SAGIA Launches VENTURE by Invest Saudi at Financial Sector Conference

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ArabNet Team
Apr 25 2019
Investment
SAGIA Launches VENTURE by Invest Saudi at Financial Sector Conference
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Reflecting the wealth and diversity of opportunities that Saudi Arabia offers international businesses and investors, the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) has launched VENTURE by Invest Saudi, a new initiative aimed at attracting global venture capital firms to the Kingdom.

Launched at the Financial Sector Conference that took place in Riyadh on the 24th of April, VENTURE by Invest Saudi platform will also provide streamlined licensing procedures for venture capital portfolio companies. 

Offering an ‘instant license’ in less than 3 hours, VENTURE by Invest Saudi will enable companies to more easily tap into the Saudi market. So far, more than 20 venture capital firms have signed agreements under the VENTURE by Invest Saudi platform, representing the United States, the United Kingdom, China, and Singapore.     

Commenting on the new platform, Sultan Mofti, SAGIA’s Deputy Governor of Investment Attraction & Development, said, “The economic and social transformation of Saudi Arabia is taking place at a rapid pace, guided by Vision 2030. The continued prosperity of the Kingdom depends on fostering innovation, attracting foreign investment and enabling private sector growth.”

He added, “Across the globe, venture capital firms are key to nurturing entrepreneurship, promoting innovation, and unlocking value. Last year, the venture industry set a new record and deployed $130.9B to US-based startups alone. From the giants in Silicon Valley to the emerging market stars of Beijing and Singapore, we want to build and encourage the world’s top VCs to set up a presence in Saudi Arabia and partner with us, and with local private sector companies, in our growth story.”

Fadi Ghandour, co-founder of regional champion Aramex and executive chairman of Wamda Capital, which has come onboard the VENTURE by Invest Saudi platform, commented, “The launch of this innovative and important platform says to the entrepreneurship ecosystem across the world and specifically in the MENA region, that the Kingdom is open for business, and wants to attract investors and startups to launch their businesses in the country. This is a game changer for every entrepreneur who wants to enter Saudi Arabia which is the most important market in the region. Wamda Capital is very proud to be part of this initiative.”

Saudi Arabia is witnessing strong growth in international investment coming into the Kingdom. Last year, Saudi Arabia saw the value of inward FDI grow 127% year-on-year. The World Bank recently ranked Saudi Arabia as the 4th largest reformer within the G20 and noted improvement across 4 key pillars in its latest Doing Business report.

Dr. Hani Enaya, partner at Saudi Technology Ventures (STV), the region’s venture capital fund added, “More global venture capital firms operating in Saudi Arabia will provide further stimulus for the digital ecosystem by complementing the expertise and value add of local venture capitalists in helping build and scale the local champions of tomorrow. It also sends a strong message that this part of the world is delivering on its investment potential.”  

Nabil A. Borhanu, founder and managing partner of the Silicon Valley-based Graphene Ventures, also commented, “Today, Saudi Arabia is open for business with Startups from all over the world. In Graphene Ventures, we’re proud to be one of the first VCs to obtain the license from SAGIA as we plan to pave the way for our portfolio companies into the Saudi Market.”

Led by SAGIA, the National Licensing and Reform Program (NLRP) has played an important role in the improvements in the operating environment that have helped to attract increased levels of investment. Through the Program, the number of licensing requirements in Saudi Arabia has reduced by more than half and the NLRP has already successfully eliminated or modified more than 60% of over 5,500 licenses selected for reform.