Saudi Capital Is Growing Up — And Hala Capital Is Leading the Shift
At SuperReturn Saudi, Ali Abussaud of Hala Capital explains how the Kingdom’s venture ecosystem is evolving. With a focus on FinTech, AI, logistics, and expanding into private equity and credit, Hala Capital is positioning itself to lead Saudi Arabia’s next era of financial growth.
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At SuperReturn Saudi, the energy wasn’t defensive — it was deliberate. In a global climate defined by tighter liquidity and cautious LPs, Ali Abussaud of Hala Capital offered a clear message: Saudi Arabia’s venture ecosystem isn’t slowing down — it’s maturing.
While fundraising cycles have lengthened globally, Abussaud believes the Kingdom remains in a comparatively stronger position than many European markets. The proof lies in performance. Most of Hala’s portfolio companies have successfully raised capital over the past two years, particularly across FinTech, AI, and e-commerce — sectors aligned with Saudi Arabia’s broader economic transformation. Logistics is next, as the firm raises a new fund reflecting the Kingdom’s ambition to become a global trade hub.
But the bigger story is structural. Hala Venture’s transformation into Hala Capital signals a move beyond traditional VC. The firm is expanding into private equity and preparing to enter private credit and alternative investments — positioning itself as a full capital house rather than a single-asset-class player.
Yes, government capital flowing into infrastructure and giga-projects may create short-term liquidity constraints. But Abussaud sees it as sequencing, not strain. The infrastructure buildout comes first. The returns follow.
In a market navigating global volatility, his outlook remains firmly optimistic. Saudi capital, he suggests, isn’t retreating. It’s evolving — and those adapting now are building the next era of the Kingdom’s financial ecosystem.
At SuperReturn Saudi, the energy wasn’t defensive — it was deliberate. In a global climate defined by tighter liquidity and cautious LPs, Ali Abussaud of Hala Capital offered a clear message: Saudi Arabia’s venture ecosystem isn’t slowing down — it’s maturing.
While fundraising cycles have lengthened globally, Abussaud believes the Kingdom remains in a comparatively stronger position than many European markets. The proof lies in performance. Most of Hala’s portfolio companies have successfully raised capital over the past two years, particularly across FinTech, AI, and e-commerce — sectors aligned with Saudi Arabia’s broader economic transformation. Logistics is next, as the firm raises a new fund reflecting the Kingdom’s ambition to become a global trade hub.
But the bigger story is structural. Hala Venture’s transformation into Hala Capital signals a move beyond traditional VC. The firm is expanding into private equity and preparing to enter private credit and alternative investments — positioning itself as a full capital house rather than a single-asset-class player.
Yes, government capital flowing into infrastructure and giga-projects may create short-term liquidity constraints. But Abussaud sees it as sequencing, not strain. The infrastructure buildout comes first. The returns follow.
In a market navigating global volatility, his outlook remains firmly optimistic. Saudi capital, he suggests, isn’t retreating. It’s evolving — and those adapting now are building the next era of the Kingdom’s financial ecosystem.
