Anitesh Dharam, Business Head, VCCircle & VCCEdge
LPs be it institutional or family offices have a critical role in fostering cross-border investments between India and the GCC. With the thriving trade and alternative investment ecosystems in both markets, LPs are uniquely positioned to capitalise on high-growth sectors, emerging startups, and infrastructure projects. How can investors on both sides of the Arabian Sea identify key investment opportunities, regulatory landscapes, risk mitigation, and ESG-driven strategies that align with evolving market dynamics?
Speakers:
Abishek Nair, Head - New Ventures, Sharjah Asset Management
Ajit Kumar, Managing Partner, Evolvence India Fund
Suresh Vaidhyanathan, Board Advisor, Rainmaking, Forward Fooding
Ghada Abdelkader, Senior Vice President, Crescent Enterprises
Moderator:
Malvika Maloo, Senior Correspondent, VCCircle
Real estate has sprung up as the new propeller of investments in both directions. While Gulf based HNI communities have long been a key customer base for real estate development in India, the Indian UHNI have taken fancy to properties in the middle east, especially Dubai. This is driving a new wave of cross border capital flow. Family offices also see real estate investments as another asset class and geographical diversification within the same asset to derisk capital allocation. How is the playbook evolving for real estate investments?
Speakers:
Meher Mirchandani, Managing Director, Palmon Group
Sinda Hamdi, CEO- Real Estate, Saaq Realtors (Royal office of HH sheikh Ahmed Bin Faisal Al Qassimi)
Subhakar Rao, Chairman, Champions Group
Manish Agarwal, Associate Principal - Investments & Strategy, HDFC Capital Advisors Ltd
Moderator:
Swet Sarika, Assistant Editor, VCCircle
The fixed income market in the Gulf has been evolving amid global economic shifts, geopolitical uncertainties, and monetary policy changes. The GCC and Egypt, as part of MENA, are becoming increasingly attractive to LPs due to tightening credit regulations and better bankruptcy and insolvency laws. Although, still at a nascent stage with AUM of just around $5 billion, this is projected to more than double by FY30, catalysed by increasing activity of international private credit funds as well as local banks and funds due to tightening credit conditions, stricter bank regulations and a reduction in spare capital available to SMEs. The rise of Indian private credit market holds lessons for expanding the growth metrics in Gulf.
Speakers:
Sharaf Sharaf, Fund Head, Amplify Growth
Moderator:
Swet Sarika, Assistant Editor, VCCircle DET
New age ventures in the Gulf have emerged as a real world opportunity with digitisation and changing channels of consumption. At the same time, Indian venture ecosystem has evolved to become one of the top three in the world with its vibrancy and source of talent driving innovation around the world. The launch of UAE-India CEPA Start-up Series has also been attracting high-potential Indian startups into its innovation ecosystem with funding, mentorship and more. How do LPs see the VC opportunity and how do GPs look at expanding the mandate to include India to the mix?
Speakers:
Khaled Talhouni, Managing Partner, Nuwa Capital
H.E. Maher Al Kaabi, Chairperson, Alserkal Group
Arif Mohamed Al Alawi, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Cultiva8
Anirudh A. Damani, Director, Artha India Ventures
Moderator:
Aman Malik, Senior Editor, VCCircle
The India UAE corridor is seen reshaping alternative investments by leveraging the strategic geographic and economic strengths of both regions. This modern Silk Route goes beyond historical trade to function as a dynamic infrastructure and connectivity nexus bridging Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. For alternative investors, it offers opportunities to back infrastructure, renewable energy projects, logistics hubs, technology startups, and cross-border trade platforms that capitalize on growing demand across Asia and Africa.
