OurCrowd announced the appointment of Dr. Sabah al-Binali as UAE-based venture partner and head of the Gulf region. Dr. al-Binali will oversee the development of OurCrowd’s business in the region. OurCrowd plans to meet the growing demand for meaningful ties with Israel expressed by the investment and entrepreneurial communities in the UAE and neighboring states following the signing of the Abraham Accords.
Dr. al-Binali is a seasoned financial services executive with 22 years of experience in investments and an entrepreneurial leader with a track record of financing, building, and exiting companies in the MENA region. He was instrumental in facilitating the sale to Credit Suisse of a Saudi investment bank and the acquisition of the Zawya news agency by Thomson Reuters.
OurCrowd CEO Jon Medved said: “Just two weeks after the Abraham Accords were signed, we are pleased to appoint Dr. al-Binali as head of the region for OurCrowd. Dr. al-Binali is one of the first senior Emiratis to be hired by an Israeli firm as a partner. Dr. al-Binali brings incredible energy and skills to our growing business. He will effectively build bridges between the tech and financial communities in the UAE and Israel.”
“I look forward to leading OurCrowd’s expansion in the UAE and the Gulf region at this historic turning-point in Middle East diplomacy,” said Dr. al-Binali, OurCrowd Venture Partner and Head of Gulf Region. “OurCrowd’s global platform provides a perfect meeting point for startups, entrepreneurs, and investors from the vibrant tech ecosystems in Israel and the UAE. There are already signs that OurCrowd’s success in Israel, the U.S., and other markets will be extended to include the Gulf region.”
Dr. al-Binali has rich experience in governance and company leadership at the highest levels. He previously served as Vice Chairman of the Board and Chairman of the Investment and Strategy Committee of The National Investor, Chief Investment Officer and CEO of Credit of Shuaa Capital, Director of the Board at Credit Suisse Saudi Arabia, Vice Chairman of Shuaa Capital Saudi Arabia, Vice Chairman of Gulf Finance Co., Chairman of Gulf Installments Co., Chairman of Zawya, Director of the Board at Visa International CEMA Region, founding CEO and CIO of Saffar Capital and Head of the Treasury and Investment Division at Union National Bank.
Dr. al-Binali received his Ph.D. from Columbia University and his B.S.E from Princeton University.
Founded by Jonathan Medved, OurCrowd, Israel’s most active venture investor, is a global leader in equity crowdfunding with $1.5B of committed funding. OurCrowd will support UAE-based startups seeking growth and development in Israel, as well as leverage its diverse portfolio to enhance business development for UAE startups seeking to collaborate on innovative solutions. OurCrowd plans to open an office in the UAE by the end of 2020.
