From leading a billion-dollar IPO to founding the region’s first specialized yoga studio chain and now managing a high-impact venture capital fund, Noor Sweid has established herself as a pivotal figure in reshaping the Middle East’s investment and entrepreneurship landscape. Her journey reflects a deep understanding of both corporate strategy and the entrepreneurial grind, making her one of the most influential voices in the regional economy.
By the Numbers
Sweid’s career has been marked by significant, measurable success:
- $1 Billion+: The valuation of the interior contracting company Depa at its dual IPO on the London Stock Exchange and Nasdaq Dubai, which she played a vital role in.
- 10x Revenue Growth: The increase in Depa’s revenues she helped achieve in a short period.
- Founded in 2018: The year she launched her venture capital fund, Global Ventures.
From Corporate Success to a Pioneering Entrepreneurial Leap
Noor Sweid’s passion for management and organization was born during her early career at the interior contracting company Depa. There, she played a vital role in developing governance structures and transforming the company from a local entity into a global player, culminating in a billion-dollar dual IPO in 2008.
In a decisive move, she then left the corporate world to found ZenYoga, the region’s first chain of specialized yoga and Pilates studios. This was not just a business venture but an effort to introduce a new wellness culture to the community. After years of expansion, she successfully sold the company to private investors in 2014. This experience gave her a deep understanding of the challenges entrepreneurs face, which would later shape her approach to venture investing.
Global Ventures: Investing in the Future
In 2018, Noor Sweid launched Global Ventures, a Dubai-based fund aimed at financing high-growth startups in the Middle East and Africa. The fund focuses on sectors that address fundamental problems, such as digital healthcare, financial services, and logistics technologies. Global Ventures typically requires target companies to have annual revenues exceeding $1 million before investing, ensuring it backs companies with a proven business model. Notable investments include Helium Health, a digital healthcare platform in Africa; Yodawy, an Egyptian digital pharmacy service; and Hakbah, an innovative Saudi platform for group savings.
A Leader in the Broader Ecosystem
Noor Sweid’s contribution extends beyond her own firm. She is the chairperson of the Middle East Venture Capital Association (MEVCA) and a founding member of Endeavor UAE, organizations that are crucial to shaping the policies that support innovation and high-impact entrepreneurs in the region. Her work has earned her global recognition, including being named among the 100 Most Powerful Arab Women by Arabian Business and one of the 50 Most Influential Women in Technology by Forbes.
Source: Economy Today
