Noura Al-Sarhan Appointed CEO of Saudi Venture Capital Company

The board of directors of the Saudi Venture Capital Company (SVC) has announced the appointment of Noura bint Mohammed Al-Sarhan as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer. The appointment is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026, marking a transition in leadership aimed at ensuring the continued growth and institutional stability of the firm.

A Strategic Leadership Transition

Al-Sarhan, who joined SVC in June 2019, brings extensive experience in private investment and financial consulting to the role. Prior to her appointment as CEO, she served as Deputy CEO and Chief Investment Officer, where she played a key role in shaping the company’s investment strategy, corporate performance, and governance frameworks.

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The leadership change follows a structured succession plan developed and overseen by the board. Dr. Nabeel Koshak, who has served as CEO since 2019, will step down from the executive position but will maintain his connection to the organization by continuing his tenure as a member of the board of directors.

Did You Know? The Saudi Venture Capital Company has significantly expanded its footprint since 2018, with the volume of venture capital investment in the Kingdom growing by approximately 26 times compared to that year.

Impact and Future Outlook

Under Dr. Koshak’s leadership, SVC became a foundational player in the Kingdom’s private investment ecosystem, fostering growth that helped the region achieve a leading position in venture capital volume for three consecutive years through 2025. The company’s investment portfolio currently includes more than 65 funds, spanning venture capital, private equity, venture debt, and private debt.

These investments have reached over 1,000 startups and slight to medium-sized enterprises, aligning with national economic diversification efforts and the goals of Vision 2030. As Al-Sarhan assumes her new responsibilities, It’s likely that the company will continue to build upon these established strategies to maintain its role as a primary market maker in the Saudi investment landscape.

Expert Insight: The decision to have an outgoing CEO transition into a board role suggests a commitment to institutional continuity. By keeping Dr. Koshak’s expertise within the governance structure while promoting an internal leader like Al-Sarhan, the company appears to be prioritizing a seamless handover that could mitigate market uncertainty during the transition period.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the new CEO appointment take effect?
Noura bint Mohammed Al-Sarhan will begin her role as Chief Executive Officer on July 1, 2026.

What is the background of the new CEO?
Al-Sarhan joined SVC in June 2019 and previously served as the company’s Deputy CEO and Chief Investment Officer, overseeing investment agendas, strategy, and corporate governance.

What happens to the outgoing CEO, Dr. Nabeel Koshak?
Dr. Koshak will continue to contribute to the company’s mission by remaining a member of the board of directors.

How do you believe this leadership transition will influence the future of venture capital in the region?

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