BlueFive Capital closes founding shareholders circle round
Management will retain a controlling stake in the company
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: BlueFive Capital, an investment platform originating from the GCC with a global mandate, today announced the successful closing of its Founding Shareholders Circle investment round, valuing the company at $120 million.
The funding round was oversubscribed and concluded in less than six months since the company's formation, highlighting investors' confidence in BlueFive Capital's business ambitions. The founding shareholders consist of 25 institutions and family offices, including some of the most prominent GCC merchant and royal families alongside renowned finance leaders from North America, Europe and Asia. The offering has been subsequently expanded to accommodate the additional interest.
Since its inception at the end of 2024, BlueFive Capital has established itself as one of the GCC's fastest growing global asset managers and today oversees more than $650 million in AUM. The firm combines tenured leadership with a 27-person team spanning London, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Riyadh, Jeddah, Singapore and Beijing.
BlueFive is founded by Hazem Ben-Gacem, one of the longest serving professionals in global private equity. Hazem was previously co-Chief Executive Officer at Investcorp, the Middle East's largest non-sovereign private equity firm. During his 30 years at the firm, Hazem directly led investment teams in most of its world regions, while assets under management grew from $10 billion to more than $50 billion.
Hazem Ben-Gacem, Founder and Chief Executive of BlueFive Capital, said: 'This overwhelming confidence from 25 blue-chip shareholders validates our team's expertise and our strategy to disrupt the value chain in high-growth financial markets. The GCC is our launchpad, but our vision is hemispheric: connecting institutional-grade platforms to underserved capital markets driving the next wave of global prosperity."
BlueFive Capital's board of directors bring together an influential group of individuals representing the firm's key focus geographies of the Middle East, Southeast Asia and China. The Board is chaired by Sheikh Mohamed Bin Isa Al Khalifa, who led Bahrain's national pension fund for more than two decades. Lord Gerry Grimstone, former Minister of Investment for the United Kingdom, and Sheikh Mubarak Abdulla Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah of Kuwait, serve as vice chairmen.
*Source: AETOSWire
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Tahawul Tech
22 minutes ago
- Tahawul Tech
'The UAE's AI enthusiasm must be tempered by clear strategy, and outcome-driven efforts.' – David Boast, Endava
A comprehensive report by Endava, has shown that the UAE is showing unprecedented levels of trust in AI. From determining salary levels and making hiring or redundancy recommendations, to designing health and safety policies, new research reveals that employees are ready for a new era of AI-led decision-making that goes far beyond automation of low-risk tasks. The study, launched by Endava, the leading next-generation technology services provider, found that 79% of UAE business decision-makers trust AI to allocate budgets within organisations, including decisions that could impact individual compensation. The same proportion expressed trust in AI to manage talent, including hiring and performance management, while 80% would be comfortable with AI-driven systems overseeing critical health and safety functions. Remarkably, this trust extends well beyond the workplace. Individuals are now looking to AI as a strategic advisor in their personal lives. Four in five respondents said they would trust a fully automated AI system to make decisions about their careers, from determining ideal salary progression to advising on when to seek promotions or consider new roles. An equally high percentage would trust AI to make personal financial decisions such as investments and retirement planning, while the same level of trust applies to automated health recommendations. All this highlights the public's readiness to hand over significant life decisions to intelligent systems. These findings come at a time when the UAE is rapidly solidifying its position as a global AI leader, having this year announced plans for several billion-dollar investments into AI infrastructure and innovation. This ambition appears to be resonating with the public. Nearly half (46%) of respondents believe the UAE is well ahead of the rest of the world in terms of AI adoption and general usage. And when asked to assess global leaders in AI, respondents ranked the Middle East third, behind only the United States and China. Commenting on the research, David Boast, General Manager – UAE & KSA at Endava, said, 'Trust is the critical enabler of any AI strategy. The UAE's clear national vision, its youthful and tech-savvy demographic, and its digital-first mindset are combining to give organisations a unique opportunity to innovate with confidence. While other regions remain cautious, weighed down by debates over job displacement, our research shows that businesses in the UAE can move forward with certainty, knowing their workforces are not only ready for AI, but actively embracing it.' This readiness may be closely linked to optimism about the role of AI in creating, not eliminating, job opportunities. Nearly three-quarters of business decision-makers said their organisation has already created or plans to create dedicated AI roles such as 'Head of AI', and 75% believe that successful AI implementation will significantly improve their job satisfaction. The business case for AI adoption is equally compelling. 