Saudi Venture Capital (SVC), the government-backed investment company supporting Saudi Arabia’s startup and private capital ecosystem, has appointed Nora Alsarhan as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1, 2026.
The appointment follows a resolution approved by the company’s Board of Directors on June 3, 2026, and forms part of a long-term succession plan designed to ensure a smooth leadership transition while supporting the firm’s continued growth.
Leadership Transition at SVC
Alsarhan currently serves as Deputy CEO and Chief Investment Officer, having joined Saudi Venture Capital in June 2019. During her tenure, she has held several senior leadership positions and has played an important role in overseeing the firm’s investment strategy and portfolio development.
She succeeds Dr. Nabeel Koshak, who has led SVC since 2019. Following the transition, Koshak will continue serving as a member of the company’s Board of Directors.
Supporting Saudi Arabia’s Private Capital Ecosystem
Since its establishment in 2018, Saudi Venture Capital has become one of the Kingdom’s leading institutional investors supporting entrepreneurship and private capital development. The organization invests through venture capital funds, private equity funds, venture debt and private credit vehicles to expand financing opportunities for startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
According to the company, SVC has invested in more than 65 investment funds, which have collectively supported over 1,000 startups and SMEs across multiple sectors.
Expanding Access to Growth Capital
Under Dr. Koshak’s leadership, SVC expanded its investment activities across several private capital segments, helping strengthen Saudi Arabia’s venture capital landscape and broaden access to funding for high-growth businesses.
The leadership transition comes as Saudi Arabia continues to develop its innovation ecosystem through increased investment in entrepreneurship, technology companies and private sector growth, in line with the Kingdom’s broader economic diversification objectives.
Why It Matters
Leadership changes at major government-backed investment institutions can influence the direction of national startup ecosystems and private capital markets. As Saudi Venture Capital continues to expand its investment activities, the appointment of Nora Alsarhan reflects the organization’s focus on continuity while supporting the long-term growth of venture capital, entrepreneurship and innovation across Saudi Arabia.
