Latest news with #MichaelLints
Qatar Living
20-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Living
USQBC Doha, IFC, and Golden Gate Ventures host strategic forum on private sector growth
On May 18 in Doha, the US-Qatar Business Council (USQBC) Doha, in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, and Golden Gate Ventures, co-hosted a high-level forum focused on advancing private sector engagement, startup innovation, and cross-border investment. The event supported Qatar's Third National Development Strategy (NDS3), underscoring the country's commitment to economic diversification and global collaboration. The half-day program brought together key stakeholders for high-level panels and interactive roundtables focused on early-stage venture formation, capital strategy, ecosystem development, and scaling strategies. Designed to foster peer exchange and practical insight, the event offered actionable takeaways for startups, investors, and ecosystem enablers across Qatar and the MENA region. Aligned with the strategic objectives of NDS3, the forum emphasized economic diversification, entrepreneurial growth, knowledge-based industries, and priority economic clusters, including a digital economy. It also reinforced USQBC Doha's role in advancing Qatar's economic transformation by empowering private sector growth and activating international partnerships. Through their deep expertise and ecosystem networks, IFC and Golden Gate Ventures are working to support Qatar's future as a hub of innovation by fostering connections that will drive impactful investment and long-term development. Speaking at the event, Sheikha Mayes Al Thani, USQBC Doha managing director, commented: 'This forum reflects our commitment to enabling global-private sector dialogue that drives sustainable growth. By convening capital, capability, and innovation, we're proud to support Qatar's journey toward a resilient and diversified economy.' Echoing this sentiment, Michael Lints, Partner, Golden Gate Ventures, stated: 'We are excited that the forum brings together international and regional top-tier investors and founders to Qatar. The venture capital sector plays a pivotal role in fostering entrepreneurship, driving technological advancements, and contributing to long-term growth.' Kareem Aziz, MENA Regional Lead for Venture Capital, IFC, added: 'Our partnership with Qatar is a longstanding one. We've supported Qatari companies in expanding beyond their local market. We now hope to bring the same value to the country's growing venture capital and entrepreneurship ecosystem.' USQBC Doha serves as the Council's dedicated in-market platform, focused on advancing private sector growth, cross-border collaboration, and strategic investment. As a trusted partner to business and policy stakeholders, USQBC Doha translates shared priorities into tangible outcomes through high-level convening, market intelligence, policy alignment, and strategic facilitation. By supporting the development of a competitive, innovation-driven private sector, the Doha office plays a central role in fostering sustainable economic progress and unlocking new opportunities. --- Make sure to check out our social media to keep track of the latest content. Instagram - @qatarliving X - @qatarliving Facebook - Qatar Living YouTube - qatarlivingofficial
Times of Oman
22-02-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
OIA invests in Singapore's Golden Gate Ventures Fund
Muscat: Oman Investment Authority (OIA) has announced its investment in the new Singaporean investment fund, Golden Gate Ventures, which focuses on investing in startups in the Middle East. The fund has a capital of USD 100 million, aligning with the government's efforts to support startups and boost investments that stimulate innovation and support entrepreneurship. The partnership aims to empower Omani startups, attract and stimulate foreign direct investments, and transfer knowledge to the local market. It also aims to create job opportunities for Omani youth and support the establishment of research and development centres, thereby enhancing Oman's position as a regional hub for innovation and tech investment. The fund has already initiated its investments in the region by investing in the Omani company (Bayanat), which specialises in providing data analytics solutions through the Software as a Service (SaaS) model. This investment aligns with OIA's focus on supporting startups, in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 to enhance the digital economy and support Omani entrepreneurs. Ibrahim bin Said Al Eisri, Head of Private Markets Investments at OIA, stated that this partnership is part of the Authority's efforts to diversify its investments and enhance the Omani aspect in its international projects by redirecting these investments towards local sectors. This contributes to driving economic development and encouraging technological innovation. He added that this move supports the Authority's national agenda by investing in future-oriented sectors such as renewable energy, technology, artificial intelligence, and medical technology. It also aims to create job opportunities for youth and sustainable business opportunities for local companies. Michael Lints, Partner at Golden Gate Ventures for the Middle East and North Africa, emphasised that the cooperation with OIA is a significant milestone for the company, contributing effectively to shaping the future of innovation and entrepreneurship in the region and establishing a solid foundation for expanding and enhancing sustainable values for investors. He pointed out that under this partnership, Golden Gate Ventures plans to open an office in Oman. This will enhance its investments in Omani startups, attract local talents, and support initial and seed funding programs. It will also strengthen connections with the investment ecosystem in Southeast Asia, accelerating the flow of foreign investment into the local market. Golden Gate Ventures is one of the prominent investment funds specialising in supporting startups. Founded in 2011, the Singaporean fund has invested in over 100 companies across Asia, the USA, and Europe, including nine unicorn companies.
