SVC Appoints Noura Al-Sarhan as CEO

by Chief Editor

The Saudi Venture Capital Company (SVC) has announced the appointment of Nora bint Mohammed Al-Sarhan as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1, 2026. This leadership transition follows a board decision made during its meeting on June 3, 2026, and is part of a broader corporate succession plan designed to ensure institutional continuity and sustained growth within the Kingdom’s private investment sector.

A Strategic Transition

Al-Sarhan, who joined SVC in 2019, brings extensive experience in private investment and financial consulting. Her tenure at the firm has included key leadership roles, most recently serving as Deputy CEO and Chief Investment Officer. In these capacities, she played a central role in shaping the company’s investment agenda, strategy, governance, and institutional performance.

A Strategic Transition
Strategic Transition

Her academic background includes a Master of Business Administration with honors from Alfaisal University and the completion of a leadership development program at Harvard Business School. She holds a Kauffman Fellowship and serves on several boards of directors and investment committees across both public and private sectors.

Did You Know? The Saudi Venture Capital Company has significantly expanded its footprint since 2018, with the Kingdom’s venture capital market growing 26-fold compared to that year. By 2025, the company had invested in more than 65 funds, supporting over 1,000 startups and small to medium-sized enterprises.

Building on a Foundation

The appointment marks the conclusion of a succession plan overseen by the board to maintain the company’s trajectory as a key market maker in the Saudi private investment landscape. Dr. Nabeel bin Abdulqadir Koshak, who has served as CEO since 2019, will step down from the executive role but will remain involved with the company as a member of the board of directors.

Building on a Foundation
Appoints Noura

Under Dr. Koshak’s leadership, SVC helped the Kingdom lead the region in venture capital volume for three consecutive years through 2025. The company’s focus on diversifying the national economy and aligning with Vision 2030 objectives remains a core pillar of its ongoing strategy.

Expert Insight: The decision to retain the outgoing CEO on the board of directors while promoting an internal candidate to the top executive role suggests a commitment to stability. By prioritizing institutional knowledge and a pre-planned succession, the company is likely aiming to insulate its investment operations from the volatility often associated with leadership changes, ensuring that the momentum built over the last seven years continues unabated.

Looking Ahead

With Al-Sarhan’s background in investment strategy, observers may expect the company to continue its focus on its existing portfolio of venture capital, private equity, and debt funds. As the organization transitions, the firm’s ability to maintain its role as a primary driver of the Kingdom’s private investment ecosystem will likely depend on the continued integration of the current institutional goals with the new leadership’s strategic vision.

Looking Ahead
Appoints Noura Sarhan

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Nora Al-Sarhan assume her new role?
Nora Al-Sarhan will officially begin her tenure as Chief Executive Officer on July 1, 2026.

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

How many companies has SVC supported through its investment funds?
The company has invested in more than 65 funds, which in turn have supported more than 1,000 startups and small to medium-sized enterprises.

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

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