Speakers:
Kunal Jain, Promoter, SPG Family office
Anoop Nair, COO, Interpolitan Money
Eshan Kaul, Global Investor Head, Sinarmas Technology
Moderator:
Dilasha Seth, Sr. Assistant Editor, VCCircle
Amb. Dunston P, CEO, Royal office of HH sheikh Ahmed Bin Faisal Al Qassimi
Large diversified business groups in the Gulf have their own mini proprietary private equity investment franchise. Some groups have a clear policy of not investing in sectors where they have their own business to add a sound diversified portfolio creation. How effective is this strategy and are their exceptions that one should exploit? Are there other means to play further in the same sector via a different asset class?
Speakers:
Dr Ruchi Dana, Chairperson, Dana group
Walid Saad, Chief Financial Officer, Saif Belhasa Holding
Moderator:
Aman Malik, Senior Editor, VCCircle
Private equity and venture capital are still nascent asset classes for investors in the gulf. While the sovereign funds do dominate in decibel levels by their huge corpus and hectic investment activity around the world, GPs are slowly making their presence felt in the Gulf. Although exit windows are fewer than those in emerging markets like India, fund managers have created some showcase exits to offer outsized gains. What more can GPs do to attract LPs and what are the lessons and learnings from India that itself went through a long period of low or now returns before becoming a go-to market for global LPs?
Speakers:
Rajesh Ranjan, Head of Investment, Ali & Sons Holding LLC
Neil Cabral, CEO – Family Office, GFG ALLIANCE
Nandi Vardhan Mehta, CFO, Kaaf Investments
Utkarsh Sinha, Managing Director, Bexley Advisors
Moderator:
Dilasha Seth, Sr. Assistant Editor, VCCircle
The GCC region and UAE in particular offers multiple sectors to choose from a risk diversification perspective for alternative investors. Be it real estate and infrastructure via platforms, renewable energy, technology, healthcare, financial services, tourism and the ever growing affluent consumer class, the market is no longer anchored on construction as it was four decades ago. How do investors look at the new sectoral outlook for the region and how are they allocating money to gain from the opportunities?
Speakers:
Rami Harajli, Chief Investment Officer, International Venture Investments Holding
Faisal Ali, Group CIO, Gargash Group
Ayass Al Gul, Group finance director, United Technology Holding (Yas Holding Division)
Mouna Sarih, Head of GCC PE, Bluefive capital
Moderator:
Malvika Maloo, Senior Correspondent, VCCircle
Ajit Kumar leads Evolvence India Fund, an India focused niche and differentiated PE Fund sponsored by New York Life Insurance/Gold Point Partners and Evolvence Asset Management. He is responsible for the core operations of the fund, from deal originations to exit as well as investor relations and regulatory compliance. During his investment career spread over 25 years he has been involved in Private Equity investments in more than 175 funds, direct and co-investments across various themes and strategies, sectors and geographies. He represents EIF on the Advisory Boards, Investment Committees and board of the various investments. He holds a MBA from London Business School.
Rajesh Ranjan is the Head of Investments at Ali & Sons Holding, a leading Abu Dhabi-based family conglomerate with diversified operations across automotive, oil & gas, construction, real estate, and capital management. He oversees the group’s global investment program spanning private equity, venture capital, private credit, alongside strategic M&A and co-investment initiatives.
With more than two decades of investment experience, Rajesh has led fund allocations to top-tier global managers, executed direct secondaries and co-investments, and built a robust governance framework for multi-asset portfolios. He has also spearheaded cross-border M&A transactions and strategic partnerships in the Middle East, U.S., and Asia, often linking operating businesses with investment opportunities.
Rajesh is a CFA and CAIA charterholder, with an MBA in Finance. He brings a unique perspective as both an allocator and corporate strategist, bridging capital across geographies while driving long-term value creation and sustainability.