Zawya
28-01-2025
- Business
- Zawya
BioSapien extends funding to $7mln, places UAE as global medtech hub
UAE – Healthtech BioSapien has successfully extended its pre-Series A funding round to $7 million, anchoring UAE's position as a global medtech hub, according to a press release. The platform will use the investment to tackle escalating cancer rates by leveraging advanced 3D printing technology. MediChip™ offers an advanced approach to deliver localised treatment, reducing systemic side effects, and improving patient outcomes. The funding will accelerate clinical trials in the UAE for MediChip™, BioSapien's patented 3D-printed, slow-release drug delivery platform. Additionally, the capital will be allocated to product development and scaling manufacturing capabilities. Meanwhile, the UAE clinical trials set to begin in the second quarter (Q2) of 2025. The extension follows December's $5.50 million pre-Series A funding round, which was led by MENA's leading VC firm Global Ventures, with additional participation from Dara Holdings. Khatija Ali, CEO and Founder of BioSapien, said: 'Together, we are working towards a future where localized cancer treatment becomes the global standard.' Michael Lints, Partner at Golden Gate Ventures MENA, commented: 'Investing in BioSapien aligns with our commitment to supporting transformative technologies that address significant global challenges.' 'This investment not only supports a groundbreaking technology but also reinforces the Gulf region's role as a global leader in healthcare innovation,' Lints added.
Wamda
27-01-2025
- Business
- Wamda
BioSapien extends its pre-Series A round to $7 million
UAE-based healthtech BioSapien has extended its pre-Series A funding round to $7 million, joined by new investors like Golden Gate Ventures, marking the first deployment of its dedicated MENA Fund. Founded in 2018 by Khatija Ali, BioSapien offers a flagship product, MediChip™, which is a drug delivery, 3D-printed, slow-release delivery platform attachable to any tissue with minimal systemic side effects. The extension follows December's $5.5 million pre-Series A funding round, which was led by Global Ventures, with additional participation from Dara Holdings. Press release: BioSapien, the pioneering biotech company behind MediChip™, a revolutionary localised cancer treatment platform, has successfully extended its pre-Series A funding round to $7 million. This milestone includes new strategic investment from leading investors, including Golden Gate Ventures, marking its first deployment through its dedicated MENA Fund. The urgency to tackle escalating cancer rates, coupled with the UAE's forward-thinking healthcare initiatives, makes this the ideal moment for BioSapien's expansion. By leveraging advanced 3D printing technology, MediChip™ offers a breakthrough approach by delivering targeted, localised treatment, reducing systemic side effects, and improving patient outcomes. This innovation aligns seamlessly with the UAE's focus on elevating quality of life through technology. This investment reinforces BioSapien's commitment to advancing patient-centred oncology solutions while contributing to the UAE's growing prominence as a global leader in health innovation. The funding will accelerate clinical trials in the UAE for MediChip™, BioSapien's patented 3D-printed, slow-release drug delivery platform, with UAE clinical trials set to begin in Q2 2025. Additionally, the capital will be allocated to product development and scaling manufacturing capabilities. The UAE's dedication to fostering cutting-edge medical advancements is pivotal to BioSapien's mission. MediChip™'s first-in-region clinical trials represent a significant milestone, enhancing Abu Dhabi's position as a global healthcare innovation hub. The collaboration with local stakeholders underscores the Gulf region's potential as a key player in pioneering treatments that address global healthcare challenges. The extension follows December's $5.5 million pre-Series A funding round, which was led by MENA's leading VC firm Global Ventures, with additional participation from Dara Holdings. Khatija Ali, CEO and Founder of BioSapien, said: 'We are delighted to announce our new investment and are grateful for all the support we have received. The expertise and belief in our vision from our investors come at a critical juncture as we initiate clinical trials in Abu Dhabi. Together, we are working towards a future where localised cancer treatment becomes the global standard.' Michael Lints, Partner at Golden Gate Ventures MENA, commented: 'Having met CEO and Founder Khatija at Hub71 in Abu Dhabi, we were instantly impressed by her passion and vision. Investing in BioSapien aligns with our commitment to supporting transformative technologies that address significant global challenges. This investment not only supports a groundbreaking technology but also reinforces the Gulf region's role as a global leader in healthcare innovation.' BioSapien's flagship product - MediChip™ - is a drug delivery, 3D-printed, slow-release delivery platform attachable to any tissue with minimal systemic side effects. By delivering medication directly to the tumour, MediChip™ minimises side effects often associated with systemic chemotherapy. Local delivery also requires fewer quantities of drugs to be used while still effectively treating the tumour. Initially, BioSapien is developing its platform for clinical trials in colorectal cancer patients, with scope to branch out to other cancers (pancreatic, lung), and non-cancer indications such as opioids, hormones, biologics, and cell and gene therapies. The company's mission is to treat over one million patients by 2035 via its versatile technology.
