SVC Is Turning Saudi Arabia Into a Global Startup Hub
Inside Saudi Venture Capital Company, CEO Nabeel Koshak is transforming the Kingdom’s startup scene. Through strategic fund-of-funds investments, growth-stage support, and sector-focused programs, SVC is building a sustainable, globally competitive VC ecosystem in Saudi Arabia.
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.
Step into the offices of Saudi Venture Capital Company (SVC), and you quickly realize this is not your typical fund. Under the guidance of His Excellency, CEO Nabeel Koshak, SVC has become the engine powering Saudi Arabia’s venture capital boom — and the strategy is as ambitious as the Kingdom’s startup ambitions.
At the heart of SVC’s approach is the fund-of-funds model, a sophisticated way of backing the backers. Rather than investing directly into startups, SVC provides capital to local, regional, and international fund managers, who then deploy it into Saudi-based companies or global startups expanding into the Kingdom. One dollar in, multiple dollars out — a multiplier effect designed to accelerate the ecosystem at scale.
Numbers alone don’t tell the story. The real shift is qualitative. Founders are bolder. Business models are more scalable. International entrepreneurs are no longer testing Saudi Arabia — they are choosing it as a base to build from. And capital, while abundant, is being deployed strategically, guided by SVC’s deep understanding of market gaps.
One gap SVC has actively filled is growth-stage funding. Of the 63 funds the company has backed, 13 are dedicated to helping startups move from early traction to meaningful scale. “Being a gap filler is a continuous role,” says Koshak. “We’re always looking at where the ecosystem needs reinforcement — that’s how we ensure startups can thrive at every stage.”
Looking ahead, the vision is clear. Consistency remains critical as many backed fund managers launch successor funds. Growth-stage capital will continue to be fueled. Private credit is emerging as a high-potential opportunity. And sector-focused initiatives, including deep-tech programs launched with national development entities, signal a willingness to think long-term and bet on transformative ideas.
For Koshak, this is more than just capital allocation. It’s about shaping an ecosystem — a place where Saudi startups can grow fast, scale big, and compete globally. With SVC at the helm, the Kingdom isn’t just chasing growth; it’s building the infrastructure, strategy, and ecosystem to sustain it for years to come.
Step into the offices of Saudi Venture Capital Company (SVC), and you quickly realize this is not your typical fund. Under the guidance of His Excellency, CEO Nabeel Koshak, SVC has become the engine powering Saudi Arabia’s venture capital boom — and the strategy is as ambitious as the Kingdom’s startup ambitions.
At the heart of SVC’s approach is the fund-of-funds model, a sophisticated way of backing the backers. Rather than investing directly into startups, SVC provides capital to local, regional, and international fund managers, who then deploy it into Saudi-based companies or global startups expanding into the Kingdom. One dollar in, multiple dollars out — a multiplier effect designed to accelerate the ecosystem at scale.
Numbers alone don’t tell the story. The real shift is qualitative. Founders are bolder. Business models are more scalable. International entrepreneurs are no longer testing Saudi Arabia — they are choosing it as a base to build from. And capital, while abundant, is being deployed strategically, guided by SVC’s deep understanding of market gaps.
