Our
TEAM
Driven, sought-after professionals from across the globe form our team, each bringing our unique backgrounds and expertise in founding and scaling companies to success.
"Dedicated to the things that haven’t happened yet and the people who are about to dream them up." –– Stanford GSB
Mahmoud Adi is a Founding Partner of Shorooq, a leading multi-dimensional investment firm out of Abu Dhabi building the next generation of enduring businesses across the Middle East. Shorooq invests across the capital structure—from early-stage venture to late-stage growth, private credit and private equity buyouts — reflecting a mission to back founders and operators throughout their full company lifecycle.
Under Mahmoud’s leadership, Shorooq has partnered with many of the region’s category-defining companies, including Pure Harvest Smart Farms, TruKKer, Tamara, Sarwa, NymCard, Lean Technologies, Lendo, Breadfast, and others that are shaping fintech, logistics, agritech, digital assets, and consumer ecosystems across MENA.
Mahmoud is also a Co-Founder of Pure Harvest Smart Farms, one of the world’s most advanced controlled-environment agriculture companies. The company pioneers sustainable, year-round fresh food production in arid climates, helping solve food-security challenges across the Gulf region.
Earlier in his career, Mahmoud spent a decade at Mubadala Investment Company, the Abu Dhabi sovereign investor, where he contributed to landmark transactions in technology, manufacturing,and industrials—including the transformation of GlobalFoundries (NASDAQ: GFS), restructuring of AMD’s strategic supply chain (NASDAQ: AMD), the creation of Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), and the financing and development of Emirates Aluminium (EMAL) Phases I & II.
Rooted in Abu Dhabi and shaped by education and work in both the UAE and the U.S., Mahmoud holds an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering with Honour & Distinction from the Petroleum Institute (now Khalifa University). His trajectory combines technical excellence, investment acumen and a passion for building transformational technology-enabled businesses.
"Boys - be ambitious!" –– William Clarke
As a Forbes 30 Under 30, Kauffman Fellows, Co-Founding Partner at Shorooq Partners, Shane co-leads the firm.
Shane has worked at UBS, TD Securities, Lazard Freres & Co., Alpine Investors and GlobalFoundries – a wholly owned subsidiary of Mubadala Investment Company, $250bn Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund.
Shane studied Finance and Mandarin at The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, graduating Summa Cum Laude, Joseph Wharton Scholar and Benjamin Franklin Scholar Honors.
"There is no way to reach the end without mastering the beginning." –– Al-Ghazali
Dr. Bilal Baloch leads the firm's AI investments as well as the value creation and strategy practice. As Co-Founder and former Co-CEO of Enquire AI—a venture-backed software company leveraging artificial intelligence to deliver expert insights globally (exited to Uzabase)—Bilal brings over 15 years of experience at the intersection of technology, consulting, and academic research.
Bilal has advised governments and investors on complex policy issues and helped founders scale their businesses by blending strategic vision with practical execution. Author of When Ideas Matter (Cambridge University Press, 2021) and former faculty at the Lauder Institute-Wharton School of Business, he holds a doctorate from the University of Oxford, a master's from The Fletcher School at Tufts University, and a bachelor's from the London School of Economics. He currently sits on the board of the Georgetown Baratta Center for Global Business in Washington, D.C.
Bilal is also a co-inventor of the patented technology underpinning the Enquire AI platform. In his spare time, Bilal enjoys watching his beloved Liverpool, cooking, and attending live comedy.
"You can escape competition through authenticity, when you realize that no one can compete with you on being you." –– Naval Ravikant
Yousef is a Partner and Saudi Country Manager at Shorooq, based in Riyadh.
He received his Bachelor’s honors degree in Finance from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, after which he joined an internationally renowned advisory firm in Riyadh where he developed his deep interest for entrepreneurship, working as a Consultant in strategy and financial due diligence.
Yousef then moved to lead the business development and growth activities for a portfolio of Saudi-based companies across real estate, logistics and retail sectors.
"Set your mind on a definite goal and observe how quickly the world stands aside to let you pass." –– Napoleon Hill
Kunal is a Venture Partner at Shorooq, supporting Shane Shin and Mahmoud Adi the firm’s investments in fintech and web3 spanning across deal sourcing, due diligence, and portfolio management among others.
