor of Arts from Duke University and an MBA from the Haas School of Business at the University of California at Berkeley.
Joseph Siletto
Managing Partner, JP Morgan Asset Management Life Sciences Private Capital
Greg Shell
Greg Shell is a partner in Sustainable Investing within Goldman Sachs Asset Management and serves as head of the Inclusive Growth strategy. He joined Goldman Sachs in 2022 as a partner.
Previously, Greg served as a managing director at Bain Capital, co-founding the Double Impact Fund, Bain Capital’s private equity fund focused on social impact.
Before joining Bain Capital, he was a portfolio manager at Grantham, Mayo, Van Otterloo (GMO), and a senior equity analyst in the Global Equity Research group at Columbia Management Group. Greg has served on the boards of several nonprofits, including the New England Advisory Committee of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, Point32 Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, The Boston Foundation and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston.
Greg earned a BS in Political Science with a concentration in Economics from MIT in 1997 and an MBA from Harvard Business School in 2001.
Greg Shell
Managing Partner & Head of Inclusive Growth Strategy, Goldman Sachs Asset Management
Wala Alismail
Wala Alismail is a Senior Strategic Investor Relations Manager at the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia. Wala holds a degree in Biomedical Engineering from University of Houston and have been with the Ministry for seven years with experience in healthcare services business development.
Wala Alismail
Senior Strategic Investor Relations Manager, Ministry of Investment, Saudi Arabia
Dr. Luciano Jannelli
Dr. Luciano Jannelli is the Chief Economic Advisor at the Ministry of Investment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In this capacity, he advises the Minister on policy matters related to strengthening the Saudi domestic investment environment.
Luciano started his career at the World Bank, after which he spent more than two decades in the asset management industry holding senior positions at UBS Group, Bank Julius Baer, Swissquote Group and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank.
Luciano holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Columbia University in the City of New York. He has been an Adjunct Professor of Economics at New York University, where he taught courses on Financial Markets and Global Asset Allocation.
Dr. Luciano Jannelli
Chief Economic Advisor, Ministry of Investment, Saudi Arabia
Markus Solibieda
Markus Solibieda is the Chief Investment Officer of Dussur, the Saudi Arabian Industrial Investment Corporation, headquartered in Riyadh and backed by PIF and other large regional shareholders.
Before settling in the Middle East in 2023, Markus led the global investment activities of BASF, where he built a team to invest in new business models around the chemical industry in North and South America, Europe, China and India.
He started his career as a private equity investor with Deutsche Bank, and continued to build his successful track record at international investments firms like Mandarin Capital, 3i and Advent International.
In addition, Markus as an investor, CFO, and CEO, successfully led the IPO and the expansion of a German technology company with a global customer footprint. Markus received his Master of Business Administration and Finance from the European Business School, following studies in Germany, France and the US.
Markus has been a guest speaker at private equity events and provided university lectures in the US, China, Brazil and Europe. Markus is a chairman / member of the board of several companies in the industrial space in the US, Europe and the Middle East.
Markus Solibieda
Chief Investment Officer, Dussur
Essam A. Albakr
Essam A. Albakr is a seasoned entrepreneur and influential venture capitalist with over 27 years of experience in the investment and finance sectors. As the Founder and CEO of Ejada Investment and Ejada Capital, based in Riyadh, he has established himself as a key figure in the Gulf region’s financial landscape. Essam’s diverse expertise spans private debt, corporate finance, venture capital, and investment banking. His leadership has driven Ejada to manage over $1.3 billion in assets through a multi-strategy private equity approach.
Throughout his career, Essam has been instrumental in advising entrepreneurs and family offices, helping to structure deals and broaden investment opportunities. His hands-on approach, shaped by his entrepreneurial background, reflects his commitment to identifying optimal investment strategies for his clients. He has also played a pivotal role on the boards of several prominent companies, offering strategic insights to guide business growth.
Essam’s achievements extend beyond the corporate world. He has received recognition for his contributions to Saudi Arabia’s economic development, including the establishment of the SME Development Authority and the Youth Business Committee, initiatives that have greatly shaped the venture capital and angel investment ecosystems in the Kingdom. His accolades include the Arabian Business Saudi Achievement Award for Entrepreneur of the Year and recognition as Best Young Saudi CEO by CEO Magazine. With a successful track record in both ICT and finance, Essam continues to drive innovation and success across multiple industries.
Essam A. Albakr
Founder, Partner and Board Member, Ejada Capital; Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Ejada Investment
Dr. Bader Jawid Alsubaiei
Dr. Bader Jawid Alsubaiei is the Chief Executive Officer of the Investment Fund at King Faisal University, the Director of Investment and Recourses Development, and the vice chairman of Alhassa Valley Investment Company.
