InnovateHER MENA: Connecting Female Founders with HearstLab & VentureSouq
Join HearstLab and VentureSouq as we co-host our networking event in the MENA region, celebrating female entrepreneurship and innovation. Connect with successful founders, leading investors, and ecosystem builders as we showcase our investment approaches and commitment to supporting women-led startups. Together, HearstLab and VentureSouq bring their combined expertise and networks to create opportunities for female founders and the wider MENA startup community. Discover how your venture can be part of the next wave of tech transformation through HearstLab’s platform, supported by the regional insight and early-stage investment experience of VentureSouq.
Why You Should Attend:
Connect directly with HearstLab, VentureSouq, and MENA startup community.
Gain exclusive investment insights and learn from successful women founders.
Celebrate HearstLab’s growing commitment to the region and find new opportunities for women-led startups.
Discover how VentureSouq helps startups grow and succeed in MENA.
Agenda Session
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM Reception
5:00 PM – 5:15 PM Welcome & Opening Remarks
5:15 PM - 5:30 PM Keynote speaker
Moderator: Nejoud Al Mulaik - General Manager, Fitch Group Saudi
Speaker: Raja Al Mazrouei - CEO, Etihad Credit Insurance
5:30 PM – 6:00 PM GCC Portfolio Spotlight
Moderator: Azahara Espejo - Director, HearstLab International
Speaker:
Mohammed Banjari - Associate M&A Private Equity, Kirkland
Sara Bin Laden - Chief Tech Officer, Quantum
Nour Taher - Co-Founder & CEO, Intella
6:00 PM - 6:45 PM Leading Women in Entrepreneurship
Moderator: Carlina Marani - Managing Director EMEA, Accenture
Speaker:
Sonia Weymuller - Co-Founder & General Partner, VentureSouq
Asrar Damdam - Founder & CEO, Uvera
Nadine Mezher - Co-Founder, Nawa & Sarwa
Hiba AlMasoud – Co-Founder, Sauce Capital and Founder, Scope
6:45 PM - 7:00 PM Open Q&A
7:00 PM – 7:30 PM Networking
About HearstLab:
HearstLab invests in women-led startups, offering funding, mentorship, and access to a global network. As part of Hearst, and in partnership with Fitch Group, HearstLab leverages broad industry expertise and resources to help founders innovate and scale transformative businesses.
About Fitch Group:
Fitch Group provides global financial insights and ratings, supporting transparency, growth, and entrepreneurship across markets.
About VentureSouq:
VentureSouq is a leading early-stage venture capital firm based in the MENA region. They invest in new technology startups and help founders grow their businesses with a strong network and hands-on support. VentureSouq champions innovative founders and is recognized for its strong focus on fintech, climate tech, and digital transformation.