Khaled Talhouni, the founding Managing Partner at Nuwa Capital, has established a $100 million fund aimed at catalyzing early-stage MENAPT ventures. His approach goes beyond mere funding; he provides a full-fledged support platform for startups, encompassing everything from initial funding to growth and venture debt products. A seasoned investor, Khaled's portfolio boasts over 150 early-stage transactions, with a keen focus on regional market solutions and responsive entrepreneurship. With a solid foundation from Duke University and a track record of significant investments at Wamda Capital and twofour54, Khaled's hands-on experience shapes his role as a leading contributor to the venture capital dialogue and the advancement of technology in emerging markets.
Dr Ruchi Dana is a qualified medical practitioner, who has transitioned successfully into a seasoned entrepreneur and Business Leader. Ruchi did her MD from AMU and her full-time MBA from Stanford University. Ruchi also received her PMP Certificate in Public Management and Social Innovation from Stanford University. Ruchi is a frequent speaker at various industry conferences and sits on multiple Corporate, startup, non-profits and University boards including Dana Group of Companies, Dubai, Duluth Medical Technologies Inc, USA, NGO Aaroogya Foundation, India and the California State University, Chico Cybersecurity Advisory Board. Ruchi has been recognized by Forbes Middle East as the “Next Generation Business Leader, Arab World” for 3 consecutive years 2017, 2018 and 2019. She has also been recognized by Campden Wealth as the “Women to Watch ” in September’18 issue, and was conferred with the YuvaRatna Award, 2018. Ruchi has also been recognized as “Top 75 Family Business Leaders” 2019 by Campden Research (UK). Recently, Dr Ruchi was featured on the Forbes ME Top Power Businesswomen 2020.
Dr Ruchi is actively involved in strategic planning for Dana Group and manages its investments in Healthcare and Digital innovation. Ruchi has also worked with Golden Seeds, an investment firm in New York and New Silk Route Growth Capital, a PE firm in Dubai, she has focused on healthcare related investments at both these firms.
Suresh Vaidhyanathan is one of the region’s accomplished C-suite leaders with an experience of 25+ years with multi-business organizations including large family groups and public private partnerships.
Over the years, Suresh has extensively worked across diversified industry verticals including Food, Agri-business, Automotive, Logistics, Hospitality, Grocery Retail, Healthcare, Real Estate and Technology.
He is currently associated with several pre-eminent organisations in advisory/board roles.
Suresh has an excellent professional standing in the region and was listed amongst Forbes 2024 and 2023 Top 100 CEOs in the Middle East for 2 consecutive years.
He was also included in the Arabian Business Dubai 100 Power List, Entrepreneur Power 100, Arabian Business 2024 Indian Aces, Arabian Business Top 50 Most Powerful Indians in the ME, Gulf Business Most Influential Indians in the Region and the Economic Times Most Promising Business Leaders Asia.
Earlier as CFO, he was amongst the Forbes List of Top 10 Indian CFOs in the Middle East in 2019 and the Top 20 CFOs in the GCC 2021 (Khaleej Times NAFA List).
Suresh is also an alumnus of the Oxford Leading Sustainable Corporations Program and has completed executive programs at Harvard, MIT, Wharton, INSEAD and Chicago Booth.
On the governance front, Suresh is a Fellow Member of IOD, India, Member of GCC Board Directors Institute, Certified Board Director with IOD Hawkamah, UAE and was recognized as a 2012 Board Leadership Fellow NACD, USA. He is also a charter member of the Harvard Business Club of the GCC.
Rami Harajli is a results-driven entrepreneur with over 17 years of experience in international cross-border investments, business development, and the successful execution of high-value projects. Throughout his career, he has engaged in structuring high-impact market entry strategies, negotiating complex cross-border contracts, and optimizing capital deployment for maximum returns. He has cultivated trusted partnerships with government bodies, global financial institutions, investment entities, and international organizations, enabling the advancement of transformative projects across the Middle East, Europe, and Africa.
As Chief Investment Officer of International Venture Investments Holding, a family office with a diversified investment portfolio exceeding $5 billion USD, Rami specializes in investment management, project finance, strategic business growth, and operational execution across multiple sectors. His leadership spans a wide range of industries, including power generation, oil & gas, real estate, hospitality, agriculture, and industrial ventures.
