DUBAI: SHUAA Capital has been appointed by 500 Startups, the most active early stage venture capital firm globally, as Advisor to its Falcon 1 fund in MENA (500 Falcons, L.P.).

SHUAA will be represented by its Chief Executive Officer, Jassim Alseddiqi.

SHUAA, under Jassim’s leadership, will focus its support on advising 500 Startups’ Falcons I portfolio companies in financing and exit strategies, as the firm’s MENA fund nears the end of its deployment.

Jassim Alseddiqi, Chief Executive Officer of SHUAA, added, “500 Startups is a powerhouse in MENA with a unique global platform that has contributed significantly to the startup ecosystem.

“Having built a deep network of investors and investments across MENA with SHUAA, I look forward to guiding and collaborating with founders to take their businesses to the next level, whether through further development or exit strategies.

“SHUAA is keen on building on our VC and Technology sector investments and exposure, and we are proud to align ourselves with world-class institutions such as 500 Startups.”

Courtney Powell, Chief Operating Officer of 500 Startups, said “We are thrilled to have SHUAA and Jassim with us as we prepare for the next phase of 500 in MENA. As a seasoned asset manager and executive, he brings a wealth of experience, and his service and mentorship will be invaluable to our portfolio founders.”

500 Startups is one of the most active global early stage venture capital firms. Since its inception in 2010, it has invested in over 2,400 companies across 77 countries. Its 140-plus team members are located in more than 17 countries to support 500 Startups’ global portfolio.

Notable investments include Credit Karma, Canva, Talkdesk, Intercom, GitLab, Grab, and Bukalapak. It also helps develop innovation ecosystems by supporting startups and investors through accelerator and educational programs, events, and partnerships with corporations and governments around the world.

SHUAA Capital psc (DFM: SHUAA) is a leading asset management and investment banking platform, with c. USD 13 billion in assets under management and with offices throughout the Middle East and the United Kingdom.

SHUAA Capital psc is recognized for its strong track record and pioneering approach to investing through a differentiated, innovative and global product offering focused on public and private markets, debt and real estate.

The asset management segment, one of the region’s largest, manages real estate funds and projects, investment portfolios and funds in the regional equities, fixed income and credit markets; it also provides investment solutions to clients, with a focus on alternative investment strategies.

The investment banking segment, mandated to lead several sukuk issuances for a total of more than USD 600 million during the past year and a half, provides corporate finance advisory, transaction services, private placement, public offerings of equity and debt securities, and structured products, while also creating market liquidity on OTC fixed income products. The firm is regulated as a financial investment company by the Emirates Securities and Commodities Authority. www.shuaa.com