Muscat, Oman – February – The Oman American Business Council (OABC) successfully
hosted an exclusive seminar on Venture Capital (VC) Deal Terms: US vs. UK vs. MENA,
bringing together industry leaders, investors, and legal experts for a deep dive into global
investment structures and their impact on the regional market.
Sponsored by FALC, the event featured keynote speaker Bradley Doline, Partner at Wilson
Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati (WSGR), one of the world’s top law firms specializing in technology,
venture capital, and investment. Bradley shared valuable insights on the fundamental
differences between US and UK/European VC deal structures and how these models are being
adapted in MENA, particularly in Oman and the UAE, where standardized deal structures are
still evolving.
The seminar also featured a special session by FALC, providing an in-depth analysis of Oman’s
VC landscape, tracing its evolution from 2017 to 2023 and offering a forward-looking
perspective on the investment climate from 2024 onwards. The discussion highlighted key
market shifts, emerging investor trends, and the growing maturity of Oman’s venture ecosystem.
Rebecca Olson, CEO of OABC, welcomed attendees, emphasizing the significance of
knowledge-sharing and strategic discussions in fostering a robust investment environment in
Oman. “Venture capital is a driving force for innovation and economic diversification.
Understanding the nuances of deal structures and investment strategies is essential as Oman
continues to position itself as a thriving hub for startups and investors in the region,” she said.
Mohammed Al Mazrui, Corporate Associate at FALC, closed the session with an overview of
trends in Oman’s PE/VC sector, emphasizing the need for more systematic and organic
knowledge sharing. ‘There is a significant opportunity to enhance organic information sharing
within our tech ecosystem, enabling founders, funds, and other stakeholders to better connect
and access key information and to share best practices. Fostering a culture of open dialogue
and collaboration within the investment community will be instrumental in supporting the
continued growth and maturity of Oman’s tech ecosystem.” said Al Mazrui.
The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session, as do all OABC informational events.