Interview with Hussain Al-Marhoon from HALA Ventures at the Techne Conference in Cairo: Supporting Entrepreneurs and Expanding into Gulf Markets

At the Techne Conference held in Cairo, we met with Hussain Al-Marhoon, the Founding Managing Partner of HALA Ventures. Hussain shared his vision for supporting entrepreneurs in the Arab region and expanding their businesses into the Gulf countries, particularly Saudi Arabia.

Aspiring for Collaboration and Investment

Hussain began by emphasizing the importance of collaboration and investment in entrepreneurs from the Arab region, stating that HALA Ventures helps these companies expand. He said, “We always aspire to collaborate and invest with entrepreneurs from the Arab region and help them expand their businesses into the Gulf countries, especially Saudi Arabia.”

A Success Story: Intella

Hussain mentioned Intella, a company specializing in artificial intelligence, as one of the success stories of their investments. He said, “Among the companies we have invested in, which was established in Egypt and helped it expand and move its headquarters to Saudi Arabia, is Intella.” This success reflects HALA Ventures’ vision of supporting startups to achieve sustainable growth.

Importance of Techne Conference

Hussain emphasized the importance of the Techne Conference as a platform that brings together entrepreneurs from Egypt and the Arab region, noting that the conference plays a significant role in enhancing communication between investors and entrepreneurs. Hussain said, “Techne is one of the prominent conferences that gather entrepreneurs from Egypt and it has a significant place in the region.”

Continuous Search for Investment Opportunities

HALA Ventures continuously seeks investment opportunities in the Arab region, North Africa, and the Middle East. Hussain sees Egypt as one of the very important locations due to the talent available there. He said, “We are in a continuous search phase for investment opportunities in the entire Arab region, and Egypt is indeed one of the very important locations for us.”

Supporting Entrepreneurs

HALA Ventures collaborates with the Saudi Ministry of Investment to facilitate the issuance of investment certificates in Saudi Arabia within one day for companies established abroad. This helps support entrepreneurs and open new markets for them. Hussain explained, “We connect them with the relevant authorities to open new markets, and they can expand within the Kingdom.”

Advice for Entrepreneurs

Hussain advised entrepreneurs to continuously search for the best investment entity that will add value to them, not just financial support. He said, “From the entrepreneur’s side, they should be in a continuous search phase for the best investment entity that will add value to them.”

Conclusion of the Interview

Hussain concluded by emphasizing that their presence at the conference is not just to meet entrepreneurs but also to prove their presence and support for the startups. He revealed their intention to launch a new investment fund targeting entrepreneurs in Egypt and expanding with them both inside and outside Egypt.

This interview reflects Hussain Al-Marhoon’s vision and HALA Ventures’ team in supporting entrepreneurs in the Arab region, enhancing the chances of success for startups, and expanding their businesses into Gulf and global markets.