He obtained his PhD in investment from Loughborough University in the UK and his master’s degree from Brandeis University in the US in finance.
Dr Bader also worked as a lecturer in the finance department at Loughborough University before he joined KFU. He has published many papers in leading journals in financial markets, asset pricing and investment portfolios.
Dr. Bader Jawid Alsubaiei
Chief Executive Officer, King Faisal University Investment Fund
Margarete Schramboeck
Margarete Schramböck is an influential leader in digital transformation and economic strategy, currently serving as a Board Member at Aramco Digital and HUECK. With Aramco Digital, she is part of a landmark $1.9 billion digital investment aimed at reinforcing Aramco’s leadership in energy, driving Saudi economic growth, and expanding the global digital economy. At HUECK, Schramböck oversees innovations in high-tech security coatings for banknotes and passports, impacting 75% of the world’s currencies.
Schramböck founded MSCH Advisory, focusing on strategic consulting for public and private sectors, with special emphasis on Saudi Arabia and Europe. Her experience as Austria’s former Minister of Digital and Economic Affairs and her 15-year tenure as CEO of Central Europe’s largest telecom operator, A1 Telekom Austria, underscore her expertise. Previously, she held leadership roles as CEO of NTT Data and in technical and sales management at Alcatel.
A proactive investor in tech startups, especially in telecom infrastructure and AI, Schramböck is committed to fostering innovation and economic resilience through technology-driven initiatives. She brings visionary insight into the digital landscape and is a strategic force in advancing global digital connectivity.
Margarete Schramboeck
Board Member, Aramco Digital and Former Minister of Economy & Digital Austria
Abeer Al-Hashimi
Abeer Al-Hashimi is a seasoned strategist with over 20 years of experience working with Saudi and international companies, startups, and conglomerates. Since 2012, she has held executive roles, leading transformational projects in the financial sector, technology, EdTech, and government.
In the government sector, Abeer has contributed significantly to developing national strategies and policies. She has designed and managed government-incentivized programs aimed at increasing social and economic impact while reducing costs for the Saudi government. Abeer has served on several national committees, including The Tawteen Committee, chaired by Ministers. She also advised the Minister of Municipality and Housing and led the development of the Saudi Red Sea Authority’s Human Capital Strategy for the coastal tourism sector. Additionally, she was a board member of Takamol Business Solutions, a government-owned company.
In the financial sector, Abeer played a crucial role in building the infrastructure for SADAD (Saudi bill payment system) in 2004. At AlAwal Bank, Abeer led strategic transformations across retail, corporate, investment, and treasury divisions as head of transformation and change. In EdTech, Abeer was an executive at Fullbridge in Boston, managing the MENA region. She also serves as an advisory board member for a technology company and is an angel investor in three startups.
Abeer holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Education and a Master’s degree in Strategy and Innovation from Oxford.
Abeer Al-Hashimi
Founder and Managing Partner, Vibrant Work
Santhosh Balakrishnan
Santhosh Balakrishnan is the Head of Investment Strategy at Othaim Holding Company (Family Office). Santhosh is the Head of Investment Strategy-Local Investments and is responsible for research, strategy and managing KSA-focused Investments.
Santhosh is an investment professional with around 22+ years of experience in Equity Research, Portfolio Strategy and Investment Management across Saudi and EM, and lastly worked with Riyad Capital as the Director-Head of Equity Research.
Santhosh holds an MBA in Finance and PGDIM-Insurance Management.
Santhosh Balakrishnan
Head of Investment Strategy – Local Investments, Othaim Holding Company
Lo’ai Bataineh
Loai Bataineh is a seasoned investment banker with over 30 years of experience in commercial and investment banking, asset management, and wealth management. He has collaborated with top-tier GCC and American banks, as well as sovereign wealth funds, private equity, and hedge fund institutions across the MENA region.
A prominent figure in the industry, Loai actively participates in business forums, conferences, and panel discussions, contributing articles to various business publications in both Arabic and English. He has served as a board member for several publicly listed companies and mutual funds and has been involved with multiple family office boards as a non-executive director.
Notably, he established the investment banking division at Oman Arab Bank SAOC in 1998, leading it to become the top-ranked investment banking firm in Oman. Loai has successfully executed over 50 corporate finance and advisory transactions valued at over USD 8 billion and managed over USD 1.3 billion in assets.
Recognized among the Top 25 influential expatriates and Top 100 CEOs in Oman, he was also the founding CEO of a full-service investment banking firm regulated by the Financial Services Authority in Oman and has extensive networks across the GCC markets.
