Venture capitalists join online Homathon

Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed participated in the online event staged by SAFCSP and Startup Grind

The Saudi Federation for Cyber Security and Programming (SAFCSP) and Startup Grind hosted an online “Homathon” with venture capitalists from several different firms, supported by the local Startup Grind Amman team.

Nabil A. Borhanu, founder and Managing Partner of Graphene Ventures, moderated a conversation between Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed, founder and Chief Executive Officer, KBW Ventures, Courtney Powell, Chief Operating Officer, 500 Startups, Jessica Wong, Partner, eWTP Capital, and Abdulrahman Tarabzouni, Chief Executive Officer, STV.

Borhanu began the conversation by asking the VCs to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on their respective portfolio companies. Powell noted the importance of consistent communications during the health crisis, while Wong added that some of their startups were counseled to potentially revise plans previously in the pipeline.

Prince Khaled explained that KBW Ventures offers support mechanisms from coaching and guiding in terms of communications, helping portfolio companies extend runway and decrease burn rate, and facilitating introductions to relevant bodies across public and private sector.

Tarabzouni echoed Prince Khaled’s sentiments on the MENA region’s potential and purchasing power, adding that Saudi’s digital demand and other aspects contribute to a great ecosystem for technology startup.