Driven by a commitment to sustainable success in complex and evolving markets, Rami continues to play a pivotal role in shaping impactful ventures that bridge economic opportunity with long-term value creation. He has consistently unlocked high-value opportunities, safeguarded capital, and driven sustainable growth across volatile and emerging markets. Beyond his corporate achievements, Rami has dedicated over a decade to humanitarian initiatives, working directly with some of the most vulnerable communities in the Middle East and Africa. His work in this sphere reflects a deep personal commitment to creating lasting social development impact alongside business ventures.
I am an entrepreneur with background as a Commerce Graduate from India and Master of Business Administration from Australia joined the family business in the year 2006. I have taken the organization to a different level with combined efforts and upfront leading. I am a forward looking, pragmatic and resourceful person. I am always on to the graph of the plans and thoughts of exploring every possible way to bring in expansions of the business streams to a desirable statistics. My multidimensional approach keeps me separate from the crowd. I am well composed and determined with precise orientation of the lines of business affinity. I firmly believe that one must keep on making sincere efforts in converting a journey into a voyage. I am a believer of co-existence with aptitude of resilience.
Now looking for a new and challenging top managerial position, one which will make best use of my existing skills and experience and also further my personal and professional development.
Ghada Abdelkader is currently leading Crescent Enterprises’ strategic investments platform, CE-Invests, that invests in mid-market growth companies and private equity funds in some of Asia’s fastest growing economies including the GCC, India, and Southeast Asia. With over 20 years of investment experience and having worked previously in investment banking, corporate finance, and financial services consulting in the MENA region, she has managed transactions and investments worth billions of dollars, including private placements, public offerings, mergers and acquisitions, and greenfield projects. Since joining Crescent Enterprises in 2012, Ghada has led the evaluation, structuring, and execution of private equity and venture capital investments at Crescent Enterprises. She has managed a diverse portfolio of assets within Crescent Enterprises across ports, logistics, healthcare, private equity, and venture capital. Ghada holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Cairo University and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and a member of the CFA Institute and the CFA Society Emirates.
Equipped with over 15 years of entrepreneurial experience, Anirudh is a fourth-generation entrepreneur and a second-generation investor from the Damani family. He is the Director of Artha India Ventures (AIV), the well-established family office of the Ashok Kumar Damani family. While AIV has a sector-agnostic investment approach, under Anirudh’s leadership, AIV has thematically invested in travel-tech, fintech edtech, robotics, 3D printing, content platforms, e-commerce, Autotech, and health tech.
After a successful sales and entrepreneurial stint in Texas, he moved back to India in 2012. He started investing in and mentoring early-stage founders through AIV. His initial investments included multi-bagger investments in OYO Rooms, Tala, Exotel, Purplle, Interstellar, Coutloot, Mobilewalla, Beardo, ConfirmTkt, and Karza. His stellar cumulative portfolio now has over 85 investments spread across India, the USA, and Israel. In addition to Artha India Ventures, he also co-founded Artha Energy Resources and Artha Venture Fund under the business umbrella of Artha Group.
AIV got famous as it was part of the 1st large angel exit in India VC, making an astounding 150x+ return on its seed investment in OYO Rooms. AIV repeated that success in multiple category-defining startups like Exotel (154x), Purplle (120x), Tala (65x), and Coutloot (40x) are some of the many names that have been part of AIV’s portfolio.
A double major from Austin College in Sherman, TX, Anirudh has an exceptional work-life balance. He is passionate about adventure travel, focusing on deep-sea diving, sky diving, blogging, and is a die-hard cricket fan. He has recently started writing playbooks for founders to guide them through the crucial first 999 days of starting up.
About Artha India Ventures (AIV)
Artha India Ventures (AIV) is the family office of the Ashok Kumar Damani family.