Lo’ai Bataineh
Senior Executive Officer, Ominvest Capital DIFC Limited
Imad Al‑Abdulqader
Imad Al-Abdulqader is Albright Stonebridge Group’s Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Regional Manager, where he advises clients of the firm’s Middle East and North Africa practice on policy and business trends in the region and leads the firm’s GCC office.
Before joining ASG, Imad served as the Director of Investor Attraction at the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA), where he participated in drafting country strategy and policies that targeted growth sectors, helped build and train the SAGIA ‘Investment Attraction’ team, and worked across government departments and agencies to implement SAGIA policies.
Earlier in his career, Imad held multiple roles at Atheeb Holding, KSA, including Vice President for Projects and Vice President for Business Development. Before his private sector career, Imad served in the Saudi Royal Air Force for 21 years, progressing into senior command positions, including Air Attaché (rank of Colonel) at the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Paris.
Imad received an M.B.A. from the University of Southern Queensland, Australia; an M.A. in Political Science from the University Pantheon-Assas in Paris, France; an M.A. in Military Studies from the Ministry of Defense in Saudi Arabia; and a Bachelor of Aeronautical Science degree from King Faisal Air Academy in Saudi Arabia. He is also a Certified Management Accountant and holds a certificate from the Joint Defense College in France. He has also served on the board of the Small and Medium Enterprise Authority (SMEA). He speaks Arabic, English, and French. He is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Imad Al‑Abdulqader
Senior Advisor and GCC Regional Manager, Albright Stonebridge Group
Ali Marshad, CFA
Ali Marshad is the Group Head of Asset Management Fixed Income and has over 16 years of industry experience. He joined SICO in 2008 and set up the fixed-income desk after having previously worked as an analyst in the United Kingdom for Mercer Investment Consulting.
Ali also worked previously as a performance analyst for UBS Global Asset Management London and has been a Chartered Financial Analyst since 2013. Ali currently sits on the board of SICO Capital Riyadh and SICO Capital Money Market Fund.
Ali holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Banking Finance and Management.
Ali Marshad, CFA
Group Head of Asset Management Fixed Income, SICO
Muzammel Hussain, CFA
Muzammel Hussain, CFA is the Director of Liquid Investments at Bupa Arabia. Muzammel oversees the investment function of the largest insurance company in the MENA region, with a book size of over USD 3.5 billion. He leads the team managing the treasury, cash, fixed income, and equities portfolios, as well as the relationships with internal and external stakeholders and asset managers.
With over 20 years of financial services industry experience in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, he has developed a multi-dimensional track record in asset management, investment research, portfolio advisory, financial advisory, corporate finance, and risk management. He has successfully launched a money market fund, led various investment initiatives, and contributed to the growth and performance of the organizations he has worked with.
Muzammel Hussain, CFA
Director-Liquid Investments, Bupa Arabia (KSA)
Dr. Miray Zaki
Dr. Miray Zaki is an investor and advisor, Co-founder of Chanya Impact, Chair of Planthesis (US & European Sustainability VC fund), and a PhD supervisor at SSBR. She has invested and managed over $18.5 billion globally across private equity, impact, credit, and special situations. Her experiences span the US, Europe, Africa, and Asia, providing her with a unique understanding of diverse markets.
Most recently, she was the Managing director in charge of all sustainability investments and African investments at Gulf Capital. She was also personally selected by the CEO of UAE-based COP28 to be a Senior Advisor to the presidency on matters of food systems, financing to the global south and tech and innovation.
She also served as the first female CIO of a philanthropic endowment in the Middle East, spearheading investment activities for the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable Foundation.
Dr. Zaki’s impressive career includes senior investment roles at ADIA (UAE), Endeavor Capital (US), and Deutsche Bank (UK).
She holds a PhD with distinction in Financial Management and Sustainability from SSBR, an MBA from the University of Chicago, a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the American University in Cairo, and completed her CFA Charter in 2010.
A recognized leader, Dr. Zaki is a Fulbright Scholar and has twice been named one of Dow Jones Financial News’ Top 100 Women in Finance.
Dr. Miray Zaki
Co-Founder, Chanya Impact and Chair of Planthesis
Rachel Pether, CFA
Rachel Pether is a television news anchor, CFA Charterholder, chartered treasurer, member of Mensa and published author.
A trained journalist with over 5 years’ experience at the BBC, Rachel currently hosts two shows produced by FintechTV– Digital Asset Report and TheIMPACT, focused on sustainability. She acts as MC for numerous international high-profile events such as SALT, Crypto Bahamas, the Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute Summit Series and the Global Entrepreneurship Summit.
