Latest news with #GautamJain
Zawya
21-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
SC Ventures partners with DIFC Innovation Hub to launch National Venture Studio
Dubai – SC Ventures, Standard Chartered's innovation, FinTech investment and ventures arm, has signed a strategic partnership with DIFC Innovation Hub to launch the National Venture Studio, a new initiative aimed at accelerating innovation and supporting venture creation across the region. As part of the collaboration, SC Ventures is providing its Venture Building as a Service (VBaaS) model to equip DIFC Innovation Hub with the tools, expertise, and frameworks required to operate and scale the National Venture Studio. This strategic service offering brings SC Ventures' global venture-building experience to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) leading innovation ecosystem. VBaaS supports the entire venture creation lifecycle, from identifying market gaps and validating ideas to prototyping, founder recruitment, and scaling. Through this collaboration, SC Ventures and DIFC Innovation Hub aim to enable government entities, corporates, and entrepreneurs to build bold, tech-enabled solutions addressing regional and global challenges. 'DIFC has a 20-year legacy of supporting innovation in the UAE, and this partnership reflects our commitment to shaping the future of entrepreneurship in the region,' said Gautam Jain, Operating Member, SC Ventures. 'Through our VBaaS model, we're proud to empower DIFC Innovation Hub in launching the National Venture Studio, bringing our proven frameworks and capabilities to local innovators.' The National Venture Studio will target a broad set of stakeholders, including individuals, corporates, and public sector entities, with the flexibility to source clients either through DIFC Innovation Hub referrals or joint outreach. The partnership also enables opportunities for co-hosted events, research, and capability-building programs to advance the region's innovation agenda. "This partnership reinforces DIFC Innovation Hub's commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in the UAE. By launching the National Venture Studio with SC Ventures' proven VBaaS model, we are equipping local innovators with the tools and expertise needed to create impactful, tech-enabled solutions." said Mohammad Alblooshi Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Innovation Hub. As the UAE continues to position itself as a global centre for innovation and digital transformation, the launch of the National Venture Studio represents a significant step in nurturing homegrown ventures, supporting economic diversification, and attracting world-class talent to the region. SC Ventures SC Ventures is a business unit that provides a platform and catalyst for Standard Chartered to promote innovation, invest in disruptive financial technology and explore alternative business models. For more information, please visit and follow SC Ventures on LinkedIn. Standard Chartered We are a leading international banking group, with a presence in 53 of the world's most dynamic markets. Our purpose is to drive commerce and prosperity through our unique diversity, and our heritage and values are expressed in our brand promise, here for good. Standard Chartered PLC is listed on the London and Hong Kong stock exchanges. For more stories and expert opinions please visit Insights at Follow Standard Chartered on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. About DIFC: Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is one of the world's most advanced financial centres, and the leading financial hub for the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA), which comprises 77 countries with an approximate population of 3.7bn and an estimated GDP of USD 10.5trn. With a 20-year track record of facilitating trade and investment flows across the MEASA region, the Centre connects these fast-growing markets with the economies of Asia, Europe, and the Americas through Dubai. DIFC is home to an internationally recognised, independent regulator and a proven judicial system with an English common law framework, as well as the region's largest financial ecosystem of 46,000 professionals working across over 6,900 active registered companies – making up the largest and most diverse pool of industry talent in the region. The Centre's vision is to drive the future of finance through cutting-edge technology, innovation, and partnerships. Today, it is the global future of finance and innovation hub offering one of the region's most comprehensive FinTech and venture capital environments, including cost-effective licensing solutions, fit-for-purpose regulation, innovative accelerator programmes, and funding for growth-stage start-ups. Comprising a variety of world-renowned retail and dining venues, a dynamic art and culture scene, residential apartments, hotels, and public spaces, DIFC continues to be one of Dubai's most sought-after business and lifestyle destinations. DIFC is a leading financial hub in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, facilitating trade and investment across these regions. With a 20-year track record, it connects markets in Asia, Europe, and the Americas through Dubai. It hosts over 46,000 professionals and 6,900 companies, and is known for its independent regulator and English common law framework. The Centre focuses on driving finance innovation through technology, partnerships, and comprehensive FinTech environments, offering cost-effective licensing, regulation, accelerator programmes, and funding for start-ups. Additionally, DIFC is a vibrant business and lifestyle destination with retail, dining, art, culture, and residential offerings.
