Bahrain’s Al Waha Fund of Funds has announced a substantial investment in Beijing-based MSA Capital – its first investment in a Chinese fund.
MSA Capital, the most active Chinese fund in the Gulf, plans to use Bahrain as its “hub for regional expansion”. It will work closely with regulators, entrepreneurs and strategic corporate partners to connect growing companies in the region with capital and best practices in China.
The funding injection is the latest announced by Al Waha, which was launched in 2018 to drive greater venture capital investment across the Middle East. The organisation provides market access for international organisations looking to invest in the region, as well as for portfolio companies looking to expand. The addition of MSA Capital to Al Waha’s portfolio is the latest sign of growing Chinese interest in the region.
The $250 million Chinese fund has already made 10 investments in the Gulf region over the past year, and has facilitated exchanges for Chinese and Bahraini entrepreneurs. It has also helped Middle Eastern companies pivot their business models to more closely reflect the latest innovative approaches in the Far East. The firm now plans to build collaborations to include more students and large corporates, as well as investors from both countries for future exchanges.
Al Waha’s investment further solidifies historic economic ties between Bahrain and China, which have been active since diplomatic relations were established 30 years ago. Total non-oil goods traded between the two countries more than doubled between 2009 and 2017.
Areije Al Shakar, Fund Director at Al Waha Fund of Funds, said both China and Bahrain offer a substantial pool of tech talent, startup capital and digitally minded consumers, so the scope for further building this relationship is substantial.
Ben Harburg, Managing Partner of MSA Capital, said the Gulf is at an inflection point due to an influx of seasoned talent, capital, and technology adoption. Chinese pioneered mobile-focused business models, both for enterprise and consumers, are best positioned to provide a roadmap for entrepreneurs in the region.
Al Waha Fund of Funds has so far deployed investment to a range of venture capitalists, including BECO Capital, Middle East Venture Partners, 500 Startups, and European fund manager Finch Capital. This is a key part of the drive to pool capital from East and West to better bridge markets. This is essential for Middle East businesses to scale, and critical to turning the Gulf from a consumer of innovation to a driver of innovation.
Also published on Medium.