Based in the Middle East since 2008, Rachel spent almost a decade at Mubadala Investment Company – one of the Middle East’s largest sovereign wealth funds – in their Capital Markets & Treasury team. A CFA Charter holder and chartered treasurer, in 2014 the Association of Corporate Treasurers named Rachel “The One to Watch” in Treasury.
Passionate about helping others become more confident public speakers, Rachel is also the Co-Founder of “The Speakeasy Club”, an online training course for Public Speaking that empowers individuals to hone leadership-level speaking skills and build personal confidence.
In 2009 Rachel published her first book – Jandal Prints on the Globe – and helped to establish a charity called Espoir so that sale proceeds could go towards supporting youth entrepreneurship in New Zealand. She is an advisory board member at the Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute, cryptocurrency exchange MidChains, and the world’s first Shariah-compliant cryptocurrency Islamic Coin.
Rachel Pether, CFA
TV host, TheIMPACT
Aissa Touahria
Aissa Touahria is a seasoned C-level executive with over 25 years of experience in defining growth strategies, developing international ventures, and optimizing organizational structures. His expertise lies in organization engineering within complex, highly regulated environments across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Aissa has extensive industry experience in sectors such as Oil & Gas, Chemicals, Power & Utilities, Renewables, and Healthcare.
Recognized as a subject matter expert, he specializes in investment management, decision-making modelling, market entry strategy, corporate governance, and strategic portfolio management. Aissa has advised over 140 large corporations globally and has managed a $45 billion investment portfolio across Asia, Africa, South America, and Europe.
Notably, he diversified PIH’s industry mix by adding six new business lines and expanding into 12 new geographies while leading cost optimization programs that generated $625 million in savings. Currently, Aissa serves as the Group Chief Investment Officer and Group Chief Strategy Officer at PIH in Doha, Qatar, with prior leadership roles at PwC, Deloitte, SAP MENA, McKinsey & Co., and Sonatrach Group.
Aissa Touahria
Chief Investment Officer, Power International Holding
Khalid Alhumaid
Khalid Alhumaid serves as the Chief Investment Officer at Aseel Capital, one of the leading firms driving innovation in the fintech sector in Saudi Arabia. With a track record of excellence, Khalid has been instrumental in guiding Aseel Capital through the successful management of numerous high-profile crowd-investing funds. His strategic vision and leadership have positioned the firm at the forefront of the fintech industry, with a reputation for pioneering cutting-edge investment opportunities.
Beyond his pivotal role at Aseel Capital, Khalid is a highly respected figure in the broader investment landscape. He currently holds board memberships across more than 20 investment funds, spanning a diverse range of sectors including real estate, private equity, and financing. His expertise in navigating these sectors has earned him a reputation for identifying and capitalizing on high-potential investment opportunities, ensuring long-term value creation for stakeholders.
Khalid also continues to serve as a financial consultant to the General Authority of Awqaf, where he provides expert guidance on managing and growing their investment portfolios. His ongoing contributions to the authority highlight his deep understanding of the intricacies of investment management, particularly within the context of Awqaf’s financial ecosystem.
He holds an MBA in Finance from Jacksonville University, a foundation that has fueled his deep passion for crowdfunding, fintech, proptech, and emerging investment technologies.
Khalid Alhumaid
Chief Investment Officer, Invest Aseel
Michael Harris
Michael Harris is the Vice Chairman and Global Head of Capital Markets for NYSE Group, a part of Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE: ICE).
Harris is responsible for attracting the world’s leading companies to list on the NYSE, the largest and most liquid trading venue. He leads a global team focused on driving dialogue and building strategic relationships with key stakeholders within the private company ecosystem including founders/CEO’s, venture firms, private equity firms, advisory firms and market makers.
Prior to joining the NYSE, Harris spent over four years at Citadel Securities as the Head of Capital Markets and Business Development, where he was responsible for building out corporate relationships and increasing Citadel’s presence with financial sponsors, VCs, corporate clients and equity advisors.
Earlier in his career, Harris served as Deputy Chief Investment Officer at the U.S. Treasury where he helped wind down remaining TARP investments. In addition, he served in a variety of senior investment banking and advisory roles at UBS and JPMorgan.
Harris earned a BA in Economics and a BS in Social Policy from Northwestern University. He currently serves on the board of TriState Capital Bank, an independently chartered banking subsidiary of Raymond James, offering commercial, industrial and private banking solutions.
Michael Harris
Vice Chairman – Global Head of Capital, NYSE Group
Martin Haugaard
Martin Haugaard is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer at European Maritime Finance (Schweiz) AG & Chairman of the Investment Committee.
Martin Haugaard is a successful businessman with 25 years of experience in asset management, and real estate and a primary focus on shipping funds over the last decade. Proven track record of generating excellent returns for investors through dedication, disciplined project management and establishing offices across Europe. Currently based in Switzerland and driving global opportunities for European Maritime Finance (EMF) into the future.
