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Innovest Holding LLC is an investment firm founded in 2023 and based in Abu Dhabi. The firm was established by the Ghandour and Mahfouz families, who bring decades of experience across various sectors, including telecommunications, digital governance, and manufacturing. Innovest aims to redefine the boundaries of venture capital and private equity by maintaining flexibility in its investment approach, allowing for investments at any stage, including Seed, Series A, and Series B, based on strategic value and opportunity.
As a relatively new player in the investment landscape, Innovest aligns itself with the UAE's ambitions to become a global innovation hub. The firm operates from Abu Dhabi, which is strategically positioned to tap into emerging markets across North America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Innovest's founding families have a rich history in GSM communications, VoIP technologies, and various manufacturing sectors, which informs their investment strategy.
Innovest invests across multiple sectors, with a particular emphasis on energy and agtech. The firm is stage-agnostic, meaning it invests from Seed through Series B based on strategic value rather than adhering to a rigid fund mandate. This flexibility allows Innovest to target high-impact ventures that can drive genuine technological disruption.
In addition to energy and agtech, Innovest also explores opportunities in real estate, manufacturing (specifically wood and plastics), coffee production and distribution, and the food and beverage industry. The firm seeks to distinguish between genuine innovation and market noise, ensuring that its investments contribute to meaningful advancements in their respective fields.
Innovest has established several joint ventures that reflect its commitment to high-impact ventures:
These joint ventures illustrate Innovest's strategic focus on sectors that are poised for growth and innovation, particularly in sustainability and technology.
Hassan Ghandour: Chairman & Co-Founder. Hassan has extensive experience in telecommunications and digital governance, contributing to Innovest's strategic vision.
Mohammad Mahfouz: CEO & Co-Founder. Mohammad leads the firm with a focus on high-impact investments and has a background in various sectors, including manufacturing and real estate.
Saja Ghandour: Chief Innovation Officer. Saja drives the innovation strategy at Innovest, leveraging her expertise to identify and support disruptive ventures.
Melisa Urtuzuastegui: Senior VP Business Development. Melisa focuses on business development initiatives, helping to expand Innovest's portfolio and strategic partnerships.
To pitch Innovest, founders should utilize the contact options available on their website at invt.ae or email info@invt.ae. A well-structured pitch deck should include details about the business model, market potential, and alignment with Innovest's investment focus. Founders should expect a response within a reasonable timeframe, although specific timelines are not disclosed.
In May 2025, Innovest Holding announced a significant Clean Fuels Investment Program with OXON Technologies, valued at up to $400 million over 10 years. This program aims to enhance sustainable energy solutions in both the USA and UAE, marking a notable commitment for a firm founded just two years prior.
This investment reflects Innovest's strategic focus on high-impact ventures and its ability to secure substantial capital for transformative projects in the energy sector.
What are Innovest's investment criteria?
Innovest invests in high-impact ventures across various sectors, including energy and agtech, at any stage from Seed to Series B. The firm prioritizes strategic value and opportunity over rigid stage mandates.
How can I pitch to Innovest?
Founders can pitch Innovest through their website at invt.ae or via email at info@invt.ae. A clear presentation of the business model, market potential, and how the venture aligns with Innovest's focus areas is essential.
What makes Innovest different from other investors?
Innovest distinguishes itself by being stage-agnostic and focusing on high-impact ventures that can drive genuine technological disruption. Their flexible investment approach allows them to adapt to various opportunities.
What is Innovest's geographic scope?
Innovest operates globally, with a particular focus on North America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Their Abu Dhabi base positions them well to tap into emerging markets.
What kind of support does Innovest provide to portfolio companies?
Innovest offers strategic guidance and support, leveraging the extensive experience of its founding families to foster innovation and growth within its portfolio companies.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, Innovest's flexibility in investment stages suggests they can accommodate a range of funding needs from Seed to Series B.
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