Riyadh Forum Brings Financial Entities, SMEs Together

Biban Forum in Riyadh (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Biban Forum in Riyadh (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Riyadh Forum Brings Financial Entities, SMEs Together

Biban Forum in Riyadh (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Biban Forum in Riyadh (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Biban Forum in Riyadh succeeded in mobilizing 36 finance entities amid the presence of business incubators and the participation of 120 companies operating in the framework of stimulating the development of the SME sector.

Biban aims to encourage new enterprises and entrepreneurs to launch projects and establish themselves in the market by examining the tools and ideas needed to find and attract investors.

It is organized in collaboration with Monshaat, the Kingdom’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) General Authority, which aims to support and develop the sector.

Biban Forum concluded on Sunday with the participation of four incubators and business accelerators that provide services to support the establishment and development of Saudi entrepreneurial projects.

They also offer intensive programs to accelerate the growth and expansion of entrepreneurial and emerging companies during a period ranging between three to six months by providing work spaces and services.

During the forum, 36 financing agencies from the public and private sectors provided services to visitors with the aim of diversifying financial support for small and medium enterprises and setting policies and standards for financing projects that are classified as SME.

They also want to activate the role of banks and lenders to motivate them into playing a bigger and more effective role in financing and investing in SMEs.

The finance companies participating in the indirect lending initiative provided their services by offering low-cost loans to finance companies licensed by the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA).

SAMA provides financing solutions and loans with competitive advantages for small and medium enterprises and entrepreneurs.

Meanwhile, 120 Saudi and Gulf companies presented their experiences in entrepreneurship aiming to create a stimulating environment for the forum’s visitors and project owners and spread the culture of entrepreneurship and innovation while highlighting the achievements of Saudi and Gulf business leaders.

The startups competed among themselves to attract the largest number of visitors to showcase their experiences.

One Saudi startup reviewed its experiences in the field of employment indicating that it started eight months ago collecting data on those interested in part time and seasonal jobs, above the age of 17. The company wants to develop the applicant's skills, prepare their early entrance to the market, and reduce operational burdens of companies.

Over 15,000 subscribers and more than 300 companies joined the company’s site offering job opportunities available to them.



Bahrain’s Investcorp Announces Major Changes in its Executive Team

Bahrain’s Investcorp has more than $52 billion in assets under management (The company’s website)
Bahrain’s Investcorp has more than $52 billion in assets under management (The company’s website)
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Bahrain’s Investcorp Announces Major Changes in its Executive Team

Bahrain’s Investcorp has more than $52 billion in assets under management (The company’s website)
Bahrain’s Investcorp has more than $52 billion in assets under management (The company’s website)

Bahrain’s Investcorp, a leading global alternative investment firm, announced on Monday a major change in its executive leadership team, saying that co-CEO Hazem Ben-Gacem will leave after 30 years as the company embarks on a major management reshuffle in an effort to boost returns.

In a statement, Investcorp said co-CEO Rishi Kapoor had been appointed vice chairman and chief investment officer while Executive Chairman Mohammed Alardhi would assume additional responsibilities previously undertaken by the co-CEOs.

The group has more than $52 billion in assets under management and is known for taking luxury brands public.

Ben-Gacem will leave Investcorp effective Nov. 1, but will continue as vice chairman of investment unit Investcorp Capital, the company said.

As part of the shake-up, Investcorp said it had consolidated and organized its investment activities in three units.

Dave Tayeh is taking the helm of Private Equity and Private Equity like, Herb Myers and Mike O'Brien will be in charge of Real Assets, and Jeremy Ghose will lead the Credit business.

Yusef Al-Yusef will be leading the Global Distribution Platform.

Mohammed Alardhi, Executive Chairman at Investcorp, said: “As we increase our focus on leveraging the strength of our existing investment platform, we recognize it is the right time to broaden our executive leadership to support our future growth plans.”

“Rishi and Hazem have helped lead our business from strength to strength in the last several years after we launched our growth journey,” he added.