From The Investor Desk: Wamda Capital’s Fares Ghandour On What MENA Founders Should Prioritize Amid Market Shifts
“The uncertainty that lowers other people's appetite for this market is precisely what creates room for those of you who choose to stay.”
As startups across the MENA navigate a period of ongoing uncertainty, insight into how investors in the region are interpreting the moment can offer valuable clarity.
That’s why Inc. Arabia launched From The Investor Desk, an editorial series collecting perspectives from across the region’s capital ecosystem to offer guidance to founders navigating the current environment.
In this edition of From The Investor Desk, we hear from Fares Ghandour, Partner at Dubai-based Wamda Capital, who outlines three points MENA entrepreneurs would do well to keep in mind right now:
1. Cash is king.
“Make sure you have runway, 12 to 18 months at a minimum. Talk to your investors, and ensure they’re aligned with your plans, and assess whether or not they have the interest or ability to inject more cash should you need it as a buffer. There is no better hedge than cash. It allows you to focus on the business rather than scrambling to raise during the worst possible time to do so.”
Fares Ghandour, Partner, Wamda Capital.
2. Your resilience is a moat.
“The uncertainty that lowers other people's appetite for this market is precisely what creates room for those of you who choose to stay. Time and time again, we've seen foreign companies balk at the first sign of operational or geopolitical risk. That gives you more room to capture market share and maintain an edge. Remain steadfast. There's a reason you chose to build here. It's time to double down on that conviction.”
3. Remember your role as a leader.
“In moments of uncertainty, your people are watching how you show up. Be honest about what you don't know, and don't downplay their anxieties or paper over a difficult reality. What they need most is to know you're in it with them. Consider bringing in a qualified mental health professional for a team session, or covering access to psychological services.”
