Noor Sweid epitomizes the trailblazing spirit within the Middle East’s venture capital landscape. As the General Partner of Global Ventures, she stands as a beacon of innovation and empowerment, steering the firm’s investments across international borders from UAE to Cairo, Jeddah, Riyadh, Tunis, and Lagos. Her journey is punctuated by remarkable achievements, each marking a milestone in her quest to redefine the entrepreneurial narrative in a traditionally male-dominated region and industry.
A pivotal chapter in Sweid’s career unfolded during her tenure as Chief Investment Officer at The Dubai Future Foundation and Managing Partner at Leap Ventures. These roles not only showcased her strategic acumen but also solidified her reputation as a visionary leader adept at navigating the intricate landscape of emerging technologies and disruptive business models.
However, Sweid’s entrepreneurial spirit transcends the confines of conventional corporate environments. She embarked on a transformative journey with her family business, Depa, where her visionary leadership propelled the company to unprecedented heights. Under her stewardship, Depa witnessed exponential growth, culminating in four cross-border acquisitions and a historic IPO on the London Stock Exchange and NASDAQ Dubai, achieving a valuation exceeding a billion dollars.
Yet, Sweid’s impact extends beyond the boardroom. She carved a niche in the wellness industry by founding ZenYoga, the first yoga studio in the MENA region. Through her innovative approach, ZenYoga blossomed into the largest wellness chain in the Middle East, underscoring Sweid’s ability to identify and capitalize on emerging market trends.
Sweid’s illustrious career is further accentuated by her commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. As Chairwoman of MEVCA and a Founding Board member of Endeavor UAE, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, nurturing aspiring visionaries and catalyzing growth.
Her accolades speak volumes about her impact and influence. Recognized in Forbes’ World’s Top 50 Women in Tech and Arabian Business’ 100 Most Powerful Arab Women list, Sweid continues to shatter glass ceilings and redefine the parameters of success. Her contributions to the financial sector have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by the prestigious Arab Woman Award for Finance.
Behind Sweid’s multifaceted persona lies a formidable academic pedigree, boasting bachelor’s degrees in Finance and Economics from Boston College, coupled with an MBA from MIT Sloan. This fusion of theoretical knowledge and real-world experience forms the bedrock of her success, equipping her with the tools necessary to navigate the complexities of the global business landscape.
In essence, Noor Sweid’s journey epitomizes resilience, innovation, and unwavering determination. As she continues to chart new territories and break barriers, her legacy serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and changemakers across the MENA region and beyond.