Mid East Info
13-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
SC Ventures and Emirates NBD announce MoU to explore strategic innovation in MENA - Middle East Business News and Information
The strategic partnership seeks to create innovation initiatives within the region in financial services Memorandum of Understanding was signed at Dubai FinTech Summit by SC Ventures and Emirates NBD Dubai, United Arab Emirates, May 2025: SC Ventures, the innovation, FinTech investment, and venture-building arm of Standard Chartered, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Emirates NBD, a leading banking group in the Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye (MENAT) region, to explore strategic opportunities for collaboration. The collaboration outlines the intent of both parties to jointly explore innovation-led initiatives, support ventures in the Middle East and North Africa region, explore investment opportunities, tapping into their respective portfolios, capabilities and market insights. The partnership will focus on identifying synergies across digital innovation, strategic partnerships and venture co-creation in financial services. 'SC Ventures was founded on the vision of rewiring the DNA of banking and building an ecosystem to support this goal. The MoU with Emirates NBD brings together two forward-looking institutions with a shared ambition to accelerate innovation and unlock new value in the MENA region,' said Gautam Jain, Operating Member, SC Ventures. Neeraj Makin, Group Head of Strategy, Analytics, and Venture Capital at Emirates NBD, said: 'Innovation is a cornerstone of everything we do at Emirates NBD. This partnership with SC Ventures directly meets our goal of driving innovation in banking and strengthening our commitment to transform the landscape by creating new opportunities for growth in financial services in the region. This will lead to smarter, intuitive and secure banking experiences for our customers.' The initiative announced at Dubai FinTech Summit also reflects the UAE's growing role as a global hub for financial innovation and its commitment to fostering collaboration within the sector to shape the future of banking and financial services in the region. By bringing together two institutions with a strong track record of innovation and market leadership, the MoU aims to catalyse meaningful progress in digital transformation and regional FinTech development. About SC Ventures: SC Ventures is a business unit that provides a platform and catalyst for Standard Chartered to promote innovation, invest in disruptive financial technology and explore alternative business models. About Emirates NBD: Emirates NBD (DFM: Emirates NBD) is a leading banking group in the MENAT (Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye) region with a presence in 13 countries, serving over 9 million active customers. As of 31st March 2025, total assets were AED 1 trillion, (equivalent to approx. USD 272 billion). The Group has operations in the UAE, Egypt, India, Türkiye, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Austria, Germany, Russia and Bahrain and representative offices in China and Indonesia with a total of 839 branches and 4,539 ATMs / SDMs. Emirates NBD is the leading financial services brand in the UAE with a Brand value of USD 4.54 billion. Emirates NBD Group serves its customers (individuals, businesses, governments, and institutions) and helps them realise their financial objectives through a range of banking products and services including retail banking, corporate and institutional banking, Islamic banking, investment banking, private banking, asset management, global markets and treasury, and brokerage operations. The Group is a key participant in the global digital banking industry with 97% of all financial transactions and requests conducted outside of its branches. The Group also operates Liv, the lifestyle digital bank by Emirates NBD, with close to half a million users, it continues to be the fastest-growing bank in the region. Emirates NBD contributes to the construction of a sustainable future as an active participant and supporter of the UAE's main development and sustainability initiatives, including financial wellness and the inclusion of people of determination. Emirates NBD is committed to supporting the UAE's Year of Sustainability as Principal Banking Partner of COP28 and an early supporter to the Dubai Can sustainability initiative, a city-wide initiative aimed to reduce use of single-use plastic bottled water.
