Pilgrims To The Desert: VC Is Awash in Middle East Money But Some Strings Are Attached

For managers just now looking to tap into the Middle East LP stream, the path is tricky. An increasing “in-region” focus has Middle East investors requiring that fund managers “give back” to the region. With institutions like PIF, Mubadala, QIA as well as family offices such as Olayan, DAMAC and others being inundated with opportunities, fund managers without existing relationships face an almost impossible battle obtaining introductory meetings, let alone getting mindshare or capital commitments.