Business

A newly established investment firm, Nahda Capital Partners, has filed for the registration of its first private equity fund in Abu Dhabi Global Market as it prepares to begin investment operations across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

The firm, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, aims to focus on mid-market businesses in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC, targeting companies that can benefit from long-term capital and operational support.

A Platform Focused on Regional Growth

The name “Nahda”, which translates to renaissance or resurgence in Arabic, reflects the firm’s mission of supporting the development of the region’s real economy through long-term partnerships with founders, family-owned businesses and institutions.

The company is led by Iñigo de Luna, who brings extensive experience in private equity and investment banking. According to the firm, the founding partners collectively hold a historical investment track record delivering approximately 36% gross internal rate of return (IRR) across multiple economic cycles.

Mid-Market Private Equity Strategy

Nahda Capital Partners plans to adopt a control-oriented investment strategy, focusing on acquiring majority stakes in promising mid-sized companies.

The firm will particularly target founder-led and family-owned businesses that are:

1. Undergoing generational transitions

2. Seeking institutional capital

3. Looking for operational support to expand across the GCC

The investment model will emphasise operational value creation, including:

1. Professionalisation of business structures

2. Operational efficiency improvements

3. Governance strengthening

4. Strategic buy-and-build expansion

Key Sectors Identified

The firm has identified several priority sectors for its investment strategy, including:

1. Food production and distribution

2. Healthcare

3. Education

4. Industrial technology

Its investment framework is also guided by Sharia-compliant principles, focusing on real-economy assets, disciplined governance and prudent use of leverage.

Fundraising Target of $300 Million

Subject to regulatory approval from Abu Dhabi Global Market, Nahda Capital Partners plans to begin fundraising in the coming weeks.

The firm aims to raise approximately $300 million for its inaugural private equity fund, which will be managed from ADGM and deployed across growth-oriented companies in the GCC.

Commenting on the launch, Iñigo de Luna said the firm remains confident in the region’s long-term economic outlook.

“Our conviction has not changed: the GCC is structurally strengthening as a place to build businesses and allocate long-term capital,” he said.

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