The New VC Stack: How AI, Policy Shifts, and New Fund Models Will Shape the Next Generation of MENA Unicorns
MENA VENTURE 2028, Dubai, UAE
Thursday, February 12, 4:00 PM Abu Dhabi Time
This event was amazing, but it's over now
About the Event
The MENA venture capital ecosystem is entering its most consequential phase yet.
As governments reassess their role, AI reshapes how funds are built and operated, and a new generation of founders targets global markets from day one, the region stands at a strategic inflection point.
This exclusive Dubai gathering brings together Adeo Ressi, Founder of the Founder Institute and Decile Group, alongside leading investors, founders, LPs, and ecosystem builders to explore how 100 new venture capital funds can be launched across MENA by 2028, and what this transformation means for capital formation, startup scale, and regional competitiveness.
Hosted by Intuitio Ventures in collaboration with Founder Institute, the session moves beyond theory into execution, focusing on AI-native VC infrastructure, fund economics, liquidity realities, and MENA-first startups built for global exits.
Program
Opening Keynote – Adeo Ressi
From Vision to Execution: How MENA Can Launch 100 Venture Capital Funds by 2028
- Why now is the decisive moment for MENA VC
- The structural shifts enabling new fund creation
- Lessons from global fund-building at scale
1 – Investing in the Next Generation of MENA Unicorns
Key Themes
- Why governments should stop acting as venture capitalists
- Addressing LP concerns around liquidity, exits, and secondary markets
- How AI platforms such as Decile Hub are becoming the core operating system of VC firms
- Lowering barriers to entry for emerging fund managers through start-fund and AI-enabled models
2 – Navigating MENA 2.0: AI-Lean, Regional Rivalries, and New Capital
Key Themes
- How successful MENA startups use AI to solve deeply local problems while staying capital-efficient
- With 100 new funds emerging, how founders should vet first-time managers
- Building MENA-first startups that can scale globally and attract global acquirers
Closing & Networking
Curated conversations between fund managers, LPs, founders, and ecosystem partners.
Target Audience
- Emerging and first-time VC fund managers
- LPs and family offices
- Government innovation leaders and policy stakeholders
- Early Stage, Scale-up founders and late-seed startups
- AI, venture, and ecosystem operators
Hosts
Wes Schwalje
Walied Albasheer
Sameer Sortur
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Chada El Islam Benmahcene
Top 50 Most Influential Women in Dubai | Speaker | AI, Tech, Energy & Sustainability | Women Advocate | Youth Activist | Startups & STEM Mentor | Digitizing Energy sector, while empowering Women, Youth & Entrepreneurs!
Location & Time
In-person event
Register to see the addressThursday, February 12
04:00 PM Abu Dhabi Time
2 hours
