Golden Gate Ventures, a venture capital fund, announced its first $100M MENA fund with $20M in commitments from some of Qatar’s most prominent families: anchor investor, the multifaceted Al Khor Holding, Al Attiya Group, and Sheikh Jassim Bin Jabor Al Thani.
Golden Gate Ventures MENA Fund I is the first international venture capital fund to be established and managed within Qatar. Michael Lints, Partner at Golden Gate Ventures, has moved to Qatar to deepen the firm’s MENA commitment.
“We are extremely honoured to partner with Al Khor Holding, Al Attiya Group and Sheikh Jassim Bin Jabor Al Thani on our inaugural fund in MENA. Their collective impact in the region is invaluable and underscores Qatar’s commitment to the regional startup ecosystem. MENA is emerging as a growing innovation hub, with Qatar rising as a beacon of progress. The combination of a supportive government with progressive economic policies, a strong emphasis on diversification and innovation, a well-educated and diverse population, and a thriving entrepreneurial spirit positions Qatar for remarkable growth. This reminds me of the early days in Singapore in 2011, when Golden Gate Ventures set up ahead of all the VCs that followed soon after,” said Vinnie Lauria, Founding Partner at Golden Gate Ventures.
“At Al Khor Holding, we are strong advocates for the continuous development and expansion of new industries and sectors within the Qatari business landscape. It is with great pride that we announce our decision to become an anchor investor in the Golden Gate Ventures MENA Fund I, marking a significant milestone as the first international venture capital fund established and managed in Qatar.
Furthermore, we are confident that our collaboration with Golden Gate Ventures MENA Fund I will yield tangible benefits for Qatar’s socio-economic landscape. By facilitating the emergence of innovative solutions, creating employment opportunities, and supporting the national development agenda, we are contributing to the realization of Qatar’s vision 2030 and for a diversified, knowledge-based economy,” said a representative of Al Khor Holding.
Yousuf Mohamed Al-Jaida, Chief Executive Officer, Qatar Financial Centre, said: “The launch of Golden Gate Ventures in Qatar represents a notable progression towards diversifying the venture capital sector. Golden Gate Ventures’ expansion into the region, marked by the establishment of their headquarters in Qatar, is poised to nurture a thriving business environment, accelerate entrepreneurship and foster growth within Qatar’s startup ecosystem.”
At the announcement of Golden Gate Ventures’ MENA Fund I, the firm also launched its Qatar startup ecosystem primer, “Qatar Rising: Where ambition and capital converge.”
