Elyas Felfoul

EFG Hermes launched a $300 million education fund and acquired GFH schools. Egypt’s investment bank, EFG Hermes, has launched a $300 million education fund that has acquired schools in Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Bahrain from the Bahrain-based investment group GFH. The Saudi Education Fund (SEF) will capitalize on the growing student population in private schools in the kingdom, which is expected to double under the country’s Vision 2030 agenda. https://lnkd.in/gCGesrRH

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Delighted to collaborate and work with Paul Cushion on #ArtificialIntelligence in the #UAE article for Entrepreneur Middle East. How can governments drive economic growth and productivity with #GenAi, and how we, business owners, residents and citizens, can make sense of the transformation, adopt and thrive. Plenty of intriguing business insights, combined with a bit of history, philosophy, and human psychology. The link to the article can be found below. #weekly #read #recommendation

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EthRiyadh is BACK! I’m proud to announce that EthRiyadh 2024 is returning to Riyadh for the second time! Together with Xiao Wu, the CEO of ChainIDE, and a dedicated team of volunteers from the Web3 KSA community, we’re organizing this prestigious Web3 and blockchain event. What to Expect: 🧑‍🔬 Scientific Track: Panels and abstract presentations. Accepted abstracts will undergo a second review, with a chance to be published in the IEEE Blockchain Brief, our knowledge partner. 💼 Industry Track: Includes panels, presentations, and discussion groups, creating a dynamic space for innovation and collaboration. Whether you're a researcher or an industry enthusiast, this event is the perfect opportunity to connect, share knowledge, and strengthen the Web3 community in Riyadh. 📅 Save the Date: December 1–2, 2024. 🔗 Visit https://ethriyadh.com/ for updates. If you're interested in presenting your research abstract at the conference, we still have a few slots available. 📚 Submit Your Research Abstracts: https://lnkd.in/d2nKVyyx Let’s build the future of blockchain together! 💡🚀 #EthRiyadh #Web3 #Blockchain #Innovation #DigitalTransformation #AI

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The highlight of the forum on AI in Business nicely presented by Mahmoud El Orfali: It was a true privilege to serve as a #panelist at the recent #Artificial #Intelligence Forum hosted by the Qatar Society of Engineers , engaging with fellow industry experts and thought leaders, we explored how #AI is reshaping the #business landscape in #Qatar and unlocking new avenues for innovation, efficiency, and customer engagement. I was honored to share the panel with distinguished industry leaders, Giorgio Torre, Shaker Lashuel, Shasanth Moothedath and smartly moderated by Mustafa Saidalavi Mohamed. Key Takeaways: 1- AI Implementation Strategies: Success in AI begins with a well-planned roadmap. From aligning Data and AI projects with business objectives to addressing critical requirements and areas that need improvement, effective strategies are essential for scalable AI integration. 2- Measuring #ROI on AI Investments: To ensure the impact of AI investments, businesses need to establish clear KPIs and benchmarks, balancing short-term benefits with long-term value generation. 3- #Regulatory #Frameworks for AI: With AI on the rise, regulatory compliance has become paramount. Businesses must navigate evolving regulations to maintain ethical AI practices and build trust with customers and stakeholders. 4- Future Workforce: #Reskilling and #Upskilling: As AI reshapes roles, reskilling and upskilling are vital. By empowering the workforce with AI-driven tools and training, organizations can build adaptable, future-ready teams 5- Challenges and Barriers to AI Adoption: Integrating AI comes with hurdles, from #data #quality issues to workforce resistance. Addressing these challenges early on is crucial for a successful AI journey. Grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such fruitful discussions. Thank you Ines Rajab and Qatar Society of Engineers for the invitation. #AIinBusiness #Innovation #FutureofWork #CustomerExperience #AIImplementation #AIRegulations #HumanMachineCollaboration #QatarSocietyofEngineers #AIPositiveMindset

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Excited for this step VestinGrow & Zentral teams Together, we aim to drive innovation and empower businesses to contribute to a greener, more sustainable future. ☘" #Sustainability #GreenInvestment #Innovation #EcoBusiness #SustainableFuture #VestinGrow #Zentral #GreenEconomy #ClimateAction #CircularEconomy #BusinessForGood #EcoInnovation #SustainablePartnership

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ADQ, in collaboration with ADFW and ADGM, with NYU Stern School of Business at NYU Abu Dhabi serving as academic advisor, today released ‘A New Era of Capital Flows in a Polycentric World’. Featuring insights from Majid Al Suwaidi, CEO of ALTÉRRA, Mohammad Alhawi, Undersecretary of Invest UAE by the Ministry of Investment, Ray Dalio, Rajiv Jain, Chairman and CIO of GQG Partners, and Hendrik du Toit, Founder and CEO of Ninety One, the paper explores how capital flows are moving to diverse destinations and reshaping investment activity. This shift offers growth markets the opportunity to emerge as providers and recipients of capital, a role once held by advanced economies. Discover more here:  https://bit.ly/3ZqJsFc #ADQ #AbuDhabi #InvestingInGrowth #Finance #GlobalEconomy

