Latest news with #ewpartners
Gulf Business
5 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
From Saudi to Hong Kong: Tahaluf, ewpartners take LEAP global with Asia debut
Annabelle Mander, EVP at Tahaluf, along with Jessica Wong, founder and managing partner of ewpartners. Tahaluf, the organiser of Saudi Arabia's flagship technology event LEAP, has announced a strategic partnership with global investment firm ewpartners to launch LEAP East, a new Asia-Pacific edition of the mega event. It will take place in Hong Kong from 8-10 July 2026, marking the first time LEAP is held outside the Kingdom. The move underscores Saudi Arabia's deepening strategic focus on Asia and positions Hong Kong as a new gateway for Middle Eastern engagement with China and the broader region. 'With this timely and strategic expansion, we are bringing LEAP's award-winning vision and world-class innovation into this exciting new Hong Kong venture, creating a powerful platform for entrepreneurs, investors, and businesses to connect, collaborate and build the future of technology,' said Faisal AlKhamisi, chairman of the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP), during an announcement at LEAP 2025 in Riyadh. 'Attendees will engage directly with the world's leading innovators, investors, and industry pioneers, making LEAP East a must-attend event for anyone shaping the digital future,' he added. LEAP East is expected to attract over 25,000 visitors, more than 200 speakers, and 300+ exhibitors across AI, fintech, healthtech, deeptech and more. Featured speakers will include Luanne Lim, CEO of HSBC Hong Kong; Jeanne Lim, CEO of beingAI and co-creator of Sophia the Robot; and Harry Man, founding partner at Matrix Partners. The event will also feature investment zones, startup showcases and exclusive networking sessions such as LEAP East Nights. The announcement was made during the opening of ewpartners' new Hong Kong office, attended by over 100 senior officials and business leaders from Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong. Attendees included representatives from OASES, HKEX, UBS, and HSBC. Peter Yan, director general of Hong Kong's Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES), said LEAP East 'could serve as a dynamic bridge between Hong Kong and the Middle East, empowering enterprises to collaborate, co-develop innovations, and unlock new market opportunities together. We appreciate ewpartners' pivotal role in making this initiative a reality, strengthening cross-regional partnerships, driving global growth through shared success, and reinforcing Hong Kong's position as a global innovation hub.' LEAP was launched in Riyadh in 2021 through a partnership with Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and SAFCSP. In 2025, the event drew 215,000+ attendees, 1,800+ exhibitors, and 1,600+ investors, generating $14.9bn in announced deals and an economic impact of $820m. Annabelle Mander, executive vice president at Tahaluf, said: 'LEAP was created in Riyadh to position Saudi Arabia as a global innovation hub. After four record-breaking editions, we're taking our next bold step, bringing LEAP to Hong Kong. This city is not only a gateway to Asia, but a proven launchpad for global ambitions. Through our partnership with ewpartners, we're proud to build a platform that unites Saudi and Asian-Pacific innovators on one world stage.' Jessica Wong, founder and managing partner of ewpartners, added: 'Our mission at ewpartners is to unlock high-value opportunities between the Middle East and Asia. We have been partnering with Tahaluf on LEAP for 5 years, and LEAP East further reflects that mission in action. Hong Kong has the connectivity, credibility, and creativity to host Asia's most ambitious tech platform, and we are honoured to help bring it to life.' The collaboration aims to mirror the impact of LEAP's Riyadh editions and drive significant business tourism and cross-border partnerships across Asia.
Zawya
6 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Ewpartners expands to Hong Kong backed by Saudi Vision for global growth
The ongoing development of Saudi Vision 2030 is unlocking industry opportunities and accelerating cross-border cooperation with international investors, particularly in the rapidly growing capital markets sector. In collaboration with CMF Hong Kong, co-hosted by Saudi Tadawul Group and HKEX, ewpartners co-organized a luncheon that brought together over 100 key figures from government, investment, and entrepreneurial sectors across Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, and China. The new ewpartners office in Hong Kong was officially opened, with Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu highlighting the city's strategic role as a bridge between Asia and the Middle East, fostering innovation and growth. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Driven by Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, industrial growth has accelerated, fostering stronger cross-border cooperation, particularly with Asia. The capital markets between Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, and China have witnessed unprecedented vitality, with landmark deals such as CATL's $5.3 billion IPO and BYD's HK$43.5 billion H-share placement attracting substantial participation from Middle Eastern investors. Additionally, the Premia BOCHK Saudi Arabia Government Sukuk ETF began trading on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, a significant development announced during the second edition of CMF Hong Kong. During CMF Hong Kong, the luncheon co-hosted by ewpartners, CMF Hong Kong, Saudi Tadawul Group (STG), and HKEX marked a key milestone in strengthening capital market ties between Asia and the Middle East. Over 100 key representatives from government agencies, investment institutions, and entrepreneurs from Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong attended the event. The opening of ewpartners' new Hong Kong office was the main highlight of the luncheon, with Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu emphasizing the city's strategic role as a bridge between Asia and the Middle East, driving innovation and growth. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu graciously provided the following message for the opening of ewpartners' Hong Kong office: 'Fostering Strategic Partnerships across Borders, Driving Innovation, Growth, and Prosperity.' This message reflects Hong Kong's commitment to serving as the premier platform connecting Asia and the Middle East. Mohammed Al-Rumaih, CEO of Saudi Exchange, stated, 'We are seeing strong growth in the Saudi capital markets, with record IPOs and increased investor participation, reinforcing our position as a leading global exchange. The Saudi-Hong Kong collaboration is key to this success, exemplified by Sahm Capital, supported by ewpartners, becoming one of Saudi Arabia's fastest-growing fintech companies.' Dr. Bernard Chan, Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, highlighted Hong Kong's unique position as a global business hub, offering a mix of international and China advantages. 'With the rule of law, free capital flow, a competitive tax system, and world-class infrastructure, Hong Kong provides unmatched benefits for businesses worldwide, including those from the Middle East.' Cliff Chau, Managing Partner of ewpartners, said, 'Since our 2017 launch in Saudi Arabia, ewpartners has successfully bridged capital and expertise between Asia and the Middle East through over 20 projects. Our Hong Kong office will drive cross-regional collaboration, innovation, and growth, aligning with Hong Kong's role as a 'super connector.' We're excited to contribute to the ongoing success of Asia-Middle East cooperation.' With eight years of experience, ewpartners has formed strategic partnerships with leading Hong Kong-based tech companies, including Alibaba Cloud (HKG:9988), J&T Express (HKG:1519), and Leshines, a Lenovo supply chain arm (HKG:0992). These collaborations support Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, enabling businesses to leverage Hong Kong's strategic position and technology to create new industry opportunities in partnership with Saudi Arabia. These insights were outlined in ewpartners' whitepaper, Asia to Arabia: Strategic Investment Pathways in the GCC, released during the luncheon. The event highlights a new chapter in deepening ties between Asia and the Middle East, with Hong Kong emerging as a key investment and innovation hub, and ewpartners positioned as a central player in this transformation. About ewpartners ewpartners (formerly eWTP Arabia Capital) is an international investment firm specialising in cross-border investments between Asia and the Middle East. Backed by Sovereign Wealth Funds and investors from ASIA and the GCC, the firm has been active in Saudi Arabia since 2017 and was the first investment firm to launch a cross-border platform between the Kingdom and China. Headquartered in Riyadh, ewpartners focuses on building value across borders by establishing strategic partnerships with exceptional companies. Our team's expertise in shaping innovative conducive policy frameworks can support governments in fostering economic transformation and diversification driven by innovation and technology. We are committed to investing in, supporting, and growing successful businesses across the Asia and Middle East regions, with a focus on key industries and themes such as digital infrastructure & solutions, advanced manufacturing & energy transition, and logistics & consumer enablement. To Access White Paper:
Arab News
13-02-2025
- Business
- Arab News
PIF-backed ewpartners leads $48m investment in Valuable Capital to propel fintech expansion
RIYADH: A $48 million investment in Valuable Capital, led by Public Investment Fund-backed ewpartners, will soon expand the Saudi fintech sector, revealed a top official from the funding firm. Speaking to Arab News on the sidelines of the PIF Private Sector Forum taking place from Feb. 12-13 in Riyadh, co-founder and Managing Partner of ewpartners Jessica Wong explained that the amount would be utilized in the company's initial public offering route. The investment aligns with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals of advancing fintech development and economic diversification, with the industry expected to contribute 4.4 percent to the Kingdom's gross domestic product, according to a statement. Valuable Capital Financial Co., a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based financial institution Valuable Capital Group Ltd, received a license in 2022 from Saudi Arabia's Capital Market Authority to provide custody, advice, and dealing services in the Kingdom. 'We invested in this company three and half years ago, and this time, we continue. We launch a new product, targeting $1 billion, and we continue to invest in this company and kick off their IPO procedure,' Wong said. 'It will be in the company's IPO route to support the company, not just kick off the IPO procedure in the target market, but also for further expansion in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) region,' she added. The co-founder explained the importance of PIF's support in enabling their role in the local market, citing how their initial partnership laid the foundation for future investments. 'The reason we will be able to play a significant role and also to focus on the most critical sectors here in the local market is because, you know, five years ago, PIF is playing the role as our anchor LP (limited partner) of our first regional focus, a fund here in the GCC with a $400 million and through the fund, we invest a portfolio company like a Valuable Capital,' Wong said. 'Because our performance is to exceed our expectation, we will be able to launch our second fund, which is also targeting $1 billion,' she added. During the interview, the managing partner also tackled the rise of fintech in the Kingdom. 'Seven years ago, when we first launched this platform to serve the local growth and expansion, actually we identify ourselves as the co-builder of the local ecosystem, and we have invested across different sectors like digital infrastructure, digital enablement and also cross-border service and beyond,' Wong said. 'Fintech, in our eyes, is one of the most important sectors to support the local ecosystem growth in a more sustainable and more healthy way,' she added. 'This is one of the perfect examples how, as a one of the PIF portfolio, we invest in a particular sector, double the commitment and support its fast growth and also leveraging more FDI (foreign direct investment) and more know-how to support the company, play a bigger role in the global market and build themselves as another successful story,' Wong said. The managing director used the interview to shed light on some updates regarding the KSA-Sino Logistics Special Economic Zone. 'This is one of the projects we have been working on for more than five years. Last October, we were able to sign the MOU (memorandum of understanding) together with our strategic partner, which is King Salman International Airport. So, through this framework of our cooperation, we are working very closely with KSIA, the company itself, to make sure that we will be able to build a platform not just for ewpartners portfolio but also for all the ecosystem players, those who are looking to enter Saudi market as a hub or for their global expansion,' she said. 'The pressure is to come from (a) different angle. One of the biggest motivations for us to continue our work and put together our effort is because there is a huge demand here in the market,' the managing partner added. Wong also said: 'So, our project inside the new expansion of the airport will be one of their top choices, and we've already received a lot of requests to further discuss when we can launch and upper running service them, and hopefully, we will start the construction this year.' Now in its third year, the forum — which united more than 90 PIF-backed companies — aims to strengthen supply chains, boost local manufacturing, and accelerate economic diversification under Vision 2030.