Kunal has significant entrepreneurial experience in technology and fintech. Having studied law at London School of Economics, he soon realized his passion for founding and operating businesses and has set up various businesses in the financial services sector in the UK, UAE and Africa.
Kunal has a passion for sports which has served him well in the business world as he is a big believer in the power of the team. He has a voracious appetite for reading, which led him to investing in multiple tech-enabled companies over the past decade.
"Do or do not. There is no try." –– Yoda
Omer Zabit is a Partner with Shorooq. He was at Careem for over 5 years playing various commercial roles, with his last role being their global head of food delivery business. Prior to joining Careem, he spent more than 4 years in product & strategy roles in mobile money back in Pakistan with Jazzcash (±14M MAU) & Easypaisa (±8M MAU).
He earned his MBA from the prestigious Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Pakistan and his Bachelor of Engineering from National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Pakistan. In his free time he likes to play racquet sports and unwind with his loved ones.
"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." –– Nelson Mandela
Nathan is a Partner at Shorooq, heading the firm’s credit practice. Based in Dubai, UAE, he is the Lead Manager for Nahda Fund, Middle East's very first tech-focused credit fund.
A Yale University graduate and a Richard U. Light Fellow, Nathan was born in Korea and educated in the United States. Prior to joining Shorooq, he worked for the VC Team of Hanwha Asset Management, an $80bn AUM investment firm, as the Lead Manager for their AI Fund. During his tenure at Hanwha, Nathan also setup one of Southeast Asia’s first venture debt funds—an experience he is actively leveraging to build Nahda Fund in the Middle East.
Nathan studied Economics and Art History at Yale University, earning a dual bachelor’s degree, as well as at Tsinghua University in Beijing and St John’ University in Paris. He has also served in the Republic of Korean Army’s counter-terrorism force and was discharged with honor after two years of service.
"If you set out for a noble goal, settle for nothing less than the stars" –– Al-Mutanabbi
Abdul Hameed is an accomplished entrepreneur and C-level executive with extensive experience in real estate and infrastructure investment. He previously served as Managing Director of an engineering design firm, where he successfully led the company through a sixfold increase in both revenue and headcount. Prior to that, he held senior leadership roles with international engineering consultancies and prominent real estate developers.
With a multidisciplinary background spanning investment, general management, construction management, and engineering, Abdul Hameed brings a strategic and holistic approach to complex development and infrastructure ventures.
He holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering from the United Arab Emirates University. In 2014, he completed his MBA at the prestigious London Business School.
"Be somebody who makes everybody feel like somebody."
Tarek is the General Counsel at Shorooq and he is based at the headquarters in Abu Dhabi. Tarek began his legal career as a corporate associate at Hammad & Al-Mehdar law firm, in Dubai, where he represented venture capital funds and emerging companies in mergers and acquisitions and fund-related matters.
Tarek holds a BA in economics from the American University of Beirut, a JD from the University of Melbourne, in addition to a Masters of Law at King's College London. Tarek is a licensed football coach and in his free time he likes to explore the natural world.
"Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game." –– Babe Ruth
As a Principal with Shorooq, Tina harnesses her passion for creating an impact by working with A+ founders with disruptive tech solutions, shaping tomorrow's emerging market.
She received her Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the American University of Beirut, after which she completed her Master’s degree in International Political Economy, Finance Focus, at The London School of Economics and Political Science. Prior to VC, Tina worked in Private Equity and Investment Banking, as well as explored avenues in Law and Insurtech.
Tina enjoys practicing yoga, exercising, and exploring new places to recharge.
"Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood." –– Ralph Waldo Emerson
Mouzaffar is a Principal with Shorooq and he is based out of the Abu Dhabi office. Prior to joining Shorooq, Mouzaffar was a Manager at Kearney where he developed strategies and designed business models for leading public and private sector organizations across MENA with a focus on technology, media & gaming, energy; in addition to conducting due diligence and leading digital transformations.
He holds a MBA from University of Oxford and BA in Economics, with distinction , from American University of Beirut.
Mouzaffar likes to jog, cycle and brush up on Web3.0 technologies during his free time. He is passionate about travelling, exploring new cuisines, and discovering new music.
