Waleed A. Alballaa is a technologist-turned-investor with a proven track record across global and MENA markets, spanning semiconductors, wireless, mobility, and eGovernment. As a Founding General Partner at Sukna Ventures, he backs early-stage, tech-driven startups across the region. Prior to Sukna, Waleed co-founded STV, one of the MENA region’s largest VC funds, and led pivotal initiatives at Elm—including launching the firm’s first business sector and founding its corporate venture arm.

Waleed’s earlier career includes high-tech development roles at Cadence Design, Conexant, Skyworks Solutions, and Microsoft in the U.S. He holds a Master’s in Computer Science from Oregon Health & Science University and a Bachelor’s in Computer Science from King Saud University.

Beyond investing, Waleed serves on multiple boards and actively mentors founders. He also co-founded the Saudi Venture Capital & Private Equity Association and the Business Analysis Association Group, where he currently serves as Vice Chairman. A committed technology optimist, Waleed is passionate about fueling innovation and strengthening the startup ecosystem across the MENA region.

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The Startups Arabia Podcast connects you to the most prominent founders, investors, and operators of the Arab region. You will be inspired by their success, the challenges they overcame and the opportunities they see.

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Waleed’s LinkedIn account: @Waleed Alballaa

Sukna Ventures’ Website: https://suknaventures.com/

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SHOW NOTES:

00:00 Introduction to Waleed Alballaa and the Podcast

02:50 Waleed's Journey: From the US to Saudi Arabia

08:16 Founding STV and the Corporate VC Experience

14:10 The Birth of Sukna Ventures

20:03 Focus on Early-Stage Tech and Disruptive Technologies

20:35 Exploring Space Tech and AI Innovations

29:25 The Future of the Saudi Startup Ecosystem

34:56 Global Ambitions and Product Development

37:29 The Evolving Software Market and VC Landscape

41:15 Exploring Future Computing Technologies

41:37 The Role of Venture Capital in Emerging Tech

42:26 Challenges in Predicting the Future of Tech

43:17 The Importance of Understanding the Present Market

44:06 Finding Early Seeds of Innovation

46:19 Global Investment Strategies

48:43 A Contrarian Bet on Hardware

51:51 The Evolution of LPs in Venture Capital

54:50 The Role of Endowments and Foundations

01:00:46 Effective Board Governance

01:07:06 Lessons from Missed Investment Opportunities

01:15:12 The Impact of Market Externalities on Startups

01:16:11 The Importance of Early Relationships with Founders

01:16:53 Challenges in Market Sizing and Portfolio Strategy

01:20:04 Current Trends in Saudi's Investment Landscape

01:22:23 The Role of Mergers and Acquisitions in Growth

01:26:37 Emerging Vertical Trends in the Region

01:30:17 The Semiconductor Industry's Potential in Saudi

01:34:43 Investment Decision-Making and Ecosystem Improvements

01:39:41 Quickfire Questions and Closing Thoughts