Working with venture capital firms in the Middle East boosts the bottom line of organizations with the knowledge and skill to form relationships with key players in the region. Middle Eastern venture capital firms have offices and business leaders in the Gulf States, Turkey, Lebanon, Israel and other business centers. Middle East venture capital organizations often have a headquarters in money capitals outside the region including New York and London.

Venture capitalists in the Middle East benefit from successful local economies, but many of the entrepreneurs in the region participate in projects profitable in the global marketplace. Dynamic leaders of Middle Eastern venture capital funds work at the crossroads of the world where business people and government officials from East, West, the Far East and Australia meet regularly. Middle East venture capitalists provide funding for traditional projects as well as the latest innovations. Keep in mind:

1. Middle East venture capitalists supply funds for a variety of projects including visionary programs in agriculture and manufacturing.

2. Venture capital investments in the Middle East have supplied funds for all stages of venture capital support.

3. Individuals seeking funds from Middle East venture capital firms should work with consultants experienced doing business in the target area.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Study recent successes of venture capital firms in the Middle East

Foreigners will find the culture and business practices in the Middle East unique in many ways. Individuals searching for new sources of venture capital will be happy to hear that funds are available in the Middle East and there are many opportunities for foreigners. Knowledge of successful partnerships with venture capital firms in the Middle East should pave the way to newcomers to the region.

I recommend: AltAssets is a treasure trove of information about working with venture capital firms and funds in the Middle East. Oxford Capital Partners has extensive experience working with venture capital firms in the Middle East.

Research companies dedicated to venture capital funds in the middle east

A venture capital firm in the Middle East concentrates on one particular country or a group of closely related states. The countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council including Dubai and Saudi Arabia are economic powerhouses. Experts experienced working with venture capital funds in these countries can provide excellent guidance that will save time, money and other resources.

I recommend: Dubai International Capital is at the hub of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Dubaibeat.com focuses on the emirate in the Middle East with the most sensational development.

Consult with venture capitalists in the middle east

Venture capital in the Middle East is as varied as the countries in the huge geographic area. A carefully focused strategy for working with venture capital in the area is important. Israel is a dynamic country with projects devoted to biotechnology, aerospace and agriculture. Egypt, a traditional leader in the region, continues to develop business ventures in the global economy.

I recommend: Private Equity Israel has unique experience in this volatile yet progressive country of Israel. Check out the investment strategy of Evergreen, a Tel Aviv venture partner firm.The American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt is a source for networking, information and leads to key players in the country.

Middle Eastern venture capital is a must if you plan to start a business in that region. Venture capitalists in the Middle East, like their American counterparts, want a big return on their investment with a quick turnaround time. With an abundance of potential for business growth in the region, securing the right venture capital firms and funds in the Middle East is paramount for our business.

In constructing your business plan, it is vital that you appropriately allocate monies received from the Middle East venture capital firm while designating a projected profit and time frame. Partner with a company specializing in matching small businesses to potential venture capitalists while ensuring your business plan is thorough enough to secure Middle East venture capital. Draw up a concise business plan to present to the Middle East venture capital firms who best match your unique business needs. When searching for venture capitalists in the Middle East, you should:

1. Search for up-to-date Middle East venture capital directories.

2. Partner with a reputable Middle East venture capital firm that has a solid track record.

3. Create a detailed but concise business plan to attract the most promising Middle East venture capitalists to your business.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Search Middle East venture capital directories online

The Internet offers global venture capital directories that are updated daily. Use the information provided to compare venture capital firms and funds in the Middle East to find the Middle Eastern venture capital firm that fits your needs.

I recommend: Search VCLocator.com for listings of venture capitalists in the Middle East. Tailor your search based on geographical region, industry and the amount of capital you need for your business. Use vcaonline.com for an affordable way to search for venture capital firms and funds in the Middle East. The database offers up-to-date information that includes contact information for Middle Eastern venture capitalist firms and minimum investment criteria.

Choose from Middle Eastern venture capital firms that have a strong reputation

Before you commit to venture capital investments in the Middle East, research the Middle East venture capital firms that interest you to ensure they have the experience and know how to successfully support your business.

I recommend: Use Foursan, a leader in Middle Eastern private equity, for venture capital funds in the Middle East. The professionals at Foursan take an active role in promoting your business for optimal financial results. Research Venture Capital Bank, a Bahrain-based Middle East venture capital firm. They invest business experience and capital in your business to encourage business growth and financial gains.

Construct a business plan that can successfully attract venture capital in the Middle East

A solid business plan is the key to securing the funds you need to start a business or enhance your company. Include key elements such as business goals, money allocation, projected earnings and time schedule to create a concise, informative business plan to attract Middle East venture capitalist support.

