RIYADH: The inaugural Private Capital Forum, organized by the Saudi Venture Capital Co., concluded on Oct. 23 after two days of high-level discussions at the King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the event brought together over 500 experts and investors from around the world, alongside more than 50 speakers comprising leaders in private investment, economists, and policymakers from within the Kingdom and abroad.
In his opening remarks, SVC Chairman Ammar Al-Khudairy emphasized the forum’s strategic significance. He stated that the event serves as a key platform to highlight the Kingdom’s rapidly growing status as a regional and international hub for private investment.
Echoing this sentiment, SVC CEO Nabeel Koshak noted that the forum contributes to the development of the investment ecosystem by building partnerships and enabling investors, fund managers, and innovative entrepreneurs.
The first day of the forum featured sessions focused on regulatory developments and promising opportunities within the Saudi market.
A session titled “Saudi Arabia: Unleashing Private Investment Potential – The Vision, Developments, and Opportunities” set the stage for discussions.
Other panels explored the role of the National Development Fund in boosting private investment, strategies for investment allocation and distribution, value creation for fund managers, and modern trends in mergers and acquisitions.
The second day shifted its focus to the future of venture capital and venture debt in the early stages of company formation, examining their role in financing innovation and supporting entrepreneurs.
A session on “Exploring Global Trends in Private Investment” provided insights from senior international investors on capital flows, market dynamics, emerging sectors, and the role of venture capital in shaping the global economic landscape.
The forum concluded with a consensus among participants that the private investment sector in the Kingdom is poised for accelerated growth.
This optimism is driven by a diversifying and increasing number of opportunities, fueled by a growing base of innovative small- and medium-sized enterprises built on creative business models.