"I won't say we have to win. I won't put that pressure on us. But we can't lose." –– Jose Mourinho
Joseph Barron is a Principal within the Credit team at Shorooq. Prior to Shorooq, Joseph worked at SHUAA Capital in the Debt Investments team, focusing on Private Credit transaction across the GCC.
Before moving to the UAE, Joseph worked at British International Investments (formerly CDC Group), making primary fund investments and co-investments into infrastructure and climate opportunities across Africa and Southeast Asia. He started his career in Equity Research, working for Berenberg Bank in London.
Joseph studied at Edinburgh University and earned a First Class degree in Economics. He is a CFA Charterholder, passing all three levels on his first attempt.
Outside of work, Joseph is a keen golfer and tennis player.
"The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing." –– Socrates
Ahmed Elgabri is an Investment Professional with Shorooq based in Cairo. He studied in Canada and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the Université de Montréal, after which he joined an investment company in Egypt where he developed his deep interest for early stage startups and deal origination.
In his free time, he likes to play golf and is an avid Liverpool FC supporter.
"Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds you plant." –– Robert Louis Stevenson
Passant is a Senior Investment Professional with Shorooq. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Business Mathematics from the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, after which she completed her Master’s degree in Mathematical Finance and Actuarial Science at the Technical University of Munich.
Passant focused on building an AI-based customer churn prediction & prevention model in her Master's thesis, for which she received the SCOR Actuarial Award. After her studies, she joined UniCredit Bank in Munich as a quantitative analyst where she helped develop advanced analytics tools and business intelligence solutions for FX & Fixed Income derivatives trading/sales.
In her free time, Passant enjoys exercising, traveling around the world, and learning new things.
"Success in venture capital comes down to three things: people, people, people. It’s all about backing the right entrepreneurs." –– David S. Rose
Mohammed AlTwaijri is an senior investment professional at Shorooq, at the Riyadh office in Saudi Arabia. Before joining Shorooq, Mohammed embarked on an entrepreneurial journey, where he successfully established several ventures in the F&B and retail sectors, ultimately building a portfolio of over 7 brands and achieving successful exits.
Driven by his passion for technology, Mohammed transitioned to working with a high-growth startup in Saudi Arabia, where he contributed his expertise as part of the strategy team. Mohammed holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and Electronics from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals.
Beyond his professional pursuits, he is an avid chess player.
"It's never crowded along the extra mile." –– Wayne Dyer
Karen is an Investment Professional with Shorooq based out of the Cairo office in Egypt. As a summa cum laude graduate, she holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the American University in Cairo, with a concentration in Finance. Karen is a strong believer in the positive impact of cross-cultural educational experiences and, as such, completed her Sophomore year in high school in California and her Junior year in University in Spain.
Prior to Shorooq, Karen was a part of the Deals Advisory Services team in PricewaterhouseCoopers ("PwC") for 4 years, where she worked on prominent M&A transactions in Europe, Middle East, and Africa, leading the Financial Due Diligence and Valuation work streams of target entities within a spectrum of industries. During her experience, Karen was exposed to several startup deals that helped her discover her passion for innovation and entrepreneurship and carved her path towards Venture Capital. Karen enjoys meditating, practicing high intensity workouts, traveling, and has a side passion for photography.
"The only guarantee for failure is to stop trying." –– John C. Maxwell
Shahir is an Investment Professional at Shorooq, where he focuses on private equity investments across the GCC region. He is actively involved in the full investment lifecycle, from sourcing and due diligence to execution and portfolio management.
Prior to joining Shorooq, Shahir held investment roles at SPE Capital, a leading pan-African private equity firm, and CI Capital Holding, Egypt’s second-largest investment bank. During this time, he worked on several transactions across emerging markets, covering sectors such as education, healthcare, F&B, financial services, and industrials.
Shahir holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Management with a concentration in Finance. Outside of work, he is an avid sailor and enjoys tennis and long-distance running.
"Life continues, and capitalism does life in a way it has never been done before." –– Nick Land
Taeyoon is an Investment Professional with Shorooq based out of Seoul. He is part of Shorooq’s Credit team and supports Shorooq’s investments in early-stage companies in Korea and beyond.Taeyoon received his bachelor’s degree in business and financial economics at Seoul National University.
