Dubai – Sharikat Mubasher: The Emirates Family Office Association (EFOA), the unique independent body supporting UAE and global Family Offices, announced entering a new strategic partnership with the Middle East Venture Capital Association (MEVCA).

This collaboration unites two prominent UAE-born associations to launch exclusive, closed-door initiatives aimed at fostering knowledge exchange, creating valuable networking opportunities, and strengthening the region’s private capital ecosystem, according to a recent press release. The partnership will focus on empowering Family Offices, venture capital firms, and investors in the Middle East.

Leveraging the unique strengths of both organizations, the initiative will drive best practices, innovation, connectivity, and thought leadership through a series of tailored member events and workshops. Key topics include wealth preservation, asset allocation strategies, and effective engagement with Family Offices in early and growth-stage investments.

A strong emphasis will be placed on membership engagement, as both associations are committed to establishing trusted platforms that encourage collaboration, the sharing of insights, and discussions on opportunities and challenges in private markets.

This partnership highlights the rapid expansion of the Middle East's Family Office and venture capital ecosystems. In H1 2024 alone, venture capital funding in the UAE and Saudi Arabia reached $637 million, reflecting growing interest from the next generation in alternative investments.

Adam Ladjadj, Founder and Chairman of EFOA, said: “We are delighted to partner with MEVCA to strengthen ties between venture capital and Family Offices and businesses in the Middle East. In recent years, we have seen great interest from the next generation in allocating alternative assets, particularly venture capital. We have entered this collaboration to enable families with all the necessary tools, knowledge, and access – should they need it - to explore this growing asset class with confidence, so they can benefit from its great opportunities.”

Omar Alkhawaja, Vice Chairman of MEVCA, commented: “This partnership is evidence of MEVCA’s commitment to supporting and enabling the Middle East’s private capital ecosystem. Through educational panels, workshops, and networking events, MEVCA and EFOA members will be able to connect and collaborate impactfully, while learning how the ecosystem’s two sectors can work together optimally to drive forward regional growth.”