Elyas Felfoul

Thoughtful piece by Prof. Ahmed Ghoneim on Arab countries engagement in value chains, and the challenges of turning forward linkages to backward linkages and moving towards both diversification and higher value added activities. https://lnkd.in/eWyTukrs

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🚀 Excited to have been a part of Google Developer Groups - GDG Coast Lebanon's Build with AI event hosted at the American University of Beirut! Built with AI is a global initiative empowering developers worldwide to dive into Google's cutting-edge AI and ML technologies. We kicked off with an insightful panel discussion featuring four industry experts sharing tips on navigating the AI landscape, led by Ammar Mohanna, PhD. The panel included 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝘅𝘀𝗮𝗶 (srourali) from SocialLab, Elie Badine from Eurisko, and Hadi Salman Research science at OpenAI. Following the panel, we had three AI talks: 1. Introduction to Google Gemini AI by AI Lead, Ammar Mohanna. 2. AI and Mental Health by Chief Data Scientist, Ali Srour. 3. Intro to RAGs by Mohamad Albaker Kawtharani Simultaneously, we had three engaging AI workshops: 1. Vector Databases and LLM led by ML Engineer and Content Creator Lara Wehbe. 2. Gemini for Android and Backend by Software Engineer, Mohammad Darsa from Murex. 3. Gemini for Web led by Software Engineer, Mahmoud Mashoun Thanks for everyone who joined us! 🙌 We're excited about potential future collaborations with our Google Developer Groups. Stay tuned for more updates! #Dataholic #googlepartner #AItalks

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The digital revolution holds immense promise for the Global South, particularly in the Middle East, but young people face a double bind whereby the same conditions that drive change inhibit it. 📖 In their new book, Mohamed Zayani, professor of critical theory at Georgetown University, and Joe Khalil, associate professor of global media at Northwestern University in Qatar, examine the profound impact of digital technologies on collective identity and social structures: https://lnkd.in/e-KHuCeH “In young people’s experiences on social networks, new modes of expression and engagement are emerging. While these experiences challenge traditional gender roles and amplify marginalized voices in public discourse, they also reveal the region’s struggle to reconcile aspirations for change with the realities of entrenched systems.” #socialmedia #GlobalSouth #gender

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

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How impactful are education partnerships in the MENA region for driving productivity and growth? Our Managing Director, Ehsan Razavizadeh, delves into this question in his latest article for Fortune Arabia. In this insightful piece, he shares compelling statistics on how high skills and technology investments shape MENA's youth's future. He also discusses how a collaborative approach is crucial for building the future economy and transforming global trade patterns. Read more: https://bit.ly/3xrllMq

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I am privileged to be featured in Wamda, the leading knowledge platform that accelerates entrepreneurship ecosystems across the Middle East and North Africa, where I share insights for breaking into the MENA startup ecosystem. #startup #entrepreneurship #mindset

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Beirut is a city known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and cosmopolitan energy. Yet beneath its lively exterior, Beirut has also become a symbol of tenacity, facing challenges that would test even the strongest of communities. From financial collapse and economic instability to the catastrophic explosion in 2020 and ongoing political turmoil, Beirut and its people have endured a crucible of crises. But instead of succumbing to despair, the city and its inhabitants have shown an extraordinary ability to cope, survive, and even thrive in the face of overwhelming odds. The everyday acts of kindness seen across the city tell a powerful story. In Beirut, it is not uncommon to see someone offering food to a stranger, helping a neighbor repair their home, or simply providing a listening ear to someone who is struggling. These gestures, though small, are significant—they show how Beirutis have found strength in each other, refusing to let the weight of their circumstances crush their spirit. They teach us the power of community and collaboration. In times of crisis, it is the bonds between people that provide the most reliable safety net. Those who can adjust their approach and find new ways to meet challenges are the ones who survive and thrive. This mindset is crucial not only in crisis situations but in everyday life, where flexibility and creativity can turn obstacles into opportunities. The stories from Beirut highlight the importance of empathy and compassion. The people of this city have shown that in the face of adversity, taking care of each other is not just a moral obligation but a survival strategy. Beirut teaches us the power of hope. Despite the many challenges they face, Beirutis continue to look toward the future with determination and optimism. This hope is not naive; it is a conscious choice to believe in a better tomorrow and to work towards it, even when the odds seem stacked against them. In our daily lives, maintaining hope can provide the strength and motivation needed to keep moving forward, no matter how difficult the journey. Beirut, in all its complexity, its people, and through their actions and attitudes, send a powerful message to the world: no matter how dire the situation, there is always a way to rebuild, to find strength in one another, and to push forward. ❤️