Zawya
13-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
SC Ventures and Emirates NBD announce MoU to explore strategic innovation in MENA
Memorandum of Understanding was signed at Dubai FinTech Summit by SC Ventures and Emirates NBD Dubai, United Arab Emirates: SC Ventures, the innovation, FinTech investment, and venture-building arm of Standard Chartered, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Emirates NBD, a leading banking group in the Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye (MENAT) region, to explore strategic opportunities for collaboration. The collaboration outlines the intent of both parties to jointly explore innovation-led initiatives, support ventures in the Middle East and North Africa region, explore investment opportunities, tapping into their respective portfolios, capabilities and market insights. The partnership will focus on identifying synergies across digital innovation, strategic partnerships and venture co-creation in financial services. 'SC Ventures was founded on the vision of rewiring the DNA of banking and building an ecosystem to support this goal. The MoU with Emirates NBD brings together two forward-looking institutions with a shared ambition to accelerate innovation and unlock new value in the MENA region,' said Gautam Jain, Operating Member, SC Ventures. Neeraj Makin, Group Head of Strategy, Analytics, and Venture Capital at Emirates NBD, said: 'Innovation is a cornerstone of everything we do at Emirates NBD. This partnership with SC Ventures directly meets our goal of driving innovation in banking and strengthening our commitment to transform the landscape by creating new opportunities for growth in financial services in the region. This will lead to smarter, intuitive and secure banking experiences for our customers.' The initiative announced at Dubai FinTech Summit also reflects the UAE's growing role as a global hub for financial innovation and its commitment to fostering collaboration within the sector to shape the future of banking and financial services in the region. By bringing together two institutions with a strong track record of innovation and market leadership, the MoU aims to catalyse meaningful progress in digital transformation and regional FinTech development. About SC Ventures SC Ventures is a business unit that provides a platform and catalyst for Standard Chartered to promote innovation, invest in disruptive financial technology and explore alternative business models. For more information, please visit and follow SC Ventures on LinkedIn. About Emirates NBD Emirates NBD (DFM: Emirates NBD) is a leading banking group in the MENAT (Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye) region with a presence in 13 countries, serving over 9 million active customers. As of 31st March 2025, total assets were AED 1 trillion, (equivalent to approx. USD 272 billion). The Group has operations in the UAE, Egypt, India, Türkiye, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Austria, Germany, Russia and Bahrain and representative offices in China and Indonesia with a total of 839 branches and 4,539 ATMs / SDMs. Emirates NBD is the leading financial services brand in the UAE with a Brand value of USD 4.54 billion. Emirates NBD Group serves its customers (individuals, businesses, governments, and institutions) and helps them realise their financial objectives through a range of banking products and services including retail banking, corporate and institutional banking, Islamic banking, investment banking, private banking, asset management, global markets and treasury, and brokerage operations. The Group is a key participant in the global digital banking industry with 97% of all financial transactions and requests conducted outside of its branches. The Group also operates Liv, the lifestyle digital bank by Emirates NBD, with close to half a million users, it continues to be the fastest-growing bank in the region. Emirates NBD contributes to the construction of a sustainable future as an active participant and supporter of the UAE's main development and sustainability initiatives, including financial wellness and the inclusion of people of determination. Emirates NBD is committed to supporting the UAE's Year of Sustainability as Principal Banking Partner of COP28 and an early supporter to the Dubai Can sustainability initiative, a city-wide initiative aimed to reduce use of single-use plastic bottled water. For further information on Emirates NBD, please contact: Ibrahim Sowaidan Senior Vice President Head - Group Corporate Affairs Emirates NBD e-mail: ibrahims@ Burson Dubai, UAE
Arabian Business
03-04-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Standard Chartered's SC Ventures to replicate Asia, Africa SME model in GCC
