- Falcon Network (or “the Network”) brings together angel investors to invest in impact driven start-ups from the Middle East, South and Southeast Asia.
- The first round of signed commitments, totaling over USD 2 million, will allow the Network to connect investors with successful entrepreneurs.
- Investment requests can range up to USD 500,000 and applications first round of funding will open on the 1st of December 2018
Press Release – October 30, 2018 10:00 AM Gulf Standard Time – DUBAI—A group of emerging markets-based investors have today announced the launch of Falcon Network, an angel investment network targeting the growing entrepreneurial ecosystems emerging in key growth markets and cities such as Dubai, Istanbul, Kuala Lumpur, Lahore, and Jakarta, amongst others.
Launched at the sidelines of the 4th Global Islamic Economy Summit, an international forum held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Network includes senior executives working in both the public and private sector across the Middle East, South and Southeast Asia. Some highlights include: Talal Yassine, Managing Director, Crescent Wealth; Junaid Wahedna, Founder, Wahed Invest; Nida Raza, Head of Investment Banking, Bank of Khartoum International; Zohaib Patel, Managing Director, Gulf Bridge Capital; Ashar Nazim, CEO, Waqfe; Dr. Sayd Farook, Vice Chairman, Board of Trustees, Responsible Finance and Investment Foundation (RFI Foundation).
Falcon Network members have committed to investing a minimum of USD 50,000 within the next two years. The Network has already established strategic partnerships with business incubators and accelerators in its target markets to source investment opportunities.
The Network’s initial focus will be on regions where funding for impact driven start-ups is limited including Cairo, Dubai, Istanbul, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Lahore and Lagos amongst others. Ticket sizes will vary but initially proposals under USD 500,000 will be considered. The startups applying to join the Network must have at least reached Proof-of-Concept level maturity. The Network will remain sector agnostic. For the first round, start-up can apply from December 1st 2018 onwards.
Rachid Ouaich, Co-founder of the Network and Co-founder, ConexCap said, “Establishing a business, especially in emerging markets, requires exceptional discipline and determination. I have witnessed many entrepreneurs fail due to a lack of guidance and the challenge of fundraising. The launch of the Network is exciting news – not only does this initiative match strategic capital with high impact investment opportunities, but also provide much-needed mentorship to budding entrepreneurs.”
Peter Gould, Co-founder of the Network and Design Executive Officer, Zileej added, ”We established the Network for the new generation of tech-savvy entrepreneurs, emerging in cities such as Cairo, Dubai, Jeddah, and Jakarta that are creating ventures that seek to not only generate strong financial returns, but also solve pressing societal problems. There is a clear need in these regions to connect impact-focused individual investors with purpose-driven entrepreneurs. This is what we hope to achieve.”
About The Falcon Network
The Falcon Network is a group of Angel Investors focused on investing in impact driven entrepreneurs from high growth markets. With more than 40 investors, the Network is truly global. Our investors have significant experience investing in and working with impact driven startups – providing not only capital but also vital strategic advice.
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