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The appointment of a dedicated Minister of Entrepreneurship and SMEs, Alia Abdulla Al Mazrouei, underscores the UAE's strong commitment to supporting and nurturing small and medium-sized enterprises. This strategic move highlights the critical role that entrepreneurship plays in driving economic growth and innovation within the nation. SMEs are an important contributor to the diversification of the UAE's economy, contributing as much as 63.5% to the non-oil GDP. It is forecasted that there will be 1 million SMEs in the UAE by 2030. By prioritizing this vital sector, the UAE reaffirms its dedication to creating a dynamic and thriving business environment that empowers entrepreneurs and fuels future prosperity. https://lnkd.in/di-G3vzt

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These valuable lessons underscore the crucial role of adaptation and innovation in response to rapid technological advancements in the business landscape. Embracing technology, effective change management, and fostering continuous innovation are key to thriving in a dynamic market. Resisting change without justification can have negative consequences, highlighting the importance of clear communication, strategic partnerships, and cultivating a culture of continuous improvement. Investing in technology not only enhances competitiveness but also streamlines processes and reduces operational costs. Leaders who embrace flexibility and prioritize innovation are better equipped to navigate technological shifts and drive organizational success. #Adaptation #Innovation #Technology #BusinessTransformation

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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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🔍 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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Summary: Despite Saudi Arabia's history of human rights abuses, there is a growing interest from U.S.-based investors to invest in startups in the Middle Eastern nation. General Catalyst is planning to invest in a fintech startup, Lean Technology, and other firms such as Coatue Management and Andreessen Horowitz have recently backed Saudi Arabian startups. Key takeaways: Despite concerns about the country's human rights record, some U.S. investors are showing a willingness to invest in Saudi Arabian startups, potentially driven by the country's large and growing market. General Catalyst investment in Lean Technology is a significant step in this trend, as it is the firm's first investment in a Middle Eastern nation. Other U.S. firms, such as Coatue Management and a16z, have also recently backed Saudi Arabian startups or expanded their presence in the country through investments in related industries (such as co-living). Counter arguments: There may be ethical concerns about investing in a country with a record of human rights abuses and suppressing dissent. The motivations behind these investments may also be driven by the goal of gaining access to the huge Saudi Arabian market, rather than solely supporting the growth of the country's startups. #venturecapital #vc #venture #startups

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I joined Al Mashhad المشهد to discuss the #foreignpolicy implications of the #Elections2024 outcome. SOme of the points I raised: - #KamalaHarris and #DonaldTrump would have drastically different policies towards the world. #Harris most likely would have continued #Biden's trajectory, and would also be heavily influenced by the #Obama positions particularly on the #MiddleEast. Her focus would have been on #Humanrights and #democracy, and continued path to negotiations with #Iran. She would have a very restrained US involvement on Iranian #Proxies, and would likewise continue status quo on #Russia/#Ukraine, slow-rolling aid to #Ukraine and working with #China on #greenenergy issues while seeking to limit #PRC access to sensitive #technology. - #Trump, by contrast, would try to pressure #Ukraine to make territorial concessions to #Russia, but that strategy would likely not work, as #Russia already communicated through its former president Medvedev that it is interested in full takeover of #Ukraine. #Trump also communicated to #Israel that he wants #Gaza and #Lebanon operations wrapped up before his inauguration, but his comments have no political power. He would not be able to put an end to the wars in the #MiddleEast due to #Hamas rejection of hostage release and #Hizbullah continuing attacks on #Israel. * #Trump might be open to creating a Palestinian state but not before getting #terrorism under control, and would be perceived as weak if he abandoned #Israel as an ally, which would only enable #Iran and its #Proxies to rebuild and come back with more attacks again. #Trump would most likely be much more decisive in restoring freedom of navigation in the #RedSea, returning #Houthis to the #FTO #sanctions #blacklist, imposing more significant #deterrence, such as attacking high value Houthi targets in #Yemen, being open to liquidating their leadership much the same he was willing to put an end to Qassem Soleimani. Regarding #Iran, #Trump could be open to a new and "better than #Obama" deal with Tehran, but most likely would start by returning to the policy of maximum financial pressure to get the ISlamic Republic to negotiating table and have more leverage. * And on #China, #Trump would most likely start with significant #tariffs on

