Investments of scale

by Imad Ghandour February 21, 2011

written by Imad Ghandour February 21, 2011

It is telling that the most exciting event in private equity this year was the Celebration of Entrepreneurship event in Dubai — also known as Wamda, the equivalent of the West’s eureka. It brought a much needed freshness and vigor to a private equity industry that is in search of excitement and vision. The private equity industry landscape has changed dramatically in the past two years as the mood has swung from celebration to humility. Fundraising and deal-making activity shrunk in 2009 by as much as 85 percent and did not recover, as many, including yours truly, had prophesied. The number of funds that are active and investing has also shrunk to less than a dozen in the Gulf Cooperation Council from a peak of more than 50, with many fund managers unwillingly switching from being deal makers to caretakers. Some funds have already closed down shop while others are

Imad Ghandour

Imad is the Co-founder and Managing Director of CedarBridge, an investment company focusing on high-growth opportunities in education, healthcare, wellness & beauty, and retail in Europe and MENA. With over 15 years of experience in private equity across MENA, the UK, and China, he serves on several boards, including SAE Arabia and The Grooming Company. He has also served as a director for major organizations like CIRA, Maarif Education, and Metito. Imad co-founded the MENA Private Equity Association, is a member of the British Venture Capital Association, and holds an Engineering degree from the American University of Beirut and an MBA from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.

Investments of scale

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