MENA Investors' Forecasts for 2018: Amjad Ahmad, Managing Partner, Precinct Partners Investors are out with their forecasts for the MENA entrepreneurial ecosystem and they are bullish, to say the least.

By Tamara Pupic

You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Precinct Partners

We picked the brains of investors looking at the Arab world for their expectations of the MENA entrepreneurial landscape in 2018, and their thoughts on sectors that we should keep an eye on next year. Here's what Amjad Ahmad, Managing Partner, Precinct Partners, told us.

"There will be more late stage funding (Series B and beyond) as several strong startups mature and investor appetite improves. The quality of startups will improve as stronger entrepreneurs enter the market with higher early-stage funding and better support. Also, government initiatives across the region will lead to a larger pool of early-stage companies. I believe regional governments need to dramatically increase R&D and education investments in key sectors such as technology, renewable energy, transport/ logistics and financial services. Significant government backing will lead to long-term sustainability and leadership in these sectors, which will drive private sector development and investment."

Related: How To Get Funded (And Keep Investors On Your Side)

Tamara Pupic

Entrepreneur Staff

Managing Editor, Entrepreneur Middle East

Tamara Pupic is the Managing Editor of Entrepreneur Middle East.

Growth Strategies

Award-Winning Author Chaker Khazaal Launches AI Scholarships to Digitally Empower Lebanon's Youth

20 fully funded scholarships in artificial intelligence and digital marketing will be offered to young people from vulnerable communities.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Technology

Dubai Announces Launch of World's First Ever Crypto Tower

New 17 storey project to be built in Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT) in Dubai.

Franchise

This Travel Franchise Turns Your Passion for Vacations Into a Money-Making Opportunity

Whether you're working from home, traveling or connecting with clients at their convenience, this franchise adapts to your lifestyle.

News and Trends

Ten-Year-Old Emirati Becomes World's Youngest Ever Columnist

AlDhabi AlMheiri gains Guinness World Records certificate after columns in Entrepreneur Middle East magazine and website.