Prior to joining Shorooq, he gained investment experience working for fund managers and global private equity firms.
Most of his free time is spent on collecting, listening to, and producing music.
"Neglect not the gift that is in thee." –– WSFG
Malika is an Investment Professional at Shorooq based in Doha. She works on the investment team for the Qatalyst fund focusing on leading growth stage companies across the region, and also on the Value Creation & Strategy (VCS) team building strategic and corporate relationships for the early stage portfolio.
She studied International Development at Kings' College London and began her career in Investment Banking at Credit Suisse working on deals across consumer, retail, real estate and healthcare. She later joined a British impact venture capital firm, focusing on business development, climate tech investments, and data-driven algorithmic deal sourcing.
In her free time she enjoys padel and fitness, learning about new cultures and languages, and adventurous outings with friends and family.
"Compromise for your dream but NEVER compromise on your dream." –– Imran Khan
With around 10 years of finance expertise, Fahad has worked in various sectors including Big4, Investment Banking, and Tech. Fahad began his career at EY London offices in Banking & Capital Markets Audit, then transitioned to J.P. Morgan before joining Bark.com, a rapidly growing tech start-up that was later acquired by a Private Equity firm.
Fahad holds the prestigious Chartered Accountant (CA) designation from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland and graduated with First Class Honours in Accounting & Finance from the University of Bradford, UK.Outside of work.
Fahad loves travel, cricket, and exploring different cuisines.
"Intelligence without ambition is a bird without wings." –– Salvador Dali
Maya Milan is a CAMS-certified professional with over 15 years of experience in the compliance and audit fields. For the past four years, she has served as the assigned Compliance Officer, Anti-Money Laundering Reporting Officer, and Risk Officer (CO/MLRO) at Shorooq in Abu Dhabi.
Maya holds a Master’s degree in Management from Imperial College Business School in London and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the American University of Beirut.
She began her career at HSBC Capital Markets in the UAE, where she developed a deep interest in the financial markets. Maya later transitioned into regulatory oversight, joining the Capital Markets Authority in Lebanon, spending over eight years within the Supervision Department, she played a pivotal role in monitoring market participants, enforcing regulatory frameworks, and safeguarding financial integrity
"As for the future, your task is not to foresee it, but to enable it." –– Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Selim is a member of Shorooq's Value Creation & Strategy team, which he helped establish upon joining the firm in 2023. Working across multiple asset classes, he supports the firm's capital formation, investor relations, corporate strategy, and portfolio value creation initiatives. He is actively involved in structuring and launching new investment vehicles, managing relationships with institutional investors, facilitating co-investments and advising portfolio companies on strategic, operational, and fundraising matters. Selim has contributed to the launch of several of Shorooq's platforms, including du Ventures Fund I, Presight-Shorooq Fund I, and Qatalyst Fund I, and has supported portfolio companies through key milestones, including fundraising and international investor roadshows.
Prior to joining Shorooq, Selim was an economic consultant at Whiteshield, where he advised governments and public sector institutions across the Middle East on economic strategy and structural reform. During this time, he worked alongside Sir Christopher Pissarides, Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences. He began his career in investment banking at Natixis CIB, within the Global Financial Services division of BPCE, France's second-largest banking group, where he contributed to the launch of the Natixis Tech Hub. He later joined Cambon Partners in Paris, advising on technology-focused leveraged buyouts, mergers and acquisitions, and private capital transactions.
Selim holds a Master's degree in Finance and Strategy from Sciences Po Paris and a Master's degree in Economics and Management of Government from Bocconi University (Cum Laude). He also earned a Bachelor's degree in Politics and International Studies from Sciences Po Paris.
Beyond his role at Shorooq, Selim founded Ghodwa Ventures, an angel syndicate investing in early-stage deep technology startups in Tunisia. In his spare time, he enjoys street photography and playing guitar.
"The best way to predict your future is to create it." –– Abraham Lincoln
Sana is Head of Talent at Shorooq. She leads our People function, managing our colleague experience, talent and culture initiatives. She also works closely with our Value Creation team to provide strategic Talent support across our portfolio companies and ecosystem.
She has a decade of experience in HR in the UK, where she has worked at Lloyds Banking Group and Sainsbury's (a large retailer). She also has worked as a management consultant for KPMG.
