It Starts
with an idea
We build the winners.
We create category-defining AI companies from MENA for global markets.
OUR BLUEPRINT
FIKRA (فِكرة) means “idea.”
Two tracks: build AI ventures from day zero and bring proven global AI into MENA with market access and execution.
Track 1: Building AI Ventures
We originate high-conviction ideas and build from day zero or co-build with exceptional founders. We plug in product, engineering, capital, and go-to-market to reach real customers and repeatable revenue.
Track 2: Global AI, Built for MENA
We form regional joint ventures with select global AI leaders. They bring the product; we bring MENA market access, regulatory know-how, and build capacity to scale.
TRACK 1:
BUILDING AI VENTURES
In-house creation + co-building with founders
Ideate & Validate
We test our strongest AI ideas with real customers before we build.
Build & Launch
Turn validated ideas into live products using Fikra’s engineering, design, and go-to-market teams.
Scale & Expand
Scale growth with strategic capital, regional rollout across MENA, and partners that drive adoption and distribution. This helps avoid using the term “go-to-market” twice at different points.
Deliver Value
Turn ventures into durable companies built for revenue, defensibility, and long-term value for founders, Fikra, and its investors.
TRACK 2:
Global AI, Built for MENA
Joint ventures with proven global AI companies
Market Entry
Fast, low-friction entry into UAE and wider MENA through JV structures, licenses, and on-the-ground operating support.
Localization & Regulation
Positioning, regulatory navigation, and product localization so platforms are compliant, trusted, and culturally tuned.
Build & Integrate
Extend and integrate products with regional data, infrastructure, and distribution partners to meet local customer requirements.
Scale & Value Creation
Scale across priority MENA markets, structure follow-on capital, and drive real distributions through disciplined governance and exits.
HOW WE WORK
From Idea to Venture
We’re company builders, not passive capital. We originate and co-build AI ventures, staying hands-on from concept through product, first customers, and early scale.
Sector Prioritization
We focus on AI where we know the terrain best:
- Logistics & Industrial Infrastructure
- GovTech & Public Safety
- Financial Services
- Healthcare
Built on Partnerships
We work with corporates, governments, and global AI companies to unlock distribution, data, and regulatory access across MENA and beyond.
Ethical AI by Design
We embed responsible AI from day one—data governance, model oversight, and human-in-the-loop controls—so our ventures are built to be trusted.
Who We Are
The People Behind the Ideas
Core Team
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Wael Aburida
Managing Partner
(The Investor)
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David Herbada
Founding Partner
(The Builder)
Basma Aburida
Founding Partner
(The Architect)
Bilal Helmy
Business Analyst
(The Architect)
Build Engine
Our build engine is anchored in Egypt, where a core group of seven engineers works with us on an elastic, on-demand basis across AI, data, DevOps, and full-stack development.
Advisory Board
A global group of thought leaders helping Fikra shape AI innovation, ethics, policy, and venture scaling.
Manal Alassaf, PhD
AI Strategy & Digital Transformation
Richard Horlick
Global Asset Management & Capital Strategy
Newton Howard, PhD
AI & Neuroscience, GovTech/Security Insight
(The Scientist)
Christina Ku
AI & Deep Tech Investment
Brendan Lewis
Technology Storytelling & Communications
(The Engineer)
Diana Mangalagiu, PhD
Ethical AI, Policy & Sustainability
Roberto Ordoñez
Strategy & Negotiation
Danielle Perszyk, PhD
Cognitive AI & AGI Strategy
FIND YOUR PATH WITH FIKRA
Choose how you plug into the Fikra build engine — as a founder, team member, or strategic partner.
Build / Scale
For founders and operators with a high-conviction AI idea or a proven product. We co-build and fund ventures in-house or through regional joint ventures, then help you launch, win your first customers, and scale from MENA to the world.
Join the Team
For builders, researchers, and operators who want to work inside the studio. Join our product, engineering, research, or platform teams and help turn AI into real companies across the region.
Partner for Impact
For governments, corporates, and global AI companies. Partner with us to co-create AI ventures and innovation platforms that solve large-scale problems in MENA and scale the winners globally.
Build or scale your AI venture with Fikra.
Tell us what you’re building and how you’d like to work with us in MENA.
Join the Fikra build engine.
Share your background and how you’d like to contribute to our AI ventures.
Partner with Fikra to build AI ventures and innovation platforms.
Tell us about your organization and what you’d like to explore together.
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