Gulf alternative investment manager Aliph Capital has secured a US$125 million investment for its maiden fund from Abu Dhabi investment and holding company ADQ.

The firm was founded by Huda Al-Lawati, a private equity professional with over 20 years of experience in emerging markets.

Founded in 2021 and based in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), Aliph Fund I (LP) aims to raise US$250 million to invest in mid-sized companies in the UAE and the larger Middle East region.

Abu Dhabi’s fintech sector has been growing rapidly in recent years with the backing of organisations such as ADQ. The sovereign wealth fund recently launched Further Ventures, a US$200 million early stage venture capital firm.

“I am delighted and honored that ADQ has chosen Aliph Capital for this significant investment.

 

The timing is perfect for GCC-based private equity to invest in the region’s midmarket growth stars, who — when fully equipped with digital and tech enablement levers — will generate significant returns and power the ongoing diversification and transformation of the GCC economy,”

said Huda Al-Lawati, Founder and CEO of Aliph Capital.

“Our investment in Aliph Capital underlines our commitment to delivering on a financially driven mandate that creates long term value for Abu Dhabi.

 

Building a strategic partnership with an Abu Dhabi based private equity fund dedicated to serve SMEs further supports our aim to accelerate sustainable economic development and growth within the UAE and region,”

said Murtaza Hussain, Chief Investment Officer – Alternative Investments and M&A at ADQ.