Martin Haugaard
Founder and Chief Executive Officer, European Maritime Finance
Stephen Schueler
Stephen Schueler is the Managing Director and Chairman of Green Transition, Investment Committee for European Maritime Finance (EMF). EMF currently has a $2 billion AUM dollar portfolio of vessels including tankers, car carriers and the new ammonia carriers. All vessels are of the latest construction, eco class and most fuel-efficient A-rated. EMF is at the forefront of leading the industry through the green transition of sustainable shipping.
Stephen is the former Officer for Maersk, managing their 388 offices across 160 countries. Member of the Executive Board, CEO of the Safmarine Shipping Line and Chairman of Maersk Inc. the US American fleet.
Stephen is the former Head of Global Retail Operations for Procter & Gamble and the former Head of Retail Sales and Marketing for Microsoft.
Stephen Schueler
Chairman and Chief Operating Officer, European Maritime Finance
Kenneth Tveter
Kenneth Tveter heads Clarksons Green Transition Group and possesses an extensive understanding of the energy transition with a special focus on the commercial impact and opportunities arising.
Kenneth has 15 years of experience in commodity, energy and shipping finance, spanning investment banking, risk management, broking, trading and portfolio management. He worked for 10 years for DNB and DNB Markets.
Before Joining Clarksons, Kenneth worked as a portfolio manager for Svelland Capital and co-founded an IMO 2020 shipping fund. He also worked as an advisor to Oldendorff, the world’s largest dry bulk owner and operator, on topics related to commercial impact and opportunities from emission regulations.
Kenneth is Clarksons “Green Expert” and has been presenting for the IMO and at other high-profile events on topics related to shipping decarbonization.
Kenneth holds an MSc. in Finance from BI Norwegian Business School.
Kenneth Tveter
Global Head of Green Transition
Clarksons Green Transition Group
Faisal Baig
Faisal Baig is the Chief Investment Officer at ASFAR (Saudi Tourism Investment Company), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
With over two decades of experience in private equity, venture capital, M&A and investment banking, Faisal is a seasoned investment professional. He currently manages investments at ASFAR, a PIF subsidiary with a mandate to invest over $1.6 billion across the tourism value chain in line with Saudi Arabia’s 2030 vision.
Faisal has previously successfully originated and executed transactions in the U.S., Europe and the Middle East, covering industries such as technology, consumer goods, manufacturing and oil & gas.
Most recently, he was a Division Head in Aramco’s corporate development team, where he looked after strategic M&A and joint ventures for the company. Previously, Faisal worked in private equity with firms such as GFH and Investcorp where he was responsible for originating and executing mid-market private equity transactions.
Faisal started his career in US where he worked with industry-leading firms such as Citi, JPMorgan and New Enterprise Associates (NEA). Faisal holds an MBA from Yale University and a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering from Michigan State University.
Faisal Baig
Chief Investment Officer, ASFAR (Saudi Tourism Investment Company)
Abdullah AlHarbi
With 20 years of experience across the private, public, and non-profit sectors, Abdullah AlHarbi currently serves as the Vice President of Marketing and Business Development for the Saudi Red Sea Authority and is also the President of the Saudi Boxing Federation. His extensive career highlights a strong leadership role in various high-profile projects and initiatives that shape the future of Saudi Arabia.
Before joining the Saudi Red Sea Authority, Abdullah was the Marketing and External Relations Advisor for the Royal Commission for Riyadh City. There, he oversaw a diverse portfolio, including major projects like Riyadh Public Transportation (Riyadh Bus and Metro), the Riyadh Foundation, and other key city initiatives. His significant involvement extended to Saudi Vision 2030 megaprojects, such as NEOM and the National Transformation Program.
Previously, Abdullah held the role of Corporate Marketing Director for King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), where he spearheaded corporate marketing strategies, customer experience programs, and city loyalty initiatives. At Waad Academy, he was instrumental in launching the fully tablet-based school and securing Cambridge Independent School Status accreditation. Abdullah’s earlier career includes a decade at Procter & Gamble, where he held various leadership positions, including overseeing the Fabric Care Category for the Arabian Peninsula. He holds a double major with honors in Computer Engineering and Information Science from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) and an MBA with a focus on Marketing from The American University in Dubai (AUD).