I recommend: Hire the professionals at MasterPlans to create an in depth business plan suited for venture capital in the Middle East. They offer a market analysis and work with you to create a detailed, concise business plan. Use Cayenne Consulting for your Middle East venture capitalist business plan needs. They can create a successful business plan for your business or help you tailor your existing business plan for venture capital funds in the Middle East.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Sign up for a free trial of Middle East Venture Capital News at EINNews.com for current information on Middle Eastern venture capital funds.

Venture capital (VC) funds are designed to build up businesses, and in recent years they have begun to do just that in the Middle East. For years, as fledgling companies in the United States and Europe drew big investors, the Middle Eastern market was largely untouched. Today, venture capital firms from around the globe are making up for lost time, investing in promising new technologies the region has to offer.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Golf Corporation Council (GCC) countries

If a VC firm says it works in Golf Corporation Council (GCC) countries, it means that it has partners in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates or the Sultanate of Oman.

I recommend: Visit the GCC to read about the organization's mission and see a full list of member countries.

Middle East and North Africa (MENA)

MENA countries include all the countries under the GCC and many others, including Iraq, Yemen, Morocco, Syria and Algeria.

I recommend: Visit the International Finance Corporation to find out more about how the organization is working to promote economic growth in the MENA region.

Islamic Sharia or Sharia Islamic law

Some VC firms operating in the Middle East are sensitive to Islamic Sharia, a code drawn from the Koran and the teachings of Mohammad. Among other things, Sharia sets guidelines for finance. It prohibits making money from lending money, instead encouraging trade and investment.

I recommend: The BBC provides a helpful summary of Sharia Islamic law as it pertains to finance.

Golf Venture Capital Association (GCVA)

The GCVA is a non-profit trade group that represents venture capital firms in Golf Countries. It's ultimate mission is to encourage risk-taking business ventures in the region.

I recommend: Check out the GCVA to learn more about its programs and mission.

Private equity (PE) and venture capital (VC)

Venture Capital is a pool of money available for investment in new companies that want to take a risk on a developing technology. Private Equity refers to securities that are privately traded, rather than publicly held.

I recommend: The National Venture Capital Association outlines how VC works, and the Private Equity Council explains PE in depth.

Limited partners (LPs) and general partners (GPs)

General partners are fully liable for a business they invest in, and are often involved in running everyday affairs. Limited partners are somewhat shielded from liability.

I recommend: Investopedia explains the roles of limited partners and general partners in business and investment.

If you plan to work with venture capitalists in the Middle East or have business to conduct in the region, you need to stay up-to-date on trends in Middle East venture capital. Publications and news feeds that highlight venture capital in the Middle East keep you current on issues that can have a positive or negative affect on your business.

Coupled with seminars and workshops that focus on Middle Eastern venture capital, the latest news is relatively easy to access. To stay connected to the often-changing Middle East venture capitalist opportunities, you should:

1. Subscribe to publications that showcase venture capital firms and funds in the Middle East.

2. Attend seminars and workshops that focus on how to find, secure and work with venture capital funds in the Middle East.

3. Consider membership in international venture capital associations for current information on venture capital investments in the Middle East

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Subscribe to publications that highlight venture capital firms in the Middle East

The best way to keep abreast of venture capital firms and funds in the Middle East news and trends is to read updated reports on venture capital in the Middle East. Depend on reputable publications and RSS feeds that focus on venture capitalists in the Middle East.

I recommend: Trade Arabia, a Middle East business news network, offers up-to-date information on general business practices and specific to Middle East venture capital issues. Rely on DubaiBeat.com to keep current on trends relating to venture capital firms and funds in the Middle East.

Participate in seminars and workshops that focus on Middle Eastern venture capital funds

Seminars and workshops that highlight Middle East venture capital trends not only provide vital information you need to make the best decisions for your business but also offer important networking opportunities for you and your staff.

I recommend: Attend the annual SuperReturn Middle East Private Equity Conference to partake in a massive exchange of vc information in the Middle East. Plan to attend an event held by ABANA, the Arab Bankers Association of North America. A wide-range of venture capital topics are covered at events throughout the year.

Become a member in an organization associated with Middle East venture capitalists

Membership with an organization familiar with Middle Eastern venture capital firms and potential funds has its privileges. Establish a connection to venture capital possibilities in the Middle East through a reputable organization.

I recommend: Seek membership in the Gulf Venture Capital Association, an organization that stays current on venture capital issues in the Middle East. Establish a membership with Zawya, an association with vast knowledge of investment trends and potential venture capital funds in the Middle East.