Founded in 2012, AIV has an impressive portfolio of over 85 companies spread across India, the US, and Israel. Helmed by Ashok Kumar Damani, a serial entrepreneur, a well-respected stock investor, real estate developer, and hospitality assets owner - AIV’s day-to-day affairs are managed by his sons Anirudh & Animesh.
AIV operates a unique funding structure generating operating cashflows through investments in high-yielding renewable energy projects. The consistent cash flows from these investments are deployed in startup opportunities across the globe. While AIV has a sector-agnostic investment approach, it invests thematically in travel-tech, fintech edtech, robotics, 3D printing, content platforms, e-commerce, Autotech, and health tech.
AIV got famous as it was part of the 1st large angel exit in India VC, making an astounding 150x+ return on its seed investment in OYO Rooms. AIV repeated that success in multiple category-defining startups like Exotel (154x), Purplle (120x), Tala (65x), and Coutloot (40x) are some of the many names that have been part of AIV’s portfolio.
The overall portfolio multiple (MoIC) of 5.9x and a 51% IRR in a decade-long startup investment journey has made AIV a significant early-stage investor for startups in India or those who want to enter India. AIV is on the path to directly investing in over 100 startups by the end of 2022, including an indirect portfolio of 300+ startups through its GP & LP investments.
AIV has set its sight on a 1000+ startups portfolio by the end of the 2030-decade.
Having over 30 years of experience in Sharia’a investments. Started my career with Arab Islamic Bank then Batelco Bahrain. Subsequently, joined Gulf Finance House and then Arcapita - Progressing through several leading and executive positions in both covering UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. After several successful years in investment banking, I left to become the founding shareholder and Chief Executive Officer of Al Safwa Islamic Financial Services Company based in Dubai, UAE, and then left the leadership to establish and become the founder and CEO of Tharawat Investment House B.S.C. (closed) and run it for five years. Now founder and the CEO of Dubai Cultiv8 since July 2018.
I hold a B.Sc. in industrial management from King Fahad University of Petroleum, Minerals, and a Postgraduate Degree in International Marketing from the University of Strathclyde, UK.
H.E. Maher Al Kaabi, a visionary leader and a seasoned banker with over 30 years of experience in the Banking, IT industry and Family Business. He has extensive expertise in Board Membership, Islamic Banking, Wholesales & Consumer Banking, Risk Management, Finance, Operation & Technology, Sales & Distribution and Business Development. Serves in various boards of companies and is actively involved in various startup companies and is a co-founder of Blink.
Currently, he is an advisor to the Group Chairman of Al Serkal Group of Companies (165+ year old family) and serves as an Independent Board Member. His expertise lies in devising impact and commercial strategies, working with government leaders and private sectors.
Works extensively with various ministries in future technologies, circular economy, and sustainability of family businesses by training NextGen on Venture Studio Module. On the advisory board of UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and other entities.
He is on the Board of Director / Advisory Board:
- UAE Ministry of Economy – Circular Economy Committee
- UAE International Investors Council
- Middle East Energy
- MENA Power Projects
- MIT Sloan CIO Council
- Cybersecurity – CYSEC Global
- The Optimisation Hub
- Chairperson – Copperstone Education
- Impact Investing Solutions (based in Switzerland)
- Impact Boards Emerging Markets (based in UK)
- Messe Frankfurt GmbH (Smart Building)
- CARE (of Sustainability) by Trescon
He has worked at Citigroup for 15 years where he has assumed various senior roles both locally and internationally. Post that he worked as the Chief Risk Officer at Dubai Bank. And then as Group Head of Islamic Banking at Emirates NBD and served as Group Head Chief Operating Officer for Group Wholesale Banking. In addition, he has been honored with numerous Global Awards.
He is currently pursuing his doctorate in the field of AI driven sustainability.
