We Capitalize on the Future by Investing in Brilliant Entrepreneurs

HALA Ventures is a Saudi VC that empowers tech-startups in early-growth stages.

We, at HALA Ventures, catalyze future growth by investing in technology-based start-ups, and empower them with investment and consultancy to reach their highest potential.

As one of the region’s trusted, well-reputed VC firms, HALA Ventures, envisions being MENA’s most active Venture Capital while contributing to enhancing the economic infrastructure.

It started operating in 2014 under the umbrella of its affiliated company, Financial Horizon Group, as a Corporate Fund investing in various Asset-Classes including Venture Capital. It’s been established as it’s known today since 2018.

Our Fund

We invest in capital efficient businesses that leverage technology to scale fast globally.

Regional Focus

GCC Region, Egypt, & Jordan

Target Startups

Technology-based Startups
Large Addressable Markets

Investment Stage

Early & Growth stages

Meet the Team

Ali Ahmed Abussaud

Founding Managing Partner

Professional Investor, Licensed Financial Consultant, Serial Entrepreneur, and Ex- Corporate Banker.
After 18 years in managing the family investments, and 10 years in the Corporate & Institutional banking sector, between ABC Bank, SAMBA, NCB, & Saudi Hollandi Bank, where Ali Abussaud was managing a portfolio in excess of USD 1.5 Billion, Ali founded Financial Horizon Group in 2014 that provides financial & management consulting, recruitment and executive search services. During the same period, Ali & his business partner started their Corporate Investment Fund which invested in various Asset-Classes including Venture Capital.

In 2018, Ali co-founded HALA Ventures, one of the well valued active venture capital firms in Saudi and MENA region.

Ali holds a B.S. degree in Finance & Economics from KFUPM.

Hussain Almarhoon

Founding Managing Partner

Professional Investor, Social Entrepreneur, and Ex- Corporate Banker.

After several years as a corporate banker at National Commercial Bank “NCB”, where he used to manage a diversified portfolio of more than USD 150 million, Hussain AlMarhoon joined his family business as a Deputy General Manager, where he managed the Finance & Investment Division. Later on, he joined Financial Horizon Group to co-manage the SME Consultation department.
In 2014, Hussain & his business partner started their Corporate Investment Fund which invested in various Asset-Classes including Venture Capital.

In 2018, Hussain co-founded HALA Ventures, one of the well valued active venture capital firms in Saudi and MENA region.

Hussain holds a B.S. degree in Management Information System from KFUPM.

Qussay K. Abussaud

Compliance & Operations Manager

Account Manager, Compliance Specialist and Operation Internal Auditor..

With over 10 years and through different financial services industries, between SABB bank, American Express Saudi Arabia, Q-Invest and Financial Horizon Group, where he has held different positions focusing on the compliance and operation internal audit. In 2022, Qussay has joined HALA Ventures, one of the first venture capital firms in Saudi Arabia, and one of the valued VCs in the region.

Qussay holds a B.S degree in Finance from New York Institute of Technology.

Ayat AlSabbagh

Investment Associate

Ayat is an accomplished and self-motivated Finance Personnel. She has earned her B.S Degree with honors in Finance and Banking from IAU. She brings passion and deep analytical and research skills to her rule at Hala Ventures since 2019. She’s currently focusing on the deal sourcing, Investment Analyses, Reporting, and due diligence with what matches the investment criteria at Hala Ventures.

Zahra Al Huraiz

Investment Operation Associate

Zahra is insightful business analyst with advanced skills in deploying machine learning and artificial intelligence tools to address business needs. Having nine years of experience as an administrative Professional helped in sharpening her skills as a team player in communication and critical thinking.
Zahra has graduated with Master in Business Analytics from KFUPM and hold a Bachelor degree in Business Administration from AOU.

Afaf Alghunaim

Investment Associate

Afaf has more than 5 years experience in Investments & Finance with extensive focus on Assets Management, Investment Analysis, & Market Research.
Afaf holds a bachelor's degree in Finance with honors from the College of Business Administration at King Saud University and Holds CME-1 (The General Securities Qualification Examination) & CME-4 (The International Certificate in Wealth & Investment Management) from the Capital Market Authority.

Sarah Al Khalifah

Recruitment & Talent Acquisition

Sarah is a dedicated Human Resource personnel skilled in Human Resources Management, Sourcing, Talent Acquisition, Executive Search, and Recruitment.
Sarah has graduated from King Faisal University with honors and holds a B.S. degree in Human Resources Management.

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Our Investments

Sarwa is a robo advisory app that helps individuals maximize returns at a risk they’re comfortable with. It is a wealth management platform that obtained first DIFC License.

Tamara is a Saudi Fintech startup providing Buy Now Pay Later solution. It is designed for customers to pay instantly with no fees with the ability to defer payments up to 30 days or pay in 3 installments.

MAGNiTT, The venture data platform for emerging markets across MENA region. It connects entrepreneurs directly with ecosystem stakeholders including investors, mentors, support services, and talent.

LamsaWorld is a fun learning app for everyone. It provides various educational games; games for kids, games for toddlers, and learning games for preschoolers.

Enhance is a venture builder that builds online businesses that deliver life-enhancing products & services to their customers. Enhance's first venture “Joi Gifts”, is currently the largest online gifting platform in the MENA, and recently, clevr.app was launched as the second venture of Enhance.

360VUZ is a multimedia company that specializes in creating and streaming content in 360 technology.

Eventtus is an engagement platform for physical and virtual events, and is the leading event technology company in MENA.

POSRocket provides an intuitive, secure, cloud-based point-of-sale system and empowers merchants to run smarter businesses by optimizing staffing, regulating inventory, and accessing sales reports in one seamless, cloud-based platform.

PointCheckout is the first of its kind dedicated online payment provider that allows members to pay online within the PointCheckout merchant network using their points.

Buseet is a ride-hailing bus service, for both B2B & B2C, allowing users to take the fastest route every day while enjoying comfortable rides.

Telfaz11, a leading Arabic Multi-Channel Network (MCN) changing the face of home-grown online entertainment, who are committed to conceptualizing and producing entertaining and creative online content through YouTube partnership.

GEEKS is reinventing the world of IT, as an on-demand and Automated IT Support providers for both businesses and consumers.

Democrance is an insurance technology company with a mission to create partnerships that make insurance accessible for those who need it most but can afford it least.

Quantum Sampling Solutions is an online marketing marketplace,
allowing businesses to use AI in order to establish specialized marketing
campaigns.

A Quick-Commerce & Omnichannel Operations Platform. Omniful APIs and suite of web and mobile apps simplify the entire process of order management, fulfillment, inventory, shipping and more.

El-dokan offers integrated and customized e-commerce solutions to suit the needs of various commercial activities and all types of stores.

Bondai allowing the exploration of Saudi Arabia by providing a one-stop shop platform which not only offers online booking for a wide variety of tourism experiences available in the country, but also offers custom-made experiences curated by the Bondai team.

A B2B2C Shariah compliant On Demand pay system to:
Reduce financial stress by providing employees with instant access to a portion of their earned income using a reloadable prepaid card.

Raqamyah is Peer to Peer (P2P) financing platform. As a Fintech company, Raqamyah uses innovative technology to directly connect small businesses seeking fast, affordable finance with financers who can help fund their growth.

Credit card management platform” helping customers to analyze & optimize their spending, and settle any debt they have on their cards faster and cheaper than banks by providing them with a loan.

Research tech company that provides on demand data collection service for market research, visibility, and insights using real time artificial intelligence. helping businesses to act faster & smarter.