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Swicorp operates as a private investment holding company that strategically transitioned from a full-fledged investment bank in November 2023. The firm now concentrates on managing its proprietary investment portfolio, which primarily comprises private equity funds. It applies extensive experience in financial advisory and deal execution to optimize value across its diverse holdings.
Established in 1987 in Geneva, Switzerland, Swicorp later relocated its headquarters to Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in 2007. The firm began by offering comprehensive financial services, growing into a significant investment bank prior to its recent strategic pivot. This evolution reflects a deliberate adaptation toward focused proprietary capital deployment.
Swicorp's investment focus extends to companies within its diversified portfolio across the Middle East and North Africa region. Its long-term vision centers on enhancing and expanding these strategic holdings, creating value through proactive management and capital allocation. The firm continuously progresses in its transformation, solidifying its role as a dedicated investment entity.
Key people at Swicorp.
Swicorp was founded in 1987 by Kamel Lazaar (Founder and Chairman).
Key people at Swicorp.
Swicorp was founded in 1987 by Kamel Lazaar (Founder and Chairman).
Swicorp has 1 tracked investment across 1 company. The latest tracked deal is $41.0M Series B in Fetchr in May 2017.
| Date | Company | Round | Lead Investor(s) | Co-Investor(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 1, 2017 | Fetchr | $41.0M Series B | Scott Sandell | Band OF Angels, Intel Capital, Nokia Growth Partners, BECO Capital, Iliad Partners, Majid AL Futtaim Holding, Raed Ventures, VentureSouq, YBA Kanoo |
Swicorp is a private financial services group specializing in investment banking, private equity, and asset management, with a primary focus on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.[1][2][3] Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the firm transitioned from a full-fledged investment bank to a private investment holding company in November 2023, emphasizing management of its own investment portfolio, including private equity funds raised from Middle East investors totaling nearly $1.4 billion.[1][2][3] Its investment philosophy centers on leveraging deep local expertise, pan-regional capabilities, and a multinational team of over 100 professionals across offices in Riyadh, Jeddah, Geneva, Tunis, Dubai, and Algiers to deliver strategic financial solutions and principal investments.[1][2] Swicorp has influenced the MENA startup and investment ecosystem through pioneering advisory transactions, closing over 120 deals worth more than $17 billion, and diversifying into sectors like education, biotech, renewable energy, and infrastructure.[3][5][6]
Swicorp was founded in 1987 in Geneva, Switzerland, by current chairman Kamel Lazaar, initially as an independent corporate finance advisory firm.[1][2][3] It relocated its headquarters to Riyadh in 2007, becoming licensed by the Saudi Capital Market Authority and Dubai Financial Services Authority, which enabled expansion into private equity starting in 2004.[1][2][3] Key evolution points include raising nearly $1.4 billion in private equity funds from MENA investors and building a track record of over 700 advisory engagements.[1][3] In November 2023, Swicorp underwent a major restructuring, voluntarily returning its CMA investment banking licenses to focus exclusively on its investment portfolio as a closed joint-stock company with SAR 500 million in share capital.[3] This shift humanizes its adaptability amid regional market changes, led by experienced senior management with multinational expertise.[2][3]
Swicorp rides the wave of MENA's economic diversification, particularly Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 push for non-oil growth in private equity, renewables, biotech, and education tech sectors.[3][5][6] Its timing aligns with rising regional investor appetite for private markets, having raised over $1 billion in funds from Middle East sources amid booming startup ecosystems in KSA and UAE.[1][2] Market forces like regulatory liberalization (e.g., CMA and DFSA oversight) and geopolitical stability favor its pan-MENA model, enabling influence through deal-making that connects local corporations with global capital.[1][2] By pioneering transactions and managing funds, Swicorp shapes the ecosystem, fostering startup funding and infrastructure projects that amplify tech adoption in underserved North African and Gulf markets.[1][6]
Swicorp's pivot to a holding company positions it to capitalize on MENA's private equity surge, potentially expanding its $1.4 billion fund portfolio into high-growth areas like AI-driven fintech and green energy amid Vision 2030 investments.[3][6] Trends such as digital transformation and ESG-focused infrastructure will shape its path, with its Riyadh hub and multilingual team enabling outsized regional influence.[1][2] Expect deeper proprietary bets and portfolio exits as markets mature, evolving Swicorp from advisor to a pivotal MENA capital allocator—reinforcing its role as a foundational player in the region's financial evolution.[3]