Subhakar Rao Surapaneni is the visionary Chairman and Chief Coach of Champions Group, a global conglomerate with diversified interests in B2B and data marketing, real estate, logistics, finance, e-commerce, lifestyle, tourism, aviation, and wellness. A serial entrepreneur, growth strategist, motivational speaker, philanthropist, and marketing innovator, he has consistently driven transformative initiatives across industries.
Founded in 2003, Champions Group now operates across the USA, UK, Singapore, Dubai, and India, excelling in multiple sectors. His strategic foresight has positioned it as a global business powerhouse.
He redefined luxury experiential services, curating elite yacht cruises, corporate retreats, private celebrations, and bespoke concierge experiences with jets, private charters, and wellness escapes.
In real estate, he leads sustainable, smart, and luxury urban developments, envisioning the creation of 100+ Sustainable Beach Lagoons and world-class beachfront townships across India.
Anoop is a growth leader with over 23 years of experience in financial services, specialising in global transactional banking.
As the Group Chief Operating Officer of Interpolitan Money, he leads the firm’s global operational strategy, with a focus on scalable infrastructure, regulatory compliance, product & engineering teams and exceptional client services across all locations.
At Interpolitan, Anoop previously served as Head of Global Expansion and Country Head – India, where he was instrumental in scaling Interpolitan’s footprint across key markets. His leadership continues to drive innovation and operational excellence across the organisation’s commercial, treasury, and client strategy functions. Before joining Interpolitan Money PLC, Anoop held leadership roles at top-tier multinational banks including Barclays, Deutsche Bank, and Citigroup, where he worked extensively within the Corporate & Investment Banking sector.
Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in delivering marquee payment solutions that supported the rise of FinTechs in India. He is deeply passionate about Cross-Border Banking and is committed to bridging the gap between traditional finance and next- generation global banking solutions. As an experienced banker now leading global operations at a fintech firm, Anoop brings a unique combination of institutional expertise and entrepreneurial drive, playing a key role in executing Interpolitan Money’s global growth strategy.
Sharaf is Fund Head at Amplify Growth, a sharia compliant private credit fund focused on technology driven companies in the GCC. He oversees all aspects of the fund, including origination, execution, portfolio management as well as fundraising. With over 20 years of experience in MENA private credit and equity investing, Sharaf has built a reputation for structuring innovative financing solutions, most recently for high-growth, tech-enabled companies.
Prior to Amplify, he was a co-lead of Gulf Capital’s $220M credit fund and a founding member of NBK Capital’s mezzanine debt platform, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s alternative capital landscape. He is also an early investor and founding member of Dubai Angel Investors, reflecting his deep engagement with the startup ecosystem.
Sharaf holds a JD/MBA from the University of San Diego and a BA from the University of Virginia, and is a (inactive) member of the California Bar Association.
Mouna Sarih is based in Abu Dhabi and leads BlueFive Capital’s private equity investments in the GCC. She was previously at Investcorp in London, where she directed the evaluation and execution of technology investments and served on the board of several portfolio companies. Prior to that, Mouna worked at JP Morgan’s investment banking division in London, with a focus on M&A and capital markets transactions across different industries.
Mouna holds a Double Master’s degree: an MA in Management and an MSc in Corporate Finance & Banking from EDHEC Business School.
Mr. Manish Agarwal is Associate Principal - Investments & Strategy at HDFC Capital Advisors Ltd (HCAL).
With more than 18 years of diversified experience across real estate investing and cross-border M&A, he brings deep expertise in capital formation, investment strategy, and portfolio value creation. His real estate work spans the full investment lifecycle, including fund-raising, deal origination, structuring, equity and credit deployment, and asset management. Earlier in his career, he held roles at leading global investment banks, advising companies on private equity capital raising and complex cross-border transactions. Since 2018, he has been part of HDFC Capital, where he leads fund-raising efforts, spearheads real estate and technology investments, and drives critical strategic initiatives for the platform.
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