Special Features
Arab Business Angles Network (ABAN)
ABAN was set up in 2007 and is a subsidiary of Dubai International Capital (DIC) which is a Dubai-based international investment company primarily focused on private equity.ABAN operates as a Business Angel Network for the region and manages early stage funds ABAN’s membership consists of individual Angel Investors and organisations who support the concept of investing in early stage businesses The ABAN Network offers the following opportunities: Provides an environment in which individuals who are interested in investing in early stage companies with high growth potential can identify entrepreneurs with relevant business propositions who have been carefully selected for their investment potential.
Provides access to dealflow and regular events where investors can see selected companies present their proposals.
Provides an environment for social networking and opportunities to make new business contacts Provides advice and support to entrepreneurs seeking investment including training and support for selected entrepreneurs to present their proposals to investors.
Facilitates collaboration and syndication among investors where relevant whch can be a useful means to maximise investment opportunities and spread risks.
Provides direct support with structuring deals including support with due diligence and relevant documentation in order to foster the relationship between investor and entrepreneur in the interest of both parties.
ABAN is building the network across the 18 nations of the Arab region. ABAN will be establishing individual networks covering key regional areas and will be holding investment events in key regional centres.
Today, the region is witnessing an unprecedented and rapid transformation across political, economic and social fronts that are spurring economic growth across the region. However, there remains a high and rising rate of unemployment, particularly, among graduates and women.
Unprecedented levels of liquidity, many “new” high net worth individuals, and a soaring demand for alternative asset classes beyond the investment supply provided by stocks and real estate, have led to the creation of several new private equity/venture capital funds in the Arab World. However, there continues to be an “equity gap” in regional capital markets, particularly in fulfilling the financial demands of early stage businesses and start-ups, the very type of businesses that provide opportunities for economic diversification and job creation.
Both ABAN and its found Dubai International Capital believe that tapping the regions’ underutilized human capital will contribute to greater economic development for all.
By developing and funding this new asset class of early-stage investments, Dubai International Capital is playing a vital role through ABAN in filling this equity gap faced by entrepreneurs.
On May 4th and 5th of this year, the Arab Business Angels Network will host an entrepreneurs/investors workshop and matchmaking event at the Dubai International Financial Center.
The event is being described as a chance to explore both entrepreneurship strategies and opportunities with up-and-coming businesses in the region, with speakers ranging from Anthony Clarke of GLE Growth Capital to Michael Blakey of Avonmore Developments Ltd. A key part of the happening will involve the actual entrepreneur pitches.
Angel investing is a relatively new phenomenon in the Middle East, and it will be fascinating to see whether or not the concept takes off. Certainly Dubai, with its present position as the financial capital of the region, appears to be the prime location for such an event.
Website: http://www.aban.ae/
