Issa Aghabi is a seasoned investor and Managing Partner at Access Bridge Ventures. With over 17 years of experience in finance and investments, Issa has built an impressive track record in the MENA Venture Capital space.
Issa's passion for venture capital started in 2006 when he co-founded Accelerator Technologies, one of the first venture funds in the Arab world. Since then, he has held several prominent roles, including M&A consultant at Yahoo!, Head of Investment at N2V, and Head of Investments and Venture Capital at twofour54. He has also headed IFC’s Middle East, North Africa, Pakistan, and Europe’s venture investments both from a Direct and Indirect perspective.
Issa's investment portfolio includes 65+ direct and indirect investment deals ranging from $100K to $25M per transaction. He has managed over $150m in MENA Venture funds, launched the UAE’s first Accelerator, and exited 6+ MENA based deals, including Jawaker, Intaj, Mumzworld, Souq, and Vezeeta, with 2 IPOs under his belt.
Issa's educational background includes an MBA with a focus on strategy, entrepreneurship, mergers, and acquisitions, and corporate finance from Cass Business School (City University of London) and a bachelor's degree in Commerce from Concordia University.
Issa's expertise, experience, and passion for venture capital make him an ideal mentor for understanding the MENA startup ecosystem. He is committed to supporting and empowering entrepreneurs and startups to achieve their full potential.