71% of business decision-makers said that AI has already had a direct impact on boosting their company's profitability. At the same time, the pressure to keep pace is mounting: over half of respondents said that if their organisation fails to make meaningful progress in AI adoption, it would begin to lose market share within just two years. Some organisations appear to be responding to that call. Around 30% of respondents reported that their companies plan to invest significantly more in AI in 2025 compared to 2024. Yet, challenges remain. Only a quarter of business decision-makers believe their company's current infrastructure, from data management to analytics, is fully ready for the demands of enterprise-grade AI deployment. To capitalise on this momentum, Boast called on organisations across the UAE and the wider Middle East to focus not only on AI investment, but on smart implementation. 'This includes laying the right data foundations by modernising their core systems, integrating AI responsibly into operations, leveraging pre-built AI accelerators, and prioritising solutions that complement human potential rather than replace it. The UAE's AI enthusiasm must be tempered by clear strategy, and outcome-driven efforts. At Endava, we are proud to support regional governments and enterprises filtering through the AI buzz, to extract and incorporate those impactful use cases,' he said. 'With a workforce this receptive and government vision this clear, this approach is helping position the UAE as a global reference point for AI done right.'
The National
22 minutes ago
- The National
Empowering SMEs is key to raising Abu Dhabi's economic competitiveness
The Abu Dhabi emirate continues to make steady progress in diversifying its economy, fostering entrepreneurship and empowering small and medium-sized enterprises, all in alignment with the leadership's vision to enhance economic competitiveness and future readiness. By the middle of last year, the total number of registered companies in the UAE reached more than 1 million, representing an increase of 152 per cent compared to early 2020. SMEs account for more than 95 per cent of all businesses and employ about 86 per cent of the private sector workforce. As of the end of 2024, the UAE's non-oil gross domestic product reached about Dh1.342 trillion ($365.4 billion), representing 75.5 per cent of the country's total GDP. In Abu Dhabi alone, non-oil sectors contributed 55.2 per cent to the emirate's GDP in the second quarter of last year. Within this evolving landscape, enterprise development efforts in Abu Dhabi continue to focus on enabling SMEs through a combination of institutional programmes and collaboration with both public and private sectors. One such initiative is the 'Abu Dhabi SME Champions' programme that reflects the emirate's broader strategy to enhance SME participation in the economy. The programme aims to bridge gaps in access to finance, procurement and skill development by connecting smaller enterprises with opportunities and resources, many of which are facilitated through government platforms such as Tamm. Abu Dhabi continues to solidify its position as a global hub for talent, business and investment. With a future-ready economy, progressive policies and world-class infrastructure, the emirate is shaping the future of global business. The recently released Global Startup Ecosystem Report highlights Abu Dhabi's growing role in the global innovation economy. Based on an analysis of more than 5 million companies across 350-plus ecosystems worldwide, the emirate advanced to the 51-60 ranking range in the 'Emerging Ecosystem' category, rising from the 61-70 range last year. Regionally, the emirate secured the third spot in the Mena Emerging Ecosystem, followed by Dubai and Riyadh, both of which have shown strong startup momentum and international visibility. Abu Dhabi secured third spot in the 'performance' category, which measures startup value through exits and funding. Abu Dhabi ranked fourth in the 'knowledge' category, which measures the number of research patents; fifth in both the 'funding capacity' and 'talent and experience' categories. The emirate also finished in the top 10 in the Bang for Buck Awards. One of Abu Dhabi's standout achievements this year for the GSER edition is the funding success of its Hub71 ecosystem, through which startups raised a record $2.17 billion. This capital inflow has significantly boosted innovation and accelerated growth. Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship as core pillars of economic development will allow SMEs to evolve into key architects of the national economy, not just contributors As someone who closely monitors economic developments, I see the Abu Dhabi SME Champions programme as a key initiative driving entrepreneurial growth in the emirate. The programme not only provides startups with access to funding but also fosters stronger engagement with government bodies and the private sector. More than just financial support, such initiatives deliver capacity-building tools and cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset throughout the community, supporting startups in their journey to success. Since its launch in 2023, the programme has made a remarkable impact. In its second year, it attracted 2,235 companies, marking a significant milestone in entrepreneurial empowerment. Significantly, more than half of these registered companies are microenterprises, highlighting Abu Dhabi's inclusive business environment that welcomes ventures of all sizes. A vibrant SME sector is undeniably the backbone of a resilient and innovative economy, and the numbers speak volumes. Last year, deal values facilitated by the programme exceeded $183 million, reflecting strong collaboration between the public and private sectors. This reinforces the importance of integrated efforts among economic stakeholders in driving sustainable growth. Abu Dhabi's ecosystem benefits from several strategic advantages, including progressive visa policies that attract global talent, extensive government support and a clear leadership position in emerging fields like fintech, Web3 and digital assets. These factors collectively reinforce Abu Dhabi's appeal as a launchpad for global innovation and entrepreneurship. The Abu Dhabi SME programme, with 20 strategic partners on board and 13 training sessions conducted in collaboration with nine key entities, has significantly advanced SME capabilities to meet evolving market needs. These efforts contribute to an innovation-led economy and solidify the UAE's status as a global hub for a knowledge-based economy. Abu Dhabi's investor-friendly frameworks and forward-looking regulatory environment continue to instil confidence among global businesses and venture capitalists. With its future-ready economy, ambitious policy reforms and growing innovation ecosystem, Abu Dhabi is not merely keeping pace but emerging as a global centre for entrepreneurship and next-generation economic development. Looking ahead, the focus must remain on deepening these efforts for promoting entrepreneurship, not only by increasing financial support but also by expanding public-private partnerships and ensuring equitable access to opportunities for SMEs. Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship as core pillars of economic development will allow SMEs to evolve into key architects of the national economy, not just contributors. The future is promising. SMEs are set to play a central role in shaping the UAE's economic trajectory. Investing in this sector is not a choice but a strategic necessity to ensure long-term national prosperity and achieve the ambitious vision of the UAE.
Zawya
an hour ago
- Zawya
IPS 2026: The Global Platform for the future of smart real estate and advanced property projects
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: IPS show continues to strengthen the global real estate market by driving growth, investment, innovation, and sustainability, while integrating smart technologies into the sector, reflecting Dubai's vision of becoming a global hub for smart and sustainable real estate development. The 21st edition of IPS, held in April 2025, welcomed over 30,000 visitors and 300 exhibitors from 45 countries. The event featured five pillars: IPS Real Estate, IPS Future Cities, IPS Startups & PropTech, IPS Design, and IPS Services, alongside specialized conferences including the IPS Institutional Investor Conference and IPS Women's Conference. Set to take place in April 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the 22nd edition of the event aims to provide a comprehensive platform that brings together top-tier real estate developers, investors from around the world, service providers, and buyers interested in the latest projects and investment opportunities in the emirate. The exhibition also serves as a unique opportunity to showcase residential, commercial, and hospitality projects, financing solutions, diverse ownership systems, and cutting-edge technologies in property and facilities management. IPS continues to serve as a premier international platform that brings together elite real estate developers, investors, service providers, and buyers from around the world. The exhibition offers a unique opportunity to showcase the latest residential, commercial, and hospitality projects, along with innovative financing solutions, diverse ownership models, and cutting-edge technologies in construction and property management. Dawood Al Shezawi, President of IPS, stated: "IPS has firmly established itself as a leading global event on the real estate calendar, attracting top-tier investors and professionals from around the world. It is a strategic platform that responds to the aspirations of both local and international real estate markets, contributing significantly to Dubai's economic development. With the 2026 edition, we aim to expand participation from emerging markets, offer immersive experiences rooted in innovation and sustainability, and create new avenues for collaboration between global investors and developers across all sectors of real estate." The 2026 edition will feature: The latest real estate developments and investment opportunities Innovative financing solutions Advanced building and property management technologies A dedicated Real Estate Forum and PropTech Zone for startups International pavilions highlighting global real estate markets A Business Matching Zone to facilitate strategic partnerships IPS continues to embody Dubai's forward-looking approach to fostering a transparent, investor-friendly business environment grounded in innovation, sustainability, modern legislation, and a proactive vision for shaping the future of real estate globally.
