Bank Financing vs. Venture Capital in MENA: Are the Lines Blurring?

For decades, bank financing and venture capital in MENA have operated in largely separate worlds; one focused on stability, and predictable cash flows, the other on risk, scalability, and high-growth potential. Yet the lines between these two systems are beginning to blur as startups mature faster, SMEs digitize their operations, and financial institutions rethink their role in supporting innovation-led growth.

This session explores whether MENA’s capital stack is finally moving toward convergence, and what that means for entrepreneurs, investors, and lenders alike. It will unpack emerging hybrid models, the growing role of alternative lending and fintech-driven credit solutions, and whether traditional banks are becoming more venture-like or whether VCs are starting to adopt more disciplined, bank-like approaches in response to market realities.