- April 15, 2024
EPISODE #
#72: An insider’s guide to private equity in MENA with Huda Al-Lawati
About this episode
Huda Al-Lawati is a veteran private equity professional across emerging markets having had executive roles at companies like Gateway Partners, Savola and Abraaj. Huda has recently launched Aliph Capital, a private equity fund that focuses on the mid market segment.
I sat down with Huda to get an insider’s view on the private equity industry in the MENA region, what are the opportunities, where to fundraise, how to source deals, how to create value to companies they acquire by building the right teams and much more. Also if you’re interested to work in private equity, Huda shares her tips on what she looks for and what it takes to succeed in this competitive industry. If you’re looking to gain an understanding of how the industry works then this is a great place to start!
This episode is supported by Capital.com, an award winning global investment platform. For seasoned as well as new traders, Capital.com provides competitive transparent pricing, 24 hour support, news, analysis and a knowledge hub with in-depth courses that help its customers make informed investment decisions.
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guest profile
Huda Al-Lawati
Huda Al-Lawati has 20 years of experience in private equity, operations and investments across emerging markets. Huda is the Founder and CEO of Aliph Capital, a GCC focused investment manager enabling traditional businesses bridge the technology gap through active ownership and digital transformation. Prior to founding Aliph, Huda was a Partner at Gateway Partners Group where she was a member of the Investment Committee. Prior to Gateway, Miss Al Lawati was Chief Investment Officer for Savola Group, one of the largest publicly-listed strategic investment holding groups for food & retail businesses in the Middle East and North Africa region. Prior to Savola, Huda was a Partner and Chief Investment Officer for MENA at the Abraaj Group. She started her career with Schlumberger in 2002 after graduating from Brown University.
Through her career she has led over $2 billion of equity and over $1 billion of debt deals and has experience in growth capital, MBOs, LBOs, venture capital, equity markets and structured equity transactions across a broad range of sectors. She has played leading roles in strategic initiatives, corporate turnarounds, change management, organizational building and investor relations.
She is currently a board member at ADC Acquisition Corporation (the first ADX listed SPAC), Magrabi, Saudi Fransi Capital and Hala (ADGM and CMA regulated fintech company). She also serves as a member on the nomination and remuneration committee of Saudi Fransi Capital and chairs the risk committee at Hala. She has previously served on multiple boards and committees across the region including Tim Hortons, Panda Retail Company, Herfy (Tadawul), AlKabeer, Savola Foods Company, SMG, The Entertainer, Kudu,Al Ula Development Company (a subsidiary of PIF) and the Young Arab Leaders.
As a keen contributor to the community, she has been a member of the board of directors of the Middle East Investor Relations Association, a member of the Young Presidents Organization and a member of the advisory board of Global Ventures.
Miss Al Lawati holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Economics (Honors) from Brown University.