Personal and Professional Background
Khaldoon Tabaza is the Founder and Managing Director of iMENA Group, a leading digital investment firm headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with operations extending into Amman, Jordan. He has accumulated over 25 years of experience in the venture capital and technology sectors across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Tabaza holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from The University of Jordan (1994) but transitioned early from medicine to technology entrepreneurship. He is also a Kauffman Venture Capital Fellow (2010-2012), an accolade reflecting deep expertise and recognition in venture capital.
Career Highlights and Contributions
- Entrepreneurship and Investment: Khaldoon has founded, co-founded, or invested in more than 60 SME and venture-backed online companies focusing on technology, media, and digital platforms. He is noted for pioneering the regional internet industry in the Arab world, including the establishment of Arabia Online, the first regional internet portal in 1997.
- Leadership at iMENA Group: Since founding iMENA Group in 2013, Khaldoon has been instrumental in building the company into a significant regional digital investor managing a portfolio exceeding $150 million in investments across consumer technology-driven businesses.
- Fundraising and Capital Markets Activity:
- iMENA Group recently completed a $135 million pre-IPO funding round backed by major investors such as Sanabil Investments, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
- The company underwent restructuring to become a Saudi Closed Joint Stock Company (CJSC) named iMENA Holding in April 2025, positioning itself for a potential IPO targeting a valuation exceeding $100 million, with possible primary listings in international markets such as the US or UK.
- Investment focus includes scaling and expanding digital platforms such as OpenSooq (classifieds), SellAnyCar (automotive), and Jeeny (transportation), aiming at boosting their regional footprint.
- Public Presence and Thought Leadership: Tabaza actively participates in regional and global forums, including the World Economic Forum where he has been recognized as a Young Global Leader. He is a prolific thought leader, frequently contributing to articles and podcasts addressing digital entrepreneurship and venture capital in the MENA region. Notably, he hosts a podcast series, Venture Oasis, where he discusses digital economy development with industry stakeholders.
Educational and Professional Affiliations
- University of Jordan – Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (1994)
- Society of Kauffman Fellows – Venture Capital Fellowship (2010–2012)
- Additional executive or short-term educational programs at undisclosed institutions during 2017 and 2019.
- Speaks English fluently, facilitating engagement with international investors and partners.
Company Profile – iMENA Group
iMENA Group is a specialized digital investment vehicle focusing on consumer-facing technology businesses in the MENA region. Under Tabaza’s stewardship, iMENA functions as both a strategic investor and operator, driving digital transformation in key sectors such as e-commerce, transportation, automotive, and online classifieds.
The April 2025 restructuring of iMENA into a Saudi CJSC and the substantial capital increase signal the group’s intent to broaden capital access and enhance market standing ahead of a public offering. This transition highlights the company’s ambitions to become a leading public digital investment entity in the region and beyond.
Notable Achievements and Recognitions
- Recognized by the World Economic Forum as a Young Global Leader (2006).
- Early pioneer in launching the first venture-backed internet companies in the Arab world.
- Successfully led iMENA’s multi-stage funding and growth strategy, catalyzing digital ecosystems regionally.
- Frequent commentator and influencer in regional digital investment discussions, including televised interviews and major industry conferences.
This profile presents Khaldoon Tabaza as a seasoned venture capital leader with deep expertise in digital economies and technology ecosystems across MENA. His stewardship of iMENA Group underscores a focus on strategic growth, capital market readiness, and transformation of regional digital platforms, positioning both him and his company as key players in the expanding MENA tech investment landscape.
