Breaking Down Barriers
Welcome to "Breaking Down Barriers," a podcast dedicated to uncovering the untold stories and invaluable insights from the visionary minds shaping the Middle East's vibrant technology landscape where we sit down with the region's most innovative Chief Technology Officers and Chief Product Officers, and executives from thriving startups, game-changing unicorns, high-growth scale-ups, and groundbreaking IPO companies.
Each episode will take you on an immersive journey through the personal experiences and hard-won wisdom of these extraordinary leaders. Discover the secrets behind their success in building and scaling companies that not only disrupt industries but also redefine the boundaries of what's possible.
Join us as we break down barriers and delve into the minds of the Middle East's most influential tech, product and executives on "Breaking Down Barriers."
We've made Breaking Down Barriers with our Supporting Partner AWS, and our Investment Partner Shorooq.
Breaking Down Barriers
AI, policy, and big cheques: Inside the mind of MENA's most influential VC
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Dr. Bilal Baloch - Previous co-founder of an AI startup and managing a half-billion-dollar fund - is sharing how he’s rewriting the rules of venture capital in MENA.
Breaking Down Barriers - Hosted by Ricci Putnam, Chief Growth Officer
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In this conversation, Bilal breaks down:
- How sovereign funds and government policy are rewriting the venture playbook
- Why the next global AI companies won’t all come from Silicon Valley.
- How capital, compute, talent, and geopolitics are now inseparable.
- Why the UAE, KSA, and emerging markets are no longer “followers” but shapers.
- What founders need to understand about institutions, not just models.
- The first 90 days with a portfolio company and when to double down
- Why storytelling beats data in pitches and the talent gaps slowing growth
- Where real AI value will accrue: infrastructure, models, or vertical apps
- Quick-fire insights on founders, buzzwords, and risk in today’s markets
- His vision for MENA tech in 2030
Founders, investors, and innovators - get an inside look at the strategies shaping the region’s next unicorns.