24-03-2025
Venture Capital and startups in the UAE's thriving economy
Junaid Iqbal, a long-time resident of Dubai, has played an active role in shaping the professional and economic landscape of the region. With extensive experience in venture capital, he is currently the Founder and CEO of Salt Ventures, a UAE-based firm dedicated to investing in innovative startups.
Junaid's expertise in startup financing has supported numerous young entrepreneurs across Pakistan, the Middle East, and Saudi Arabia. He is particularly optimistic about the UAE's economic environment, praising its business-friendly policies and forward-thinking leadership.
"With its world-class infrastructure and ability to anticipate the future, the UAE has firmly established itself on the global economic stage. The country's prosperity has grown exponentially, driven by the vision of its rulers, who continuously integrate new ideas, technology, and cultural advancements," he said.
A Key Player in Venture Capital and Media
Recently, Junaid gained regional recognition as an investor panellist on Shark Tank Pakistan, a widely acclaimed business reality show. The programme, televised across the region, provided a groundbreaking platform for Pakistani entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas. Junaid described the experience as 'incredible,' as it was Pakistan's first major initiative of its kind. 'Many participants presented innovative ideas, and beyond being an educational experience, the show helped young entrepreneurs secure crucial funding to bring their visions to life,' he added.
He firmly believes in the potential of young entrepreneurs, observing a global trend of individuals eager to launch their own startups. As an entrepreneur himself, Junaid understands the challenges that come with building a business and is committed to supporting emerging founders.
Currently, Junaid is leading two major ventures:
Salt Ventures: A startup investment firm that focuses on sectors such as fintech, agritech, and healthtech.
Caravan Media: A digital media company specialising in business and economic content, catering to an audience seeking expert insights on regional industries.
Through Caravan Media, Junaid aims to highlight the vast opportunities in emerging sectors like mergers and acquisitions, blockchain, artificial intelligence, and finance. His goal is to create functional media products that inform and empower professionals across industries.
With a deep understanding of venture capital and media, Junaid continues to contribute to the region's startup ecosystem, helping businesses scale and thrive in an ever-evolving economic landscape.