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The PRONOVEA CUSTOMER EXCELLENCE MENA SUMMIT 2024 kicks off with Frederik Bisbjerg, Deputy CEO at eData Information Management Information, sharing valuable insights on turning data into customer success. From real-world AI applications to mastering data management and leveraging IoT and social media for smarter decisions, this session is packed with practical strategies. Frederik is showing us how to break silos, personalize engagement, and make digital transformation work for real results. Did you know? According to Gartner, 91% of organizations plan to increase investments in data and analytics to boost customer experience. It is a clear sign that actionable insights and breaking down silos are at the heart of what drives modern business success. This is the kind of conversation that drives action. Let’s get started! Check out more about Frederik’s company here: https://www.edata.ae/ #PronoveaCXMENA2024 #CustomerExcellence #AI #BigData #DigitalTransformation

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Generative AI and models like ChatGPT are truly revolutionary for users. One exciting opportunity is building a GPT tailored specifically for the Kuwaiti dialect. However, there are unique challenges when working with regional dialects, especially in Kuwait, where various dialects coexist. As someone specialized in this domain, I’m eager to contribute to AI projects that explore and address these linguistic nuances. Please see the interview, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions! #AI #gpt #sorbonne #kuwaiti_dialect

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Skip to page 48, for a great article about motherhood in the workplace. Thank you Yara Sayed for including me in this insightful piece. #workingmothers #genderequity #equityintheworkplace #esgprinciples

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Exploring Venture Capital Valuations in MENA: Jada Fund of Funds Report Valuing portfolio companies is a critical aspect of the venture capital process, filled with challenges, especially in the context of startups in emerging markets. With the collaboration of Jada Fund of Funds, our newly launched report delves into the methodologies used by venture capitalists and provides insights gathered from seasoned fund managers and investors across the MENA region. Key Valuation Methodologies 1. Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) Analysis: - DCF Method: This involves estimating the company's future cash flows and discounting them back to their present value using an appropriate discount rate. - Challenges: In the case of startups, projecting future cash flows can be highly speculative due to the limited historical data and market volatility. 2. Comparable Company Analysis: - Comps Method: This method involves valuing a company based on how similar companies in the industry are being valued, often using multiples such as Price-to-Earnings (P/E) or Enterprise Value-to-EBITDA (EV/EBITDA). - Benefits: It helps to benchmark valuations against market standards. - Drawbacks: It might be difficult to find truly comparable companies. 3. Precedent Transactions: - Transaction Method: This approach looks at similar companies that have been recently sold or funded and uses these transactions to estimate value. - Advantages; Provides real-market benchmarks. - Limitations: Market conditions at the time of past transactions might differ from the current context. 4. Venture Capital Method (VC Method) - VC Method: Commonly used in early-stage investments, this method involves projecting an exit scenario, estimating the terminal value, and discounting it back to the present considering the risk. - Simplicity and Relevance: It is straightforward and tailored for high-risk environments but relies heavily on assumptions about future exits. 5. Modified Economic Value Added (EVA): - EVA Method: Focuses on the economic profit of the company by assessing returns in excess of the company’s cost of capital. - Usefulness: Particularly useful in assessing long-term value creation beyond accounting profits. Insights from Experts Challenges in the MENA Region - Limited Historical Data: Startups in emerging markets often don’t have a long operating history, making traditional valuation methods less reliable. - Market Volatility: The dynamic and often volatile nature of emerging markets adds another layer of difficulty in making accurate projections. - Regulatory Environment: Varying regulations across different countries in the MENA region can also impact valuation. By addressing these challenges and leveraging a mix of valuation methodologies, venture capitalists are better equipped to make informed investment. Report by Claudia Zeisberger Repost by Salem Bagami #VC #valuation #startups #MENA #JadaFund

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Truly enjoyed my fireside chat today at the Forbes Under 30 event in Abu Dhabi today. Thanks again Forbes Middle East for this opportunity to share my views on how AI will transform education and level the digital divide between rural and urban communities. #alefeducation #forbesmiddleeast #ai #education #forbesme

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Speaking at XPANSE, H.E. faisal albannai UAE’s Adviser for Strategic Research & Tech Affairs and Secretary General of ATRC, shared his vision for 2034: The UAE as a global hub for innovation, R&D, and deep tech startups. By crafting a unique ecosystem tailored to its strengths, the UAE is paving the way for groundbreaking technologies to emerge across diverse industries. #ATRC #Innovation #DeepTech #Xpanse #FutureTech #Collaboration

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With our visionary leadership, the UAE is on the right path to achieving excellence.

