Investment firm Aliph Capital designates a Managing Director to oversee its Saudi Arabian endeavors.
Aliph Capital Expands Operations in Saudi Arabia
Aliph Capital, the UAE-based private equity firm and the region's first female-led private equity firm, is actively expanding its presence in Saudi Arabia. The firm has appointed Hanadi Al Ali as Managing Director to lead its operations in the Kingdom [2][3][4].
Aliph Capital was founded in 2021 by Huda Al-Lawati. The firm plans to invest in about eight to ten mid-sized companies over the next four to five years, primarily in Saudi Arabia and the UAE [1].
The firm targets investments in companies with annual revenues of at least AED 100 million ($27.2 million) and aims to deploy between $15 million and $40 million per portfolio company [1]. Aliph's focus sectors in Saudi Arabia include consumer goods, education (higher and continued education certification), energy (both oil & gas and renewables), transport, and logistics [1].
So far, Aliph has made two known investments. In November 2022, the firm made its debut investment by acquiring The Pet Shop from Kasamar Holdings [1]. In December 2024, Aliph acquired a 25% stake in Sanipex Group, a company that provides bathroom, kitchen, surface, lighting, and outdoor solutions to retail, corporate, and trade customers across the GCC and beyond [1].
Hanadi Al Ali, the new Managing Director, brings over 25 years of regional investment and financial services experience. She previously served as Vice President of Placement and Advisory at Malaz Capital [2][3]. Her appointment and the Riyadh office opening underscore Aliph’s commitment to actively manage and grow its business operations and investments in Saudi Arabia’s fast-growing economy [2][3][4].
Aliph Capital's debut fund, Aliph Fund I, was recently finalized at $200 million, 20% below its target size of $250 million [6]. The fund is anchored by Abu Dhabi-based sovereign wealth fund ADQ and backed by limited partners such as Saudi Venture Capital and Jada Fund of Funds [3].
In an interview in 2023, Aliph's founder and CEO, Huda Al-Lawati, mentioned that the firm is scouting for investment opportunities within five broad sectors in the mid-market segment [7]. With the appointment of Hanadi Al Ali and the establishment of a local presence, Aliph Capital is well-positioned to make a significant impact in Saudi Arabia's growing economy.
References:
- Aliph Capital
- Zawya
- Arab News
- Gulf Business
- Saudi Gazette
- The National
- Khaleej Times
- As Aliph Capital expands its operations in Saudi Arabia, the firm is committed to investing in mid-sized businesses across sectors like education (higher and continued education certification), technology, business, and finance, while also exploring opportunities in sectors like energy, transport, and logistics.
- With the appointment of Hanadi Al Ali as Managing Director and the establishment of a local presence, Aliph Capital is poised to leverage her extensive regional investment and financial services experience to make significant contributions to Saudi Arabia's growing economy, especially in the areas of business development, education, self-development, and technology.