Zawya
27-01-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Biosapien extends Pre-Series A funding round to $7mln
Abu Dhabi, U.A.E – BioSapien, the pioneering biotech company behind MediChip™, a revolutionary localized cancer treatment platform, has successfully extended its pre-Series A funding round to $7 million. This milestone includes new strategic investment from leading investors including Golden Gate Ventures, marking its first deployment through its dedicated MENA Fund. The urgency to tackle escalating cancer rates, coupled with the UAE's forward-thinking healthcare initiatives, makes this the ideal moment for BioSapien's expansion. By leveraging advanced 3D printing technology, MediChip™ offers a breakthrough approach by delivering targeted, localized treatment, reducing systemic side effects, and improving patient outcomes. This innovation aligns seamlessly with the UAE's focus on elevating quality of life through technology. This investment reinforces BioSapien's commitment to advancing patient-centered oncology solutions while contributing to the UAE's growing prominence as a global leader in health innovation. The funding will accelerate clinical trials in the UAE for MediChip™, BioSapien's patented 3D-printed, slow-release drug delivery platform, with UAE clinical trials set to begin in Q2 2025. Additionally, the capital will be allocated to product development and scaling manufacturing capabilities. The UAE's dedication to fostering cutting-edge medical advancements is pivotal to BioSapien's mission. MediChip™'s first-in-region clinical trials represent a significant milestone, enhancing Abu Dhabi's position as a global healthcare innovation hub. The collaboration with local stakeholders underscores the Gulf region's potential as a key player in pioneering treatments that address global healthcare challenges. The extension follows December's $5.5 million pre-Series A funding round - which was led by MENA's leading VC firm – Global Ventures, with additional participation from Dara Holdings. Khatija Ali, CEO and Founder of BioSapien, said: 'We are delighted to announce our new investment and are grateful for all the support we have received. The expertise and belief in our vision from our investors comes at a critical juncture as we initiate clinical trials in Abu Dhabi. Together, we are working towards a future where localized cancer treatment becomes the global standard.' Michael Lints, Partner at Golden Gate Ventures MENA, commented: 'Having met CEO and Founder Khatija at Hub71 in Abu Dhabi, we were instantly impressed by her passion and vision. Investing in BioSapien aligns with our commitment to supporting transformative technologies that address significant global challenges. This investment not only supports a groundbreaking technology but also reinforces the Gulf region's role as a global leader in healthcare innovation.' BioSapien's flagship product - MediChip™ - is a drug delivery, 3D-printed, slow-release delivery platform attachable to any tissue with minimal systemic side effects. By delivering medication directly to the tumor, MediChip™ minimizes side effects often associated with systemic chemotherapy. Local delivery also requires less quantities of drugs to be used, while still effectively treating the tumor. Initially, BioSapien is developing its platform for clinical trials in colorectal cancer patients, with scope to branch out to other cancers (pancreatic, lung), and non-cancer indications such as opioids, hormones, biologics, cell and gene therapies. The company's mission is to treat over one million patients by 2035 via its versatile technology. -Ends- Further information Thoburns Johanna Lawson-Dick About Golden Gate Ventures Golden Gate Ventures is a global, early-stage venture capital firm that empowers audacious founders across 3 continents. Founded in 2011, Golden Gate Ventures combines the knowledge and experience of Silicon Valley with the passion and experience in emerging startup ecosystems, establishing local roots with global reach. For over a decade, the firm's role is not just to fund founders as investors, but to nurture vibrant startup ecosystems with sustained growth. Golden Gate Ventures has invested in over 90 companies with 9 unicorns and 2 IPOs across its portfolio. Notable companies include Carro, Coda Payments, Stripe, Carousell, Xendit, AngelList, and Multiplier. For more information, visit
