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 is a Founding Partner at Shorooq. Mahmoud has built his career as an investment professional, entrepreneur and tech enthusiast. Under his leadership, Shorooq backed category leaders across the region such as: Pure Harvest, TruKKer, Tamara, Sarwa, NymCard, Lean Technologies, Lendo and Breadfast.
Mahmoud is also a Co-Founder of Pure Harvest, an Agri-tech scaleup focused on local production of high quality fresh produce year round in the challenging climates of the Arabian Gulf region. In his capacity as CEO, he led the establishment of Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s grand initiative to build a thriving tech ecosystem. Hub71 quickly became home to hundreds of startups, VCs and innovative corporations. Prior to that, Mahmoud worked at Mubadala Investment Company, a sovereign wealth fund of the Abu Dhabi government. Over the span of 10 years, he assumed many roles within the Technology, Manufacturing and Mining Platform at Mubadala such as: working on the turnaround of GlobalFoundries (NASDAQ: GFS), restructuring strategic supply agreement with AMD (NASDAQ: AMD), the M&A of Dubai Aluminium (DUBAL), the establishment of Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) and the financing of Emirates Aluminium (EMAL) I and II.
Mahmoud grew up in Abu Dhabi and has studied and worked in UAE and US. Mahmoud holds an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business and B.S in Mechanical Engineering with Honor and Distinction from the Petroleum Institute (known as Khalifa University today).
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.
Just be quiet and do the job.
Tamer Azer is a Partner at Shorooq based in Cairo, Egypt.
Tamer received his bachelor’s from the University of Toronto and a Masters from the University of Oxford.
Tamer began his career at the forefront of policy making with one of the world’s most influential business designers. He then went on and co-founded several startups working closely with different entrepreneurs for many years. He later joined Fahrenheit 212 as a Senior Innovation Consultant.
In 2016, he returned to Egypt to join A15, where he led investments and venture development. In 2019, he went on to join Sawari Ventures as Principal.
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.
There is no way to reach the end without mastering the beginning.
Al-Ghazali
Dr. Bilal Baloch leads the firm's 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 (partial exit to Uzabase)—Bilal brings 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), 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 is also a co-inventor of the patented matching technology underpinning the Enquire AI platform. In his spare time, Bilal enjoys cooking and attending live comedy.
Set your mind on a definite goal and observe how quickly the world stands aside to let you pass.
Napoleon Hill
Kunal is a partner at Shorooq, as he co-leads with Shane Shin and Mahmoud Adi the firm’s investments in fintech and web3 spanning across deal sourcing, due diligence, 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.
The top of one mountain is the bottom of the next, so keep climbing.
Andre De Shields
Tarek Fouad is the Chief Marketing Officer at Shorooq, leading on all marketing and communication efforts across all offices. Renowned for his visionary leadership, he was also the driving force behind the region's first-ever Gametech Accelerator and leads the highly acclaimed Gametech Fund, which channels investments into groundbreaking gaming companies on a global scale.
Prior to his pivotal role at Shorooq, Tarek Fouad served as the vanguard of transformation during his tenure as the driving force behind Operations and Community at Hub71. At the helm of the influential Ghadan21 program, he orchestrated Abu Dhabi's digital metamorphosis, cultivating a thriving ecosystem of startups, venture capitalists, and corporate partners. Through his astute strategic alliances, Tarek sourced over 100 deep-tech startups and influenced pivotal policy changes, solidifying Abu Dhabi's position as a global technology hub.
Tarek holds a Masters and a Bachelor degree in Electrical Engineering and has been awarded multiple awards for his contribution towards the tech ecosystem. Tarek is a professional squash player, and enjoys endurance cycling and swimming.
Do or do not. There is no try.
Yoda
Omer Zabit is a Principal 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 Principal 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.
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.
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.
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be?
Marianne Williamson
Sali is a Senior Investment Professional at Shorooq and leads on our gaming and entertainment sector. Sali has a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the American University of Sharjah, after which she joined the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center - Sheraa where she developed her deep interest for supporting founders and building quality startups.
