Jeff Ransdell, Managing Director and Founding Partner of Fuel Venture Capital, and Hasnae Taleb, Managing Partner of Mintiply Capital, are revolutionizing the UAE investment landscape with the introduction of a staggering $300 million vintage fund, designed to fuel the growth of startups across the region.
The fund has earmarked $45 million specifically for investing in startups within the GCC, aiming to support high-growth ventures and capitalize on exponential returns.
The partnership between Mintiply Capital and Fuel Venture Capital brings decades of collective expertise. “Early-stage investing is about capturing value at the inception of an idea before it scales. Startups that present opportunities for exponential returns do so by entering markets with high demand, strong unit economics, and disruptive innovation,” shared Hasnae Taleb.
The collaboration forms a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), pooling resources to guide companies through critical growth phases, scaling, and eventual public listings. Ransdell and Taleb emphasize that private market investments in pre-IPO companies hold the potential for immediate returns of up to 200%, offering an unparalleled opportunity for investors in the UAE and broader GCC region.
Identifying High-Return Opportunities
While the fund offers rare opportunities for regional investors to back high-growth companies, Taleb provided some key insights into the strategies for success. “For founders, this means building a business that solves a critical problem, has a clear go-to-market strategy, and is positioned to scale efficiently,” she shared. She advised investors to focus on startups with a strong product-market fit, scalable business models, and resilient management teams.
Ransdell emphasized the growing demand for sophisticated investment vehicles in the GCC market, adding, “This fund empowers investors to support transformative businesses while capturing returns typically reserved for institutional players.”
The fund seeks to back startups with innovative ideas backed by operational strength, with an eye toward market timing, strategic positioning, and disciplined execution for long-term profitability.
Risk Management in Early-Stage Investments
Hasnae Taleb, with extensive experience in high-stakes trading, explained how she applies risk management principles to venture capital. “In trading, risk management is everything, and the same principles apply here,” she noted.
She explained that when assessing startups, she examines both quantitative and qualitative factors like market size, scalability, competitive advantage, and revenue potential; also considers risks such as execution challenges, regulatory hurdles, and financial sustainability.
“The biggest lesson from high-stakes trading is that you don’t eliminate risk—you manage it,” she said. “While startups inherently carry risk, disciplined due diligence and data-driven decision-making allow us to maximize returns while protecting capital.”
Exploring Growth Sectors in the GCC
When asked about which industries in the GCC hold the most promise for new business ventures, Taleb identified fintech, AI-driven solutions, and biotech as top contenders. She highlighted fintech’s potential, especially due to government support, a young tech-savvy population, and strong regulatory frameworks.
“The GCC is rapidly diversifying beyond oil, AI and automation are also seeing a surge, with applications across finance, healthcare, and logistics transforming traditional industries. Entrepreneurs who align with these sectors and leverage local market dynamics will be well-positioned for success,” elaborated Taleb.
Navigating Uncertainty and Risk in Startups
With a reputation for fearless decision-making, Hasnae advised startup founders on managing uncertainty and risk, especially in fluctuating consumer markets: “Markets will always fluctuate, but businesses that pivot intelligently and stay ahead of trends will survive and thrive.”
Key Characteristics for Rapid Growth and IPOs
Jeff Ransdell noted, “The GCC market is evolving rapidly, and there’s a growing appetite for sophisticated investment vehicles.”
Hasnae outlined the key attributes of successful companies, including scalability, sustainable revenue growth, market leadership, and a strong management team. She also emphasized the importance of regulatory readiness for companies preparing for public listings.
A piece of advice to local investors in the UAE who are new to venture capital but want to explore high-growth opportunities, like those in this vintage fund, Hasnae concluded by sharing, “For new investors, the key is education and strategic diversification. Venture capital offers some of the highest returns, but it also requires patience and a deep understanding of market trends. My advice would be to invest across multiple startups rather than putting all capital into one.”
By taking a strategic approach and working with experienced partners, investors can maximize their exposure to high-growth opportunities while managing risk effectively.
