Key Takeaways
- • Propeller appoints Abdulaziz Alhouti as General Partner to lead the next phase of AI infrastructure investing, leveraging his experience across capital markets, venture investing, and cross-border M&A developed at HSBC, Saudi Fransi Capital, and Jahez Group.
- • Alhouti's professional background spans early-stage company building through later-stage strategic growth, including landmark M&As, IPOs, and privatizations, positioning him to guide founders through all stages of scaling.
- • As Chief Investment Officer at Jahez Group, Alhouti built a $50 million corporate venture capital portfolio and closed multiple strategic technology transactions, demonstrating proven execution in regional tech infrastructure deals.
- • The appointment reflects accelerating global venture investment in AI infrastructure and growing demand for investors who can navigate both frontier technology development and company scaling across MENA and North America.
- • Propeller founder Zaid Farekh emphasizes the strategic fit, noting that AI infrastructure founders need investors versed in both cutting-edge technology and scaling operations through pivotal moments from early investment through acquisitions and public markets.
Summary
Propeller, a Riyadh-based venture capital firm focused on AI technology and infrastructure, has appointed Abdulaziz Alhouti as General Partner, signaling an expansion of its investment thesis as AI infrastructure venture activity accelerates globally. The appointment adds depth to Propeller's investment capabilities during a period when founders require advisors experienced in both frontier technologies and scaled company operations.
Alhouti brings a multifaceted background across financial markets and cross-border transactions. His career includes foundational roles at HSBC and Saudi Fransi Capital, where he executed landmark M&As, IPOs, and privatizations. Early in his career, he contributed to economic public policy at the Supreme Economic Council of the Royal Court of Saudi Arabia. Most recently, as Chief Investment Officer at Jahez Group, Alhouti oversaw an investment strategy that assembled a $50 million corporate venture capital portfolio and closed multiple strategic technology transactions, including what the firm describes as one of the region's most significant tech M&A deals. He is also an active angel investor across multiple sectors and geographies.
According to Zaid Farekh, Founder and Managing Partner of Propeller, the appointment reflects market maturation in AI infrastructure. Farekh stated that "as AI infrastructure matures globally, founders need investors who understand both frontier technologies and company building at scale," characterizing Alhouti as uniquely positioned to support founders across all growth phases—from early investment through strategic acquisitions and public markets entry.
The broader context for this hire reflects accelerating venture capital deployment in AI infrastructure globally, with investors increasingly expected to navigate both technological frontier challenges and the operational complexity of scaling companies internationally. Alhouti's track record addressing pivotal business moments and cross-border transactions positions Propeller to expand its support for portfolio companies seeking to grow across both MENA and North American markets.
Alhouti brings a multifaceted background across financial markets and cross-border transactions. His career includes foundational roles at HSBC and Saudi Fransi Capital, where he executed landmark M&As, IPOs, and privatizations. Early in his career, he contributed to economic public policy at the Supreme Economic Council of the Royal Court of Saudi Arabia. Most recently, as Chief Investment Officer at Jahez Group, Alhouti oversaw an investment strategy that assembled a $50 million corporate venture capital portfolio and closed multiple strategic technology transactions, including what the firm describes as one of the region's most significant tech M&A deals. He is also an active angel investor across multiple sectors and geographies.
According to Zaid Farekh, Founder and Managing Partner of Propeller, the appointment reflects market maturation in AI infrastructure. Farekh stated that "as AI infrastructure matures globally, founders need investors who understand both frontier technologies and company building at scale," characterizing Alhouti as uniquely positioned to support founders across all growth phases—from early investment through strategic acquisitions and public markets entry.
The broader context for this hire reflects accelerating venture capital deployment in AI infrastructure globally, with investors increasingly expected to navigate both technological frontier challenges and the operational complexity of scaling companies internationally. Alhouti's track record addressing pivotal business moments and cross-border transactions positions Propeller to expand its support for portfolio companies seeking to grow across both MENA and North American markets.
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