Cairo - Sharikat Mubasher: The Innovation and Investment Arab Forum (Innovest) is gearing up to launch the Arab Angel Investment Network within the upcoming six months, according to Hany Ayaad, CEO of Innovest.
The network will target Arab angel investors and capitalists to invest in Arab startups and support their expansions across different markets, Ayaad told Fintech Gate on the sidelines of the preparatory meeting for the fifth edition of the Innovation and Investment Arab Forum.
During its first year, the network aims to invest nearly $100 million in 20 Arab startups and attract 40 to 50 angel investors from Arab countries to finance promising companies.
Ayaad affirmed that the launch of the Arab Angel Investment Network represents a pivotal step in advancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Arab region and promoting financing opportunities for startups. The network will provide a more organized platform that connects investors with entrepreneurs, helping them easily discover startups and available investment opportunities.
Along with the launch of the Arab Angel Investment Network, the preparatory meeting for Innovest 2026 concluded with several recommendations, including launching the Innovest digital platform as an integrated Arab ecosystem for innovation, investment, and entrepreneurship; empowering youth and entrepreneurs to harness technology and AI to develop their businesses; and launching distinctive initiatives to support Arab women and enhance their contribution in entrepreneurship and innovation.
The meeting gathered government representatives, banks, investors, entrepreneurs, and economic institutions, reviewed implementation mechanisms for several strategic programs and initiatives, and followed up on recommendations from the forum's fourth edition.
Participants explored ways to strengthen partnerships between investors and startups, aiming to accelerate innovation and support economic growth across Arab countries.
Innovest is a strategic platform that aims to empower youth, foster innovation, and build stronger links between entrepreneurs and decision-makers, while encouraging responsible investment and regional cooperation to address development challenges.