Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
I work at the intersection of startups, early-stage investing, and venture ecosystem development, focusing on connecting promising founders with the right investors and opportunities to grow. In my role with Falak Ventures, I lead a team responsible for identifying promising startups, evaluating investment opportunities, and supporting both founders and investors throughout the early-stage investment journey. A key part of my work is helping investors access well-curated startup opportunities while supporting founders in becoming investment-ready and building scalable companies. This involves reviewing startup opportunities, conducting evaluations and due diligence, and working closely with angel investors as they deploy capital into early-stage ventures. Over the years, I have evaluated hundreds of startup opportunities and worked with founders and investors across different sectors and stages. These experiences continue to shape my perspective on what drives successful startup investments — meaningful problems, resilient founders, and disciplined execution. My focus areas include: • Angel investing and early-stage venture capital • Startup evaluation and due diligence • Supporting investors in accessing curated deal flow • Founder–investor dynamics • Venture ecosystem development I enjoy connecting with founders, investors, and ecosystem builders who are contributing to the growth of innovative companies and strengthening the startup landscape in the region.
Maintain the strength of Falak Angels' deal flow Lead nomination, negotiation and deal structuring Manage the investment department operations Lead a team of investment associates and senior associates to source, vet, negotiate and close early-stage startup investment deals Manage Falak Angels' syndicates, funds and microfund Design and manage Falak's portfolio of angel investors network's investments Manage angel network's and consortium's activities, including relations with sister networks
• Responsible for the implementation of a +3 million euros project component funded by Germany and EU • Led and managed a team of three technical advisors, and two juniors • Planned and monitored component’s objectives, goals, operations and budget • Represented the project in interactions with partners (e.g., UN and US development agencies) and donors • Supervised the implementation of component’s activities in PSD (Private Sector Development) • Formed partnerships with stakeholders that fostered the development of +600 start-ups and SMEs • Hired new staff and set their career development measures • Liaised and negotiated with the commissioning parties, governmental bodies and political actors • Maintained knowledge management practices within the component • Coordinated with other components’ activities to utilize synergies • Reported to donors on implementation status via monthly, quarterly and annual reports • Participated in writing up 2 project proposals to donors • Monitored KPIs and achieved 96% successful implementation of activities • Participated in project closing and documentation
• Led the EU-funded project’s Entrepreneurship Promotion Sub-Component for 15 months • Provided key inputs to develop the project's PSD strategy and entrepreneurship promotion approach • Designed, planned and implemented 23 tailor-made and market-oriented activities in entrepreneurship • Transferred international entrepreneurship practices (e.g. CEFE Method) to several regions in Sudan • Formed, expanded and maintained relations with 15 local stakeholders • Identified, assessed and advised 5 partner organizations to grow into functioning start-up hubs • Advised and supported 32 project consultants to deliver high quality and impact-oriented services to project partners and final beneficiaries
• Advised the project manager and team leaders on simultaneous technical work streams • Supported the strategic planning of the project in developing and updating the operational plan and the capacity development strategy • Provided advice to 17 partner organizations in the areas of organizational development and business development services • Assessed the organizational capacity of 7 partner organizations and drafted the intervention plans • implemented activities to achieve set intervention milestones (capacity building and aiding tools) • Assisted business associations in developing business development services to their membership • Supported the drafting of bi-laws, organizational structures and branding strategies of business associations in Gedaref and Kassala