Name: Bank Financing vs. Venture Capital in MENA: Are the Lines Blurring?
Start: 2026-09-26T16:30:00+0300
End: 2026-09-26T17:15:00+0300

Bank Financing vs. Venture Capital in MENA: Are the Lines Blurring?

Saturday September 26, 2026 4:30pm - 5:15pm EEST

Ghurnata Community Space - Stage 1

For decades, bank financing and venture capital in MENA have operated in largely separate worlds; one focused on stability, and predictable cash flows, the other on risk, scalability, and high-growth potential. Yet the lines between these two systems are beginning to blur as startups mature faster, SMEs digitize their operations, and financial institutions rethink their role in supporting innovation-led growth.

This session explores whether MENA’s capital stack is finally moving toward convergence, and what that means for entrepreneurs, investors, and lenders alike. It will unpack emerging hybrid models, the growing role of alternative lending and fintech-driven credit solutions, and whether traditional banks are becoming more venture-like or whether VCs are starting to adopt more disciplined, bank-like approaches in response to market realities.

Speakers

Fadi Antaki

Partner, A15

Mohamed Aladdin

General Partner - Venture Capital, Development Partners International

Mohamed is currently a General Partner on the DPI Venture Capital, MEA focused early and late stage VC fund. Prior to DPI, Mohamed led investments at Global Ventures, a Dubai-based VC fund investing across the MEA region. His domain expertise includes FinTech, HealthTech, Insurtech... Read More →

Saturday September 26, 2026 4:30pm - 5:15pm EEST
Ghurnata Community Space - Stage 1

[Theme] Capital & Growth, Panel

Techne Summit 2026

Fadi Antaki

Mohamed Aladdin

Get help with the event

Techne Summit 2026

Fadi Antaki

Mohamed Aladdin

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