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We are back with another iteration of BLDR Launchpad! If you are starting your journey to build the future of #work and #learning, and want to rapidly accelerate your progress and impact then join us! We are excited to work with another stellar batch of #MENA-focused founders to help them take their ventures to the next level. This year we will also be investing up to $100K in the best companies. Reach out to me or Nour AlGharibeh if you have any questions! #edtech #hrtech #worktech #fintech #UAE #KSA #Jordan #Egypt #Iraq #Tunisia

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On July 3rd, I led a seminar at my alma mater, the American University of Beirut, titled "From Seed to Success — Mastering Venture Capital Strategies." There was fantastic student engagement, but one message stood out. Wael Khreich, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Machine Learning at the Suliman S. Olayan School of Business at AUB (OSB), followed up with a question that couldn’t be more timely. Here’s why 👇🏼 Since ChatGPT's release, generative AI in VC has become much simpler and more cost-effective. In the past, maintaining high-quality deal flow required the involvement of large teams. Today, small teams can monitor thousands or even millions of startups through AI and machine learning. A new generation of AI is transforming the two most important and time-consuming steps in the investment process: sourcing and due diligence. The technology can now: ➞ Analyze a variety of datasets (news, social media, pitch decks) to identify promising startups that meet specific investment criteria. ➞ Perform rapid analyses of financial statements, business models, and market landscapes. Take InReach Ventures, for example. The company has been using its AI platform 'DIG' to streamline startup sourcing and due diligence since 2015, evaluating thousands of European startups each month. (Entrepreneur Magazine) It is important to note, however, that while AI enhances our capabilities, it doesn't — and cannot — replace human judgment. The art of VC still relies on asking the right questions and recognizing potential where others do not. To Dr. Khreich and all the curious minds at #AUB: your questions drive innovation. I am grateful for the ongoing dialogue. These exchanges are what fuel our field's progress. In your opinion, what’s one human skill in venture capital that AI will never replace? #VentureCapital #AI #ContinuousLearning 

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To remain relevant in today’s business environment, schools in the Middle East and North Africa must provide students with digital and human skills. Here's how. Article by Dr. George Sammour, Dean of King Talal School of Business Technology at Princess Sumaya University for Technology. #MENA #ExecutiveEducation #businessintelligence #BusinessSchools

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I’m thrilled to join an incredible lineup of experts, innovators, and leaders to explore AI's transformative power and its future impact at the elite World Summit AI, kicking off in #Doha Qatar, for the very first time in Middle East. As a Director of #Innovation, I’m taking a balanced approach to AI's role in #Healthcare breaking down myths, asking the tough questions, and discussing how to navigate the fine line between ambitious expectations and realistic applications. One day, #AI will undoubtedly transform the way we practice #Healthcare. However, the key lies in preparing for that future now building the right strategies, infrastructure, and mindset to harness its full potential. Let’s #connect, #share insights, and #explore the many opportunities and challenges AI brings. #Together, we’ll shape the future of AI and innovation. Hamad Medical Corporation Ministry of Public Health - Qatar #Itqan #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #Innovation #Doha #Qatar #AIForGood #WSAIQatar #AIRevolution #DoAIDifferent #AILeadership #QatarAI

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🌍 Discover the power of people-centered approaches! Join Juan A., Associate Partner at McKinsey & Company, as he presents 'ESG - Human-Centricity.' Learn how integrating human-centric principles into ESG frameworks can drive meaningful impact and sustainable success. #SBEFUAE2024 #HumanCentricity #ESG #SustainableSuccess #IndustryInsights

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