In her tenure in Sheraa, Sali has worked with more than 100+ startups from idea to series-A stages equipping founders with the right tools and resources they need to make strategic decisions on how they can best add value to their customers and build a financially sustainable business. Her areas of expertise include early market validation, strategy & marketing and is a certified professional in applying the lean methodology as well as the Babson University Entrepreneurial T&A Framework.
In her free time she likes to play compose music and scuba diving.
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.
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 Senior Investment Professional 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.
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 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.
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.
Victory belongs to the most persevering.
Napoléon Bonaparte
With strong expertise in strategic and complex cross-border transactions, including public and private M&A, private equity deals, corporate governance, joint ventures, and management incentive plans, Jounaïd has advised private equity funds, family offices, banks, listed and non-listed companies, and entrepreneurs from software to blockchain and cryptocurrency business projects.
Prior to joining Shorooq, Jounaïd worked for two years as an International Business Lawyer at Allen & Overy and for one year as a Senior Legal administrator at Carlyle.
Jounaïd was admitted to the Paris Bar and holds the CAPA (Certificat d’Aptitude à la Profession d’Avocat) and a Master 2 degree in Business Law and Tax from the Paris 1 Panthéon Sorbonne University in partnership with HEC Paris.
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.
The best way to predict your future is to create it.
Abraham Lincoln
Sana is the People Manager at Shorooq and also leads our People & Talent vertical within our Value Creation team.
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.
Success occurs when opportunity meets preparation.
Zig Ziglar
Selim is actively involved in evaluating new fund opportunities, assisting with their launches, and supporting portfolio companies in various strategic and operational aspects.
Before joining Shorooq, he was a strategy consultant at Whiteshield in Dubai, engaging with a diverse range of regional clients, particularly governments. Selim's career began at Natixis, within the Global Financial Services division of BPCE, France's second-largest banking group. He has always had a keen interest in technology: he contributed to the launch of the Natixis Investment Banking Tech Hub and later engaged in Tech LBO, M&A, and Fundraising transactions at Cambon Partners in Paris.
Selim holds a Master’s degree in Finance and Strategy from Sciences Po, Paris, and a Master's in Economics from Bocconi University, Milan. He also completed his Bachelor's degree in International Relations at Sciences Po.
Intelligence without ambition is a bird without wings.
Salvador Dali
Maya Milan is the assigned Compliance Officer, Anti-Money Laundering Reporting and Risk Officer (CO/MLRO) with Shorooq in Abu Dhabi. She completed her Masters in Management, in London, UK at Imperial College Business School and did her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the American University of Beirut.
Maya started off her career at HSBC Capital Markets in the UAE before moving to FFA Private Bank in Lebanon where she developed her deep interest in the financial markets. Maya then moved to the Capital Markets Authority in Lebanon, the main regulator for the securities business in the country and has spent over 8 years as part of the supervision department, the Financial Control Unit.
Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Nada leads on our on-ground presence in Egypt and builds key partnerships between Shorooq and the Egyptian ecosystem. Before joining Shorooq, Nada led the investors relations division at Alex Angels, an active association that looked after engaging, educating and buildings key relationships with HNWIs and startups.
Nada earned her bachelors in Marketing and International Business from the Arab Academy of Science and Maritime Transport with Honors in 2015. At her spare time, Nada loves to exercise, travel and try new culinary experiences.
You are allowed to be both a masterpiece and a work in progress simultaneously.
Lamis is deeply committed to fostering a healthy workplace atmosphere and seizing opportunities with accountability and self-discipline. With diverse experiences in the UAE across various industries, Lamis has honed skills in organizational and people management, striving to enhance efficiency and team success.
Now focused on a career in People Culture (Human Resources), Lamis aims to contribute significantly to creating a resilient, people-focused work culture. Lamis values leadership, continuous personal and professional growth, and applies a solution-oriented approach to both professional and personal life, emphasizing the importance of living authentically and supporting others.
Strategic
ADVISORS
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 Dr. Bilal Baloch
Dr. Bilal Baloch leads value creation a 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 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 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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