Strategic4

I leverage over 13 years of hands-on experience in investment management and banking, primarily in the GCC and Middle Eastern markets. With an MBA from Warwick Business School and as a CFA Charterholder, my role encompasses several key areas:

Strategic Advisement: I work closely with startups in the GCC and Middle East, crafting comprehensive business models, financial blueprints, and market entry strategies.

Capital Acumen: My extensive experience in the GCC and Middle Eastern investment landscape enables me to guide startups through optimal capital structures, fund-raising activities, and investor relations.

Operational Oversight: Specializing in streamlining processes for cost efficiency and profitability, I offer actionable, metrics-driven insights.

Industry Expertise: I apply my deep knowledge in sectors like FinTech, AgTech, and E-commerce, with a specific focus on the nuances of the GCC and Middle Eastern markets. My proficiency extends to impact investing and ESG compliance.

Analytical Approach: Utilizing data analytics, I assist startups in interpreting market trends and dynamics specific to the GCC and Middle East, providing a strategic edge in decision-making.

My primary aim is to serve as a value-added team member at Strategic4, guiding startups through the intricate business ecosystem towards sustainable growth and profitability. Open for collaboration and dialogue, feel free to reach out to discuss opportunities that can elevate your business.

Partner

Family Business

I pursued an MBA at Warwick Business School and expect to graduate with distinction in June 2023. My dissertation focused on the performance of early- versus later-stage VC investments in the UK. I analyzed a dataset of 2,755 VC deals sourced from PitchBook using Minitab software and conducted semi-structured interviews with industry practitioners to gather further insights. My findings indicated that early-stage VC investments did not outperform later-stage investments, but those completed during economic downturns showed better performance. These implications are relevant to VC investors, practitioners, businesses, and policymakers.

Planned Career Break

I successfully acquired and managed two small businesses in the food and property services sectors, STM'D and Crystal Blu, developing hands-on experience and expertise in acquisition, management, and restructuring. I also led the two acquisitions' due diligence and feasibility processes, drafted the required sale and purchase agreements (SPAs), and negotiated acquisition values, reducing STM'D value by 10% and securing additional assets from Crystal Blu's seller. I streamlined both businesses' front and back-end operations with customized ERP systems, expanded the client base by 40% through initiatives with medical centers and brand ambassadors, improved online booking and targeting online ads, established a social media presence, and grew headcount. I eventually sold Crystal Blu while reducing costs, increasing profits, and expanding the client base through my leadership and management skills.

Managing Partner

Fields Investment Limited

I joined this private family office at a phase of financial distress and managed its investments as an executive and a board director for its affiliates. I worked with the executive team on securing international strategic investors for a distressed oil and gas construction business. I also successfully provided solutions for liquidity issues by the divestment of investments and restructuring of facilities. 
I streamlined the operations of its travel agency business to turn it around to profitability by corporate and commercial restructuring. I administered the family’s equity investments comprised of an Indian fund and a Swiss equity portfolio that achieved a return of 117% and 7%, respectively, since their inception. I selected and worked with an external legal consultant on developing a new corporate structure for the business in less than three months.

Director

Lesha Bank

I assisted the Head of Investment Banking in establishing the bank’s investment banking practice in the region. I worked on raising $190 million in Shariah-compliant facilities for Fleetcorp in Turkey, $70 million for a real estate fund in Dubai, and provided M&A advisory services for Al Meera Group in Qatar. These achievements demonstrate my ability to collaborate with the top management in achieving the organization’s vision and goals and my unique competence to drive success in both originating and executing deals.

Senior Associate

anb capital

I successfully led the execution of the US$500 million stock-for-stock merger between Saudi White Cement and Riyadh Cement, taking ownership of financial modeling, valuation, negotiation of the exchange ratio, liaising with third-party advisors on the due diligence, drafting definitive agreements, and securing the necessary approvals. I also provided advisory services to Arab National Bank on a US$160 million loan restructuring, Northern Region Cement on its US$240 million IPO, and Hail Cement Company in co-underwriting its US$65 million IPO. In this role, I demonstrated a solid ability to navigate complex financial transactions while providing exceptional guidance to clients on optimal financing solutions.

Assistant Manager

Credit Suisse

I played a key role in Credit Suisse’s M&A team in advising Al-Othaim family on divesting 70% of their stake in L’azurde with an enterprise value of US$300 million to Investcorp. Developed the deal’s valuation model, populated the required documents for the virtual data room, liaised with prospective buyers, and collaborated with legal advisors to draft and negotiate the SPA. Successfully closed the deal and achieved the seller’s target. I also provided strategic financial advice to Savola Group in acquiring a sugar plant valued at US$230 million in Egypt. Facilitated the due diligence process, assessed the potential risks and opportunities, and created comprehensive financial models to support the acquisition decision. I played a key role in advising Hadia Abdul Latif Jameel Company on their investment in the largest automotive dealer in MENA. Conducted a thorough financial analysis of the investment opportunity, developed financial models, and provided valuable insights to the client, leading to a successful investment decision.

Associate

Saudi Fransi Capital

I assumed a key role in executing six successful ECM transactions with a total value of over US$200 million. I coordinated with senior management, led the deal team, and managed the entire transaction process, from origination to closing. Contributed to developing marketing materials, conducting due diligence, creating financial models, and communicating with investors. Demonstrated my ability to thrive in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment while delivering outstanding client results.

Senior Financial Analyst

Jordinvest

I started my investment banking career in Jordan with Jordinvest in early 2005, where I gained a solid investment banking and financial analysis foundation. Worked on multiple transactions, including M&A, ECM, and DCM, honing my skills in financial modeling, due diligence, and client management

Manager

With over a decade in the investment management and banking realm, my journey has been marked by a distinctive blend of strategic advisement and operational excellence, primarily within the vibrant GCC and Middle Eastern markets. At Strategic4, my focus lies in shaping robust business models and fostering strong investor relations, all aimed at catapulting startups to success.

My analytical prowess, coupled with a CFA Charter and an MBA distinction, serves as a bedrock for guiding companies through intricate capital structures and fundraising endeavors. The team and I pride ourselves on streamlining processes to enhance profitability, always striving for cost efficiency and sustainable growth.

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