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🔍 How do VC funds value their portfolio companies throughout the holding period? Together with the team from Jada Fund of Funds, we explored this in depth. Our newly launched report highlights the common methodologies used by venture capitalists and shares insights from experienced fund managers and investors across #MENA. After all, this is a challenging question, especially when dealing with startups that have limited history in emerging markets. I’m deeply grateful to all the industry experts who took the time to contribute and share their approaches with us. Check out the full report to dive into the practices shaping venture valuation in MENA. #VC #valuation #startups Sulaiman Alkhushi, CFA Naif Alobaidi Abdullah Altamami Waleed A. Alballaa Khaled Talhouni Felix Zimmermann, CFA Arnav Danthi INSEAD Knowledge INSEAD Global Private Equity Initiative Michael Lints Michael Jackson Ilya Strebulaev Henning Piezunka

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Featured in LinkedIn News Middle East: Why your biggest competition isn't who you think it is… …it's that cozy spot at the top that feels so comfortable right now. 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗺𝘆 𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗽𝗶𝗲𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗵𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗯𝗲 “𝘄𝗲'𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗲” 👇 https://lnkd.in/dDA9NfXG #Innovation #Leadership #BusinessStrategy

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🌱 Calling all Agri-Tech Innovators in Jordan! 🌱 At Daman Company for Investment and Agricultural Industries, we're on a mission to drive agricultural innovation, enhance sustainability, and secure food systems for our future. 🚜💡 We believe that technology, AI, and drones are transforming agriculture, creating smarter, more efficient, and sustainable solutions. That’s why we’re looking to collaborate with agri-tech companies in Jordan to further elevate our operations and make a lasting impact. 📌 Are you an agri-tech entrepreneur or a company specializing in: ✅ Smart farming solutions? ✅ AI-powered crop management? ✅ Drone-based agricultural technologies? ✅ Sustainable irrigation systems? ✅ Agri-data and analytics platforms? Let’s connect and explore how we can work together to shape the future of agriculture in Jordan! 📩 Reach out or tag someone in the comments who could be a great fit for this partnership. #InnovationInAgriculture #AgriTech #AI #Drones #SmartFarming #Sustainability #FoodSecurity #Jordan #Collaboration #AgriculturalDevelopment #DamanCompany

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Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund Mubadala-backed G42's progress continues to be impressive, raising $1.5 billion from Microsoft aiming to bolster the collaboration between the two entities, facilitating the introduction of Microsoft AI #technologies and #educational initiatives in the UAE and other global markets. Additionally, Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, will join the G42 Board of Directors as part of the expanded partnership. - The partnership will focus on enabling organizations of various sizes in new markets to utilize #AI and #cloud technologies while adhering to top-tier standards for safety and security - Together, G42 and Microsoft aim to extend advanced AI and digital infrastructure to nations in the #MiddleEast, #CentralAsia and #Africa - The collaboration also includes a commitment to developing a #skilled and diverse AI #workforce. This includes a US$1 billion investment in a development fund aimed at nurturing developers, which will enhance innovation and competitiveness in the #UAE and the broader #MENA region #unitedarabemirates #sovereignwealthfunds #abudhabi #uae https://lnkd.in/gJ9hj88N

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In Tahseen Consulting's #MENA+ #techpolicy insight, you'll read about the #UAE’s setting 6/30 as the private sector #Emiratization deadline, Spinneys opening its inaugural #SaudiArabia store, #Egypt #epayment, collection services ▲ 19%, #Pakistan withdrawing its National Digital Wallet plans, Meta launching a #MENA #AI innovation award, #Bahrain and #Iran resuming political ties, #Singapore's new #ecommerce code curbing scams, #Vietnam’s VNG Corporation planning a local #IPO, and #India probing #beneficialowners of #MNCs. 🇦🇪 #UAE #Influencers ask for clarity on new licensing rules 🇸🇦 #KSA #Fintech Dyna.Ai plans office 🇪🇬 #EGYPT revokes 16 licenses for #Hajj violations 🇵🇰 #PAKISTAN IT exports ▲ 40%+ YoY in May 🌍 #MENA #SWFs invest $2.3B in #China in 2023, ▲ $100M from 2022 🌍 #MENA NVIDIA, Ooredoo Group to launch AI, #GPTs at #datacenters 🇹🇷 #TURKEY UEFA EURO 2024 is boosting #ecommerce sales 🇹🇷 #TURKEY #EV sales ▲ 257% YoY 🇹🇷 #TURKEY BtcTurk hit by a cyberattack 🇹🇭 #THAILAND to impose #VAT on low-cost imports from 7/5 🇻🇳 #VIETNAM SK Group to sell stakes in Masan Group, Vingroup 🇮🇳 #INDIA Google stops #PlayStore trial citing #realmoney gaming regulatory uncertainty

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