Abdullah AlHarbi
Vice President of Marketing & Business Development, Saudi Red Sea Authority
Ali Husain
Ali was born in Kuwait but been roamaing the planet planet all of his life. Ali holds both Bacholar and master’s degree in petroleum engineering from the Colorado School of Mines. Along the way, He spent 11 years working in the energy exploration business for bp in Alaska and the Arctic before coming back to the Arabian Peninsula to continue the exploration work for bp in Arabia. In 2016, Ali decided to leave the oil industry and his prestigious job as the Petroleum Engineering Manager for the world 5th largest oil field to focus on the adventure business he started, Husaak Adventures.
Since the start of Husaak in 2013, Ali has been working diligently in helping advance activating Arabia and building the regional tourism industry. Husaak started focusing on developing GCC nationals by introducing them to the adventures in the great outdoors, through Husaak, we have succeeded so far in introducing over 250,000 individuals to hardcore adventures and soft experiences in Abu Dhabi, Oman and Saudi Arabia.
In the last years, Husaak became a regional activator working with different government entities on developing and activating the crown jewels of Arabia. The goal is to make them safely accessible and enjoyable for the people while still preserving and respecting the environment. Ali also introduced the Unconventional Classroom concept and working closely with educational institutes like KFUPM and social enterprises like Emirates Nature to develop the next level leaders for Arabia.
On the business front, Husaak significantly grew from a small adventure shop in a garage to 3 different businesses and 8 Adventure Centers with more than 100 employees managing multiple national parks across Oman, Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi.
Ali Husain
Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Husaak Adventures
Marcos Dussoni
Marcos Dussoni is the Chief Financial Officer at EVIQ, the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Company, with over 15 years of experience in finance, investment, and strategic leadership. He specializes in transforming family businesses, having led key initiatives in investment management, business restructuring, and growth strategies.
Marcos’s expertise includes navigating M&A deals, implementing ESG practices, and enhancing corporate governance within family-owned and multinational enterprises. Marcos has played a pivotal role in driving competitiveness across various sectors, including FMCG, real estate, energy transition and healthcare.
A London Business School alumnus, he brings a global perspective to positioning family businesses for sustainable growth.
Marcos Dussoni
Chief Financial Officer, EVIQ
Mike Scott
Mike Scott is a seasoned professional with over 24 years of experience in the private equity and energy sectors. In 2012, he founded Pelican Energy Partners, bringing together a skilled team of executives with extensive backgrounds in oilfield manufacturing and services. He also established a network of over thirty former CEOs and twenty former business owners in the energy industry, enhancing Pelican’s access to deal flow and expertise. Under his leadership, Pelican has raised three funds dedicated to the oilfield services and equipment (OFSE) sector, investing in more than 25 platform companies along with numerous add-on acquisitions. Mike has served as chairman of the board for over a dozen companies.
Before launching Pelican, Mike was a principal at Sorenson Capital Partners, managing $650 million in assets. He also held key roles at Cameron International Corporation, focusing on corporate development and lean manufacturing techniques. With six years of engineering experience at Valtek International and AlliedSignal, Mike holds five patents and numerous design awards. He earned both a BS and MS in Mechanical Engineering from Brigham Young University, along with an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Mike Scott
Managing Partner and Founder, Pelican Energy Partners
Awaiz Patni
Awaiz Patni is an accomplished finance professional with international expertise, currently serving as the Group CFO at Bugshan Investment Company Limited in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. His 20 years of experience in the Middle East include a distinguished 12-year tenure at EY in Riyadh, where he excelled in Assurance and Tax roles across diverse sectors.
A graduate of Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics, Bombay, India, Awaiz holds memberships in the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), is a Certified Public Accountant from the US. Additionally, he holds a law degree from Mumbai University.
Awaiz’s responsibilities extend beyond traditional finance roles, encompassing corporate portfolio management, capital allocation, and strategic asset allocation. He previously held the position of leading the IT function, where he directed IT strategy and spearheaded transformation initiatives for the Group. Managing the risk/return profile, he oversees the accounting, finance, treasury, and compliance aspects of the Group’s global investment portfolio.
In his role, Awaiz guides the Group’s investments across diverse asset classes, including cash, equity, fixed interest, hedge funds, private equity, venture capital, and real estate, both directly and through funds. His multifaceted expertise contributes significantly to the Group’s financial success and strategic growth.
Awaiz Patni
Chief Financial Officer, Bugshan Investment
Eric Arnould
Eric Arnould brings his vast experience as a seasoned Investment Banker to the development of Jolt Capital’s growing portfolio. With an extensive deal-making track record in equity raisings and placements that entails building complex syndications in sometimes innovative structures with sophisticated investors, Eric is an adept strategist and manager in building investment plans and executing transactions. Eric is on the Board of Alpha Mos, BC Platforms, and Evum.
Prior to Jolt Capital, Eric spent 16 years in Equity Capital Markets at Natixis, covering technology companies, utilities and renewable energies. Appointed Managing Director (2012) then Global Head of ECM activities (2017), member of the Executive Committee of the Investment Banking division, managing 25 people covering the full range of ECM from Origination and Equity Syndicate, up to Structuring & Execution and Corporate Broking. Eric supervised 100+ market operations including 40+ IPOs.
Before that, Eric had started his career with the investment banking teams at Société Générale, with a focus on ECM between 2002 and 2005 in Frankfurt and Paris, after a first experience as analyst among the M&A FIG team of Deutsche Bank in London.
Eric is an alumnus of HEC Paris and holds a CEMS Master’s degree from the University of Saint-Gallen (Switzerland) and an Executive master’s in technology management & Innovation at Ecole Polytechnique (France).
Eric Arnould
General Partner, Jolt Capital
Jason Tan
Jason Tan is a Partner and the Chief Investment Officer of Jeneration Capital and is responsible for asset selection for JenCap.
Before joining Jeneration Capital in 2017, he was Managing Director and Global Partner at Tiger Global Management, a technology and consumer-focused global investment management firm. Before joining Tiger Global, Jason was Director of China at TA Associates and looked after investments in growth companies in China.
Previously, he was Director of Asia-Pacific at Summit Partners, Associate at Crimson Investments and Associate Consultant at Bain & Company. Jason has 18 years of investment and consulting experience in Asia and the U.S. Jason is Chair of the Investment Committee.
Jason graduated from Northwestern University with joint Bachelor of Arts degrees in Economics and Chinese Culture and a Master of Arts degree in Economics. He is fluent in English and Mandarin Chinese.
Jason Tan
Chief Investment Officer, Jeneration Capital
Stephanie Heller
Stephanie Heller (Galantine) is a seasoned entrepreneur and investor with deep expertise in private equity, venture debt, and fintech innovation. As the Managing Partner and Founder of Bootstrap Europe, she leads the charge in providing growth companies with non-dilutive financing options through venture debt, helping them scale without the pressure of immediate equity dilution. With over 230 European transactions under her leadership, Bootstrap Europe has become a critical source of capital for the next generation of innovators, supporting companies across sectors from clean energy to artificial intelligence.
In addition to her work at Bootstrap Europe, Stephanie co-founded TomatoPay, a fintech company that leverages open banking to simplify payments for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This initiative reflects her vision for integrating technology into finance to create more efficient, accessible, and user-friendly systems for businesses. Her position on the board allows her to stay at the forefront of fintech development, further broadening her impact on the evolving financial landscape.
Stephanie’s career has been a journey of bridging the gap between technology and investing. From her early days at Deutsche Bank’s Mergers & Acquisitions team to founding The Real Economy Effect, she has consistently demonstrated a keen ability to identify and nurture disruptive innovations. Her work spans multiple industries, including healthcare, clean motors, and water filtration, proving her versatility and commitment to investing in solutions that have the potential to reshape industries and improve lives.
Stephanie Heller
Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Bootstrap Europe
Dr. Leen Kawas
Dr. Leen Kawas brings her deep expertise to the fund, helping to assess life sciences opportunities by drawing on her experiences in drug discovery, operation, clinical trial methodologies, regulatory strategies, commercialization, and financing. These skills were instrumental to her success as the former CEO of Athira Pharma and her ability to raise about $400 million and lead the company through an IPO.
Dr. Kawas has won many awards and recognitions for her leadership and accomplishments including:
Endpoints 20(+1) under 40 (2021)
Life Science Entrepreneurial Achievement Award (2020)
French-American Foundation Leader (2019)
Alzheimer’s Cure Coin Award (2019)
Biospace 7 Millennial Influencers in the Biotech Industry (2019)
GeekWire Startup CEO of the Year (2019)
40 under 40 in Life Science Leader (2017)
PharmaVOICE 100 honoree (2017)
Association of Washington Business Entrepreneur of the Year Award (2016)
EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women (2016)
Puget Sound Business Journal 40 under 40 Award (2016)
EY Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist (2016)
GeekWire Young Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist (2016).
She was named one of Seattle’s Most Influential People by Seattle Magazine and one of the Women to Watch in Life Sciences by the Washington Biotechnology and Biomedical Association in 2015.
Dr. Leen Kawas
Managing General Partner, Propel Bio Partners
Charles Conn
Charles Conn is a co-founding partner of Monograph Capital, a life sciences-focused venture firm based in London and San Francisco. He leads Monograph’s investments in technology-enabled pharma and healthcare services companies.
Previously he was CEO of Oxford Sciences Innovation, a £600m venture firm formed in partnership with Oxford University. Charles is a seasoned cross-sector leader, entrepreneur and author. He was the founding CEO of a public tech company and later served as CEO of the Rhodes Trust in Oxford.
