Wael Altorabi

Strategy · Investment · Venture building

About Wael Altorabi

I am a serial entrepreneur, investor and advisor based in Riyadh. I have founded nine companies and completed three exits, with hands-on experience across venture building, M&A and due diligence, strategy and growth, digital transformation and fundraising.

Wael Altorabi speaking on an entrepreneurship panel

9 companies

founded

3 exits

completed

18K startups

on Qewam

US$400M

Qewam platform GMV

Career History

My work combines an operator's urgency with an investor's discipline: turning complex market, technology and organizational questions into clear decisions and executable growth plans.

Mar 2020 — Jan 2026

Qewam logo

Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Qewam

Scaled Qewam / Qewam Investment Holdings from launch to 18,000 startups, 300+ mentors and 500+ vendors, processing US$400M in gross merchandise value and onboarding 60% of Saudi Arabia's incubators and accelerators. Directed M&A and due diligence across technology, media and real estate, and negotiated a US$200M institutional commitment for a venture-capital arm.

Nov 2018 — Nov 2019

The Startup Gate logo

Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, The Startup Gate

Co-founded the e-learning software venture with a 60% stake, grew it from 823 self-serve sign-ups in its first five months to 6,631 at acquisition, and sold it to Academi for US$933K in November 2019.

Jan 2017 — Jan 2019

Skullmapping / Le Petit Chef logo

Regional Partner, Skullmapping / Le Petit Chef

Secured a 10-year exclusive MENA license for Skullmapping's 3D projection-mapping dining shows, led market entry and venue partnerships, and transferred the license to Assila Investments as part of the Successful Plan Group exit.

2015 — 2018

Successful Plan Group logo

Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Successful Plan Group

Built a 53-person advertising and media agency serving major public- and private-sector clients. Revenue reached US$2.7M in year two and US$9.3M in year three before acquisition by Assila Investments, including four subsidiaries and the Le Petit Chef MENA license.

Nov 2015 — Jun 2016

Credit Card Sales Lead, Samba Financial Group

Rebuilt the bank's credit-card telemarketing function, hitting its annual target for the first time in a decade with 50 fewer staff.

2013 — 2015

Earlier career, Australia

Led front-line fundraising teams at Global Interactive Group, ranking fifth nationally in 2014, after progressing from Sales & Marketing Representative to Supervisor at Appco Group on the Gold Coast.

Consulting Engagements

Selected completed engagements across entertainment, education and fund creation.

  • General Entertainment Authority logo

    Apr 2025 — Apr 2026

    General Entertainment Authority

    Member, Strategy Non-Executive Committee

    Created a sustainable framework for the entertainment industry, validated through a regional pilot in Samra, Hail

  • Meetup logo

    Jan 2024 — Jul 2025

    Meetup

    Alternate Fund Creation Advisor

    The Creators Accelerator Fund

  • Ministry of Education logo

    2022 — 2023

    Ministry of Education

    Digital Innovation Advisor

    High School Entrepreneurship Curriculum Benchmarking · Phase 2

  • Ministry of Education logo

    2021 — 2022

    Ministry of Education

    Digital Transformation Consultant

    High School Entrepreneurship Curriculum Benchmarking · Phase 1

Hands-on Advisory Roles

Current and completed advisory roles across growth, product, restructuring and go-to-market strategy.

  • Boardy AI logo

    2026 — Present

    Boardy AI

    GTM Strategy Advisor

    Hands-on advisory role

  • Standout AI logo

    2025 — Present

    Standout AI

    Early-Stage Growth Strategy Advisor

    Hands-on advisory role

  • Routech logo

    2022 — 2026

    Routech

    Early-Stage Growth Strategy Advisor

    Formerly Aloud Logistics

  • Operater logo

    2021 — 2026

    Operater

    Product Growth Strategy Advisor

    Formerly QPioneers

  • Dora AI logo

    2021 — 2025

    Dora AI

    Early-Stage Growth Strategy Advisor

  • 2021 — 2024

    EVE AI

    Company & Product Restructure Advisor

  • Walzay AI logo

    2019 — 2023

    Walzay AI

    Early-Stage Growth Strategy Advisor

  • 2019 — 2020

