Dalma Capital Management Limited: Company Profile

Background

Overview

Dalma Capital Management Limited, established in 2011 and headquartered in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), is a global alternative investment management platform and advisor. The firm specializes in investment banking advisory and fund management services, focusing on alternative investments, emerging markets, and capital solutions. Dalma Capital aims to drive financial market efficiency by leveraging its expertise and innovation to optimize client portfolios and facilitate strategic transactions.

Mission and Vision

Dalma Capital's mission is to be the world's leading "bulge boutique" investment banking firm and asset manager, combining the capabilities of a bulge bracket institution with the personalized approach of a boutique financial services firm. The firm excels in alternative investments, emerging markets, and capital solutions, offering best-in-class fund management, investment banking, and outsourced chief investment officer (OCIO) services. By leveraging its expertise, innovation, and technology, Dalma Capital empowers clients to optimize their portfolios and achieve investment objectives with a customized touch.

Primary Area of Focus and Industry Significance

Dalma Capital operates across two major business segments: investment banking advisory and fund management services. The firm has established itself as a leading 'bulge boutique' investment banking advisory business in the Middle East, while operating an award-winning fund platform that offers portfolio managers access to top-tier operational, regulatory, legal, and technological infrastructure. Additionally, Dalma Capital has expanded into the outsourced chief investment officer space with the addition of The Global CIO Office to the group.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Dalma Capital's strategic focus includes:

Alternative Investments: Identifying and managing alternative investment opportunities to provide clients with diversified portfolios.

Emerging Markets: Capitalizing on growth opportunities in emerging markets to deliver superior returns.

Capital Solutions: Offering innovative capital solutions to meet the unique needs of clients.

Specific Areas of Specialization

The firm's areas of specialization encompass:

Investment Banking Advisory: Providing strategic advice on mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and capital raising.

Fund Management: Managing a diverse portfolio of funds, including hedge funds, private equity, venture capital, and digital asset funds.

Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO) Services: Offering independent investment advisory and portfolio management services to family offices and institutional clients.

Key Technologies Utilized

Dalma Capital leverages advanced technologies to enhance its services, including:

Blockchain Technology: Utilizing blockchain for secure and transparent transactions in digital asset management.

Data Analytics: Employing data analytics to inform investment decisions and optimize portfolio performance.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

The firm primarily targets:

Emerging Markets: Focusing on high-growth regions to capitalize on investment opportunities.

Alternative Investment Sectors: Including digital assets, private equity, and venture capital.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Dalma Capital has raised a total of $61.26 million over five funding rounds. The latest funding round was a Series B for $21 million on March 17, 2025.

Notable Investors

The firm's investors include:

Breega: A leading investor in the insurance industry.

Anterra Capital: A venture capital firm focusing on food and agriculture technology.

Bpifrance: France's public investment bank.

Northzone: A European venture capital firm.

Rocket Internet: A global internet company.

Intended Utilization of Capital

The capital raised is intended for:

Expansion of Fund Management Services: Enhancing the firm's portfolio of alternative investment funds.

Development of OCIO Services: Strengthening the outsourced chief investment officer services for family offices and institutional clients.

Technological Advancements: Investing in technology to improve operational efficiency and service offerings.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

Dalma Capital's pipeline includes:

Quencia Saudi Equity Open Ended PC: A Saudi equity fund aiming to generate medium to long-term capital appreciation and maximize total return relative to the TASI index.

Digital Asset Funds: The firm manages six mandated digital asset funds, positioning itself as a global leader in digital asset fund management.

Stages of Clinical Trials or Product Development

As a financial services firm, Dalma Capital does not engage in clinical trials or product development in the traditional sense. However, it continually develops and launches new investment products and services to meet client needs.

Target Conditions

The firm's investment products target:

Emerging Market Opportunities: Identifying high-growth potential in emerging markets.

Alternative Investment Sectors: Including digital assets, private equity, and venture capital.

Relevant Timelines for Anticipated Milestones

Specific timelines for upcoming milestones are not publicly disclosed. However, the firm continues to expand its fund offerings and service capabilities.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Dalma Capital utilizes proprietary technologies in:

Digital Asset Management: Implementing blockchain technology for secure and transparent transactions.

Data Analytics: Employing advanced data analytics to inform investment decisions and optimize portfolio performance.

Significant Scientific Methods

The firm applies:

Quantitative Analysis: Utilizing quantitative models to assess investment opportunities.

Risk Management Frameworks: Implementing comprehensive risk management strategies to safeguard client investments.

AI-Driven Capabilities

Dalma Capital leverages AI-driven capabilities in:

Portfolio Optimization: Using AI algorithms to enhance portfolio performance.

Market Analysis: Employing AI tools to analyze market trends and inform investment strategies.

Leadership Team

Key Executive Profiles

Zachary Cefaratti: Founder and Executive Group Chairman. He has transformed Dalma Capital's role in investment banking, executing mergers and acquisitions up to approximately $500 million and managing financings around $2 billion. His expertise spans sectors like EdTech, AI, Blockchain, and FinTech.

Zahid Aslam: Managing Director - Investment Banking. A senior investment professional specializing in structuring, marketing, and launching Islamic and conventional capital markets instruments, private equity solutions, and investment funds. He has a wide network of clients and investors, including sovereigns, banks, investment firms, corporates, and high-net-worth individuals.

Ahmed Eid: Managing Director – Mergers & Acquisitions. He leads the firm's advisory efforts across strategic transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and capital raising mandates. Ahmed brings deep cross-border expertise, focusing on aligning global capital with high-growth opportunities in emerging and frontier markets.

Majed Kabbara: Managing Director - Quencia Open Ended PCC Limited. With over 17 years of experience, he was previously Managing Director and Head of Asset Management at EFG-Hermes in Saudi Arabia. Majed holds an MBA from the American University of Beirut and is a CFA Charterholder.

Leadership Changes

In December 2022, Dalma Capital acquired The Global CIO Office, an independent outsourced chief investment officer services business. Gary Dugan, the founder and CEO of The Global CIO Office, joined Dalma Capital as the Chief Investment Officer, responsible for managing the Dalma Global CIO Office.

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