Investing in startups and businesses that align with Islamic finance principles has become increasingly important for Muslim and ethical investors. Halal investment angel networks provide a unique opportunity to support emerging Halal businesses with promising growth prospects. These networks aim to bridge the investment gap for investors who are keen to invest in halal startups.
In this article, we will introduce you to a number angel investment groups that are making a significant impact in the world of Halal and ethical investing.
1. HASAN.VC Angel Group
Overview:
HASAN.VC stands out in the venture capital landscape with its unique mission to fuel the growth of impactful and halal startups. This people-powered VC Fund is designed not only to provide capital but also to offer strategic advisory, ensuring that the most promising ventures achieve their full potential.
Funded and backed by the HASAN.VC Angel Investor Group, which spans multiple regions, the firm invests in companies driven by ethics and purpose across Southeast Asia (SEA) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Focus Area:
Investing in a diverse portfolio of 40 halal tech startups at an early stage from SEA and GCC. The focus on these regions is driven by the immense potential and growth opportunities they offer, particularly in the halal economy.
Strengths and Unique Features:
- Islamic Economy Focus: The global Islamic economy is projected to grow from $6.25 trillion in 2022 to nearly $9 trillion by 2027. Despite this rapid growth, there is a notable shortage of early-stage venture capital and accelerator programs for halal startups. HASAN.VC addresses this gap by leveraging the support of its enthusiastic angel investor community, all committed to uplifting the halal economy.
- Ethis Group Affiliation: The angel group comes under Ethis – a leading fintech and investment group with licenses, platforms, apps, and funds in multiple jurisdictions. The formation of the HASAN.VC Angel Investor Group under Ethis underscores a shared commitment to ethical investment and innovation.
Success stories:
HASAN.VC’s Angel Group has a track record of notable investments that exemplify its mission and vision. Some of the success stories include:
- Jibble: A SaaS platform for workforce management and payrolls, providing efficient solutions for businesses.
- Telcov: A company focused on the upcycling of electronic waste, contributing to sustainability and environmental protection.
- GlobalSadaqah: An award-winning platform for CSR, Zakat, and Waqf management, recognized for its impact and innovation.
Join the Community
If you are passionate about ethical investment and want to be part of a community that supports the growth of impactful halal startups, join the HASAN.VC Angel Investor Group is simple. By becoming a member, you can contribute to and benefit from the flourishing Islamic economy.
2. OQAL
Overview:
OQAL is an angel investors network connecting innovative startup founders with seasoned investors. They offer investment facilitation services, access to vetted investment opportunities in local and regional startups, and participation in investment committees. OQAL supports entrepreneurs in their growth journey through smart capital, funding access, and expert guidance.
Focus Area:
OQAL represents a groundbreaking angel investor network in Saudi Arabia, pioneering early-stage funding for promising and scalable tech startups, thereby playing a significant role in fostering growth and advancing the local ecosystem, market, and economy.
Strength & Unique Features:
- Connecting Innovators: It connects pioneering startup founders with experienced investors.
- Access to Opportunities: OQAL provides access to vetted investment opportunities in local and regional startups with emphasis on GCC startups.
- Membership Tiers: The network offers both Angel investor membership as well as Affiliate Investor Membership.
Success Stories:
OQAL has accomplished the creation of an extensive portfolio over the past decade, with 2021 marking their most active year in terms of startup investments, totaling 31 in that year alone. Among the noteworthy startups in their portfolio include:
- Careem – A Dubai-based super app with operations in over 100 cities.
- Hunger Station – The first Saudi Food delivery App in the region.
- Supply Fied – An online platform that connects hotel and hospitality purchasers with the best suppliers in Saudi Arabia.
3. Doha Tech Angels (DTA)
Overview
DTA represents Qatar’s inaugural private investment club, established within the Qatar Financial Center. They invest in innovative companies driven by visionary founders. Leveraging the expertise and technical knowledge of their members, DTA offers a distinctive investment approach that adds value.
Focus Area
DTA specializes in investing in early-stage disruptive tech startups that exhibit high growth potential and innovation. They seek to collaborate with ambitious founders who are at the helm of disruptive and scalable enterprises. Their geographical focus includes MENA, SEA and beyond.
Strengths and Unique Features:
- With a keen interest in transformative technology, DTA is enthusiastic about joining forces with visionary founders spearheading novel businesses.
- Their varied portfolio includes startups in sectors like e-commerce, healthcare, and fintech.
Success Stories
DTA’s notable investments include startups with significant growth trajectories:
- ShopUp: Bangladesh’s largest full-stack B2B commerce platform.
- OlaDoc: Pakistan’s leading doctor booking website and app.
- Stemly: A decision intelligence platform that delivers autonomous forecasting and optimization, empowering enterprises to make better and faster interconnected decisions in supply chain and finance.
4. Riyadh Angel Investors (RAI)
The RAI includes over 50 senior leaders from some of KSA’s most prominent international, regional, and local companies and institutions, bringing a wide range of industry and functional knowledge.
Focus Area
RAI fosters and invests in tech startups at the seed stage with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) in the Middle East. They invest and support the motivated younger generation.
Strengths and Unique Features
- Members of the RAI are top executives from KSA’s foremost international, regional, and local businesses and institutions, they possess expertise across a wide range of industries and roles.
- Focusing on scalable tech startups.
Success stories
Notable success stories include Spades, a web-based payment solution for restaurants, and Wafeer, a fintech personal finance management app offering financial solutions.
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