Saudi Venture Capital Names Nora Alsarhan as New CEO
Saudi Venture Capital (SVC) has appointed Nora Alsarhan as its new Chief Executive Officer, with the transition set to take effect on 1 July 2026. The appointment forms part of a structured leadership succession plan overseen by the board, aimed at maintaining continuity and supporting the further development of Saudi Arabia’s private capital ecosystem.
Alsarhan will succeed Dr Nabeel Koshak, who has served as CEO since 2019. According to the announcement, Koshak will continue to support the company and remain on the board following the leadership change.
Leadership Transition at a Key Investment Institution
Alsarhan joins the top leadership role after serving as SVC’s Deputy CEO and Chief Investment Officer. She has been with the firm since June 2019 and has held several senior positions during that period. In these roles, she contributed to the company’s strategy and led its investment agenda while also overseeing institutional performance, governance, and strategic planning.
SVC said Alsarhan brings experience in private capital investment management and financial advisory services to the CEO position. Her promotion reflects an internal succession process designed to preserve momentum at one of the Kingdom’s most active institutional investors.
The board also expressed appreciation for Dr Koshak’s contribution to the firm since 2019, noting that his tenure was instrumental in establishing operations and building capabilities. Under his leadership, SVC expanded its investment activity and strengthened its role in the Saudi market.
SVC’s Role in Saudi Arabia’s Venture Capital Growth
Saudi Venture Capital has played a central role in helping position Saudi Arabia as a regional leader in venture capital investment. The firm reported that venture capital funding in the Kingdom grew 26-fold between 2018 and 2025, highlighting the scale of growth in the sector over a relatively short period.
The institutional investor has backed more than 65 funds across venture capital, private equity, venture debt, and private credit. Collectively, these funds have invested in more than 1,000 startups and small and medium-sized enterprises, supporting broader economic diversification efforts in the Kingdom.
As SVC enters a new phase under Alsarhan’s leadership, the organisation is expected to continue supporting the development of the private capital market and expanding access to financing for emerging businesses.
Industry Analysis
Alsarhan’s appointment underscores the increasing maturity of Saudi Arabia’s venture capital landscape, where leadership continuity and institutional experience are becoming more important as the market scales. An internal succession from within the organisation suggests that SVC is prioritising stability while preserving its strategic direction.
For the wider fintech and startup ecosystem, the transition may signal ongoing support for fund formation and capital deployment across high-growth segments. With SVC remaining a major backer of startups and SMEs, the leadership change is likely to be watched closely by investors and founders seeking long-term continuity in the Kingdom’s innovation financing environment.