He is Chair of Patagonia and co-author of best-selling books on problem-solving. Charles began his career at McKinsey & Company, where he was a Partner. He is a graduate of Harvard Business School and Oxford University where he was a Rhodes Scholar.
Charles Conn
Co-Founding Partner, Monograph Capital
Dr. Sascha Berger
Dr. Sascha Berger is the Investment Director for Biotech at NEOM, leading global investments in the broader life sciences field. With nearly 20 years of professional experience, Sascha focuses on advancing cutting-edge healthcare innovations that address global challenges and opportunities.
At NEOM, Sascha contributes to creating a global hub for transformative technologies in healthcare, with a particular focus on innovative treatments and regional health priorities.
Previously, Sascha was a General Partner at venture capital investment fund TVM, where he led investments in pharmaceuticals, medtech, and digital health, serving on the boards of multiple portfolio companies in the US and EU.
With an academic background in chemistry and finance, Sascha has a decade of experience in life science venture capital, having previously worked in M&A and strategy consulting. He is passionate about bridging the gap between science and business and driving impactful innovations that improve patient outcomes in Saudi Arabia (KSA) and globally.
Dr. Sascha Berger
Investment Director – Biotech, NEOM
Dr. Mohammed Ishaq Ali
Dr. Mohammed Ishaq Ali’s career journey spans over 25+ years, and stands as a testament to dedication and continuously evolving expertise in the field of capital markets. His proficiency lies in managing asset management business, advisory services and arranging functions. He specializes in research-driven investment management of funds and discretionary mandates across diverse asset classes and regions for institutional, governmental and high-net-worth clients. His career is characterized by the development and nurturing of robust relationships with clients, regulators, financial institutions, and other stakeholders.
Dr. Ishaq is currently working as Head of Asset Management & Advisory Services at WinVeston Capital, Saudi Arabia. Prior to this role, he held pivotal leadership roles at prominent institutions such as Al Rajhi Capital, ANB Capital, and Yaqeen Capital, among others showcasing his extensive expertise and capabilities. Furthermore, he is an accomplished author and speaker, sharing insights on topics related to the capital markets. He also serves as an Advisory Committee Member at the University of Business & Technology in Saudi Arabia.
He holds a PhD in Business Management, an MBA in Finance & International Business, and a B.Com from Osmania University, India. He also possesses several global investment management certifications.
Dr. Mohammed Ishaq Ali
Head of Asset Management and Advisory Services, WinVeston Capital
Ronit Karamchandani
Ronit Karamchandani serves as the Head of Middle East Research at Preqin. Ronit joined Preqin, an alternative asset intelligence company, in 2017, and is based in Dubai. Ronit heads the Middle East Research Team, which is responsible for initiating, managing, and developing relationships with fund managers and investors in the MEA region.
Ronit has more than six years of experience in the alternative assets industry, working with global clients and stakeholders across various sectors and geographies. His areas of expertise include Private Equity, Venture Capital, Hedge Funds, and Private Debt & Valuations.
Ronit holds a degree in Economics from New York University.
Ronit Karamchandani
Head of Middle East Research, Preqin
Kshitij Jain
Kshitij Jain is an Investment Director at Private Office based out of Abu Dhabi and looks after Global Private Market portfolio. Previously he was an Investment Professional in Dubai at Miras Management where he looked after Private Equity Investments & Venture Capital Portfolio for the USA and Asia Geography.
He has previously worked as an Investment Banker at Barclays and interned as a consultant at BCG. Pre – MBA he worked in the Global Markets division at Nomura.
He completed his Masters in Business Administration from IIM-Ahmedabad in 2019 where he graduated as Gold-Medallist (equivalent of valedictorian/summa cum laude). He keeps keen interests in exploring Investment Opportunities, Business Valuations & Portfolio Management.
Kshitij Jain
Investment Director, Oros Asset Management
Mario Kozma
Mario joined Tyrus Capital in November 2015 as Portfolio Manager. Prior to that, he was Chief Investment Officer at Dubai-based Belhoul Investment Office and before that, Investment Manager at Waterloo-based Inter-IKEA Treasury.
Mario has developed a 17-year track record in Private Equity spanning across sourcing, analysing, structuring and executing primary and secondary transactions covering developed and emerging markets. Prior to that, from 2001 to 2003, he worked as Investment Analyst in the Merchant Banking team at Lehman Brothers in London.
Mario holds a bachelor degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering and a master degree in Business Administration from Ecole Superieure des Sciences Economiques et Commerciales (ESSEC) in Paris.
Mario Kozma
Investment Manager, Tyrus Capital