SC Ventures, Standard Chartered's innovation, fintech investment and ventures arm, aims to replicate its successful SME building strategy in India, Southeast Asia and Africa to the GCC, and plans to roll out an ambitious growth plan through a series of strategic tie-ups. The UK banking major arm is gearing up for a major expansion in the GCC region, with an aggressive strategy to tap into the region's estimated over $200 billion financing opportunity, especially in the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector, its top executive revealed. 'SMEs are the backbone of the economy, and our aim is to equip them with all necessary tools to grow and thrive – safely and profitably,' Gautam Jain, Member, Head of SC Ventures – Middle East, told Arabian Business in an exclusive interview. UAE named best country for entrepreneurs in 2025 The expansion, planned in a phased manner, will see the UK banking major arm launching in the UAE and Saudi Arabia over the next 9-12 months, with entry into other markets in the region in due course. 'The unmet financing needs alone in GCC is guesstimated to be over $200 billion. This, coupled with low digital penetration, presents a significant opportunity to provide relevant support to the SMEs and help UAE realise its ambition for SME support and growth,' he said. Co-create and build model central to GCC strategy The Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) arm has already sewed up some high-profile partnerships in the region with big names such as Visa, LuLu Financial Holdings and 7X, and is looking to strike more such collaborations to head a start in the Middle East market. Jain said SC Venture's model is to co-create and build along with strategic partners who have a shared vision of unlocking the opportunity in the SME space by addressing their key pain points. It intends to leverage its complementary strengths to address the problem and opportunity, rather than attempt to do it by itself, he said, adding that the company's collaboration with like-minded partners, who are committed to SME support, acts as a catalyst for growth by unlocking shared resources and expertise. 'We bring to the table our expertise in building, scaling global ventures, including SME ventures, in other markets, our vast geographical network and clients, and human-centered design in co-creating ventures. 'Coupled this with our deep expertise in trade and supply chains, and associated financing, we believe that we are uniquely positioned in this space,' the SC Venture's chief executive said. He expressed the hope that overall, the company's initiative will not only reduce barriers, but also accelerate innovation, making them pivotal for the UAE's economic diversification. As for the expansion plans in the region, Jain said the company is planning to launch in UAE and KSA over the next 9-12 months, and that it will have a phased approach. 'We will adopt a sector-led strategy and evaluate other countries in the region progressively. Expansion targets evolving Middle East SME sector 'We have similar experience in building SME ventures in India, Southeast Asia and Africa and we are confident to now bring this expertise to the [GCC] region,' he said. Jain said the company is hopeful of huge growth potential in the region at a time when the SME sector in the Middle East is evolving, with businesses moving beyond traditional industries such as trading and construction. 'This shift is driven by technological advancements and supportive government initiatives, enabling SMEs to explore new opportunities in sectors like fintech, e-commerce, and healthcare. 'This trend is also part of a broader regional effort to diversify economies and reduce dependence on oil, positioning the Middle East as a competitive player across a range of industries,' he said, adding that SC Venture's strategy is to aid these efforts with ambitious financing and investment plans along with its partners. 'Reconnecting society with finance is what SC Ventures stands for. This synergy not only expands customer reach across borders but also enhances financial inclusion and operational efficiency for SMEs, setting off a virtuous cycle of sustainable growth and aligning us to UAE's nation-building agenda,' he said. The SCB arm is starting its aggressive GCC expansion with a bang by stitching up partnerships with some big names in the sector. While it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Visa, a world leader in digital payments, to develop solutions aimed at supporting SMEs across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region early this month, the company has announced partnerships with 7X, a leading trade, transport, and logistics investment and holding group, and LuLu Financial during the Abu Dhabi Finance Week last year to explore collaborative opportunities and co-create an SME focused startup in the region. Jain said these collaborations mark a major milestone in fostering entrepreneurship and fintech innovation in the Middle East. 'Together with our partners, we are committed to supporting the growth of startups and contributing to the region's thriving fintech ecosystem,' he said. In the UAE alone, SMEs are estimated to account for over 63.5 per cent of the country's non-oil GDP, making them a central element of the nation's economic strategy.