Her experience in HR spans many different disciplines, namely Talent Management, Organisation Effectiveness and Generalist HR experience as an HR Business Partner. Sana also holds a certification for HR- Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD, Level 7) and holds an MSc in Professional HR.
Sana graduated from the London School of Economics with a bachelor’s degree (honours) in International History. She enjoys reading, working out, travelling and trying new restaurants.
“Forever is composed of nows.” –– Emily Dickinson
Andrew is a Strategy Associate at Shorooq, where he supports the firm’s business development and works with portfolio companies on growth and market entry, particularly in South Korea.
Before joining Shorooq, Andrew worked at Lippincott, part of the Oliver Wyman Group, where he contributed to positioning and go-to-market projects for brands including Hyundai, Kia, Hite and Jinro.
Andrew holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and studied at Yonsei University as an exchange student. He was born in the United States and raised in Korea.
"Through the misty rain, I'll take whatever life brings." –– Su Shi
Xiangzheng is an Associate with Shorooq, where he leads the firm's AI initiatives across the firm and supports Shorooq's investments in China and beyond. He is part of Shorooq's Value Creation & Strategy team.
Xiangzheng received his undergraduate degree from Waseda University and an MBA from NYU Abu Dhabi.
Prior to joining Shorooq, he spent five years at Strategy& in Hong Kong, advising MNCs on growth strategy across APAC with a focus on Greater China.
Most of his free time is spent on badminton, traveling, and finding amazing food around the globe.
Strategic
ADVISORS
Strategic
ADVISORS
“It ain’t what you don’t know that gets you into trouble. It’s what you know for sure that just ain’t so.” — Mark Twain
Kyle Yoon is the Entrepreneur in Residence and Korea Lead at Shorooq Partners, where he is spearheading the growth of Sprint, a subsidiary company of Shorooq. Sprint acts as a strategic bridge between Korea and the GCC, focusing on cross-border business development—including the export of leading Korean consumer brands to the Middle East and establishing UAE-based family offices for Korean clients.
In his role as Korea Lead, Kyle oversees Shorooq’s investment and ecosystem presence in Korea. His responsibilities span VC investments, LP relationship management, and portfolio company support, playing a key role in connecting Korean innovation with MENA’s fast-growing markets.
With a background spanning private equity, hedge funds, and entrepreneurship, Kyle brings a global perspective and operator mindset to venture building. He is deeply committed to fostering long-term partnerships and driving regional innovation.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from Lehigh University in the U.S and completed his master’s degree in philosophy at The London School of Economics and Political Science.
MEET THE TEAM
Meet Mohammed AlTwaijri
Mohammed AlTwaijri is an investment professional at Shorooq Partners in Riyadh, with a background in entrepreneurship, having built and exited multiple F&B and retail ventures. He holds a degree in Electrical Engineering and Electronics and enjoys chess in his free time.
Meet Zebo Furqatzoda
At Shorooq Partners, we believe in nurturing the next generation of innovators and leaders. We recently sat down with one of our brilliant former interns to hear about their transformative experience with us. Their journey was filled with hands-on learning, mentorship, and the opportunity to work on impactful projects.
Meet Dr. Bilal Baloch
Dr. Bilal Baloch leads value creation at Shorooq Partners, the region’s fastest growing venture capital fund. Bilal is the Co-Founder and Board Member of Enquire AI, a software company that uses artificial intelligence to verify and deliver expert insights to organizations worldwide. He was formerly COO and then Co-CEO of the firm from 2016-2023. He holds a patent, with his co-founders, on the matching technology undergirding the Enquire AI platform.
Meet Selim Tira
Meet Selim, a Strategy Associate at Shorooq Partners, who focuses on evaluating and launching new fund opportunities, while providing strategic and operational support to portfolio companies. With experience in strategy consulting and investment banking, he has a strong background in tech-related finance and holds advanced degrees from Sciences Po, Paris, and Bocconi University, Milan.
Meet Sofia Tulupova
Meet Sofia. Sofia has nearly a decade of experience in debt investing across emerging and developed markets, leading investments in Europe and MENAP at Symbiotics. Fluent in Russian, English, and French, she enjoys mindfulness practices and outdoor adventures with her daughter.
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