Manama: Bahrain Development Bank (BDB) announces that the Al Waha Fund of Funds has successfully closed its US $100m fundraising round, making it the first active venture capital fund of funds in the region.

The announcement marks an important milestone for the region’s growing startup ecosystem. It will provide additional capital to innovative and technology-driven startups in Bahrain and across the Middle East through venture capital funds currently established in Bahrain, and by attracting new funds to the region.

The Limited Partners (LP) Advisory Committee met for the first time last week to close the US $100m, setting the strategic direction of the fund, and approved the allocation of US $35m into a series of venture funds. The LPs include Mumtalakat, National Bank of Bahrain, Batelco Group, Tamkeen and Bahrain Development Bank, amongst others and where BDB is the GP managing the fund.

Commenting on the announcement, Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa, Chairman, Al Waha Fund of Funds Advisory Committee, said: “We are very pleased to announce the successful closure of the fund and we have already made encouraging progress in allocating the capital raised.

“One of the key constraints on the development of the startup and technology ecosystem in the region is lack of access to capital – this fund can help to make a significant difference to that challenge, enabling entrepreneurs to realise the potential of their ideas.”

Today’s announcement follows the launch of the Al Waha Fund of Funds at Gateway Gulf Forum last month. Gateway Gulf Forum, brought together more than five hundred global investors and business leaders to explore how to unlock the opportunities being created by the economic transformation in the GCC.

Bahrain’s startup ecosystem has benefitted from a number of significant initiatives and reforms in recent years, as part of the Economic Vision 2030, delivered under the leadership of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and Chairman of the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB). These include a reduction in the minimum capital required for starting a business, measures to enable onshore crowdfunding in conventional and shari’a-compliant finance and the introduction of a regulatory sandbox.

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About Bahrain Development Bank

BDB commenced its operations in 1992 as a specialist Bank, BDB activities are focused on financing and development of small and medium businesses in addition to encouraging & supporting the entrepreneurship activities in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Working In-line with Bahrain Economic Vision 2030, BDB adopts a dynamic and effective strategy for stimulating entrepreneurial activity in implementing its plans for financing & advising small and medium businesses.

This strategy is in line with the Bank’s mission of being an active participant in national strategy by supporting this sector of the economy. BDB’s role in this context is especially significant given the growing size and contribution of this important segment to domestic economic activity.

Contact:

May Taher

Global Communications

Telephone: +973 17589966

Email: may.taher@bahrainedb.com

© Press Release 2018

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