In recent decades, the global venture capital industry has experienced a significant surge, propelling ground-breaking start-ups like Uber and Airbnb into mainstream recognition.

Despite the promising emergence of venture capital hubs in OIC countries like Dubai, Pakistan, and Malaysia, challenges persist, including regulatory hurdles and restricted access to funding.

In our 16th episode, we're joined by Hussein Kanji, Partner at Hoxton Ventures, a leading VC firm in London.

In this episode we cover several topics, including:

• Hussein's previous investments
• What he looks for in companies before investing
• His thoughts on Islamic orientated start-ups
• The challenges facing tech ecosystems in the OIC

Intro theme song-'Tales of the Arabian Nights' composed by StudioKolomna via Pixabay

The shift from the US dollar to non-dollar currencies in trade, known as de-dollarization, impacts capital markets, global trade, and geopolitics.

Moreover, the influence of BRICS, a coalition of major emerging economies, is reshaping the global economic landscape.

With more nations exploring alternative currencies and key Islamic countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Iran, and Egypt joining BRICS in 2023, the Islamic world's global role gains significance.

In our 15th episode, we spoke to Rachel Ziemba. Rachel is an expert in geo-economics and country risk, specializing in global economic statecraft policies, particularly within the energy sector.

She is Senior Advisor, Sanctions at Horizon Engage, Adjunct Senior Fellow at the Center for New American Security (CNAS) and Founder of Ziemba Insights, a strategic advisory firm.

She is also an Adjunct Lecturer at New York University’s Center for Global Affairs, set to teach economic statecraft in the Fall of 2024.

In this episode, we talked about several topics including:

• The drivers behind de-dollarization,
• Alternative assets like gold and cryptocurrency
• The rise of BRICS and the potential for a common currency.

Intro theme song-'Tales of the Arabian Nights' composed by StudioKolomna via Pixabay

The Arab monarchies of the Arabian Peninsula have become key players globally in politics, economics, and security, largely due to their extensive oil and gas reserves.

With their substantial wealth, these Gulf states exert significant influence in energy markets and global investments. Furthermore, the hosting of major events like the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and COP 28 in Dubai has garnered worldwide attention.

In our 14th episode, we spoke to Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, an expert in Gulf affairs.

Kristian, a Fellow for the Middle East at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy, focuses on the history, political economy, and international relations of the Gulf States. With a wealth of expertise, including eight books, including his recent book "Centers of Power in the Arab Gulf States." He is currently working on a book about football in Saudi Arabia.

In this episode, we spoke about topics including:

• The historical rise of Gulf states
• The changing political economies in the region
• The broader economic challenges facing each of the Gulf monarchies

Intro theme song-'Tales of the Arabian Nights' composed by StudioKolomna via Pixabay