Abu dhabi: Innovative Startups and SMEs Fund (ISSF) took part in the Investors Summit organized by the Middle East Venture Capital Association (MEVCA) at Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).
According to Jordan News Agency, ISSF CEO Mohammad Muhtaseb stated that sovereign investment funds can serve as a "primary" driver for the innovation economy and a catalytic lever for entrepreneurship ecosystems, particularly amid accelerating global and regional economic shifts. Muhtaseb emphasized the need for the region to redefine the role of sovereign capital through more intelligent capital structuring. This involves moving beyond a traditional investment posture shaped by a "grant" mindset and toward an enabling, incentive-based approach that supports entrepreneurship and innovation in Jordan and the region on commercially viable, sustainable terms.
Muhtaseb outlined a vision for shifting sovereign funds from symbolic participation to a mobilizing and stimulating force to activate venture capital through sustainable, profit-generating investments that can be recycled into the economy over the long run. He highlighted that these entities shouldn't merely disburse funds or expand beneficiary counts, but rather build an integrated investment ecosystem that can lead the MENA innovation economy on a foundation of financial sustainability.
Additionally, Muhtaseb mentioned that ISSF's current strategy balances financial returns to ensure continuity with optimizing economic impact. He added that investment performance and economic development are "complementary, not conflicting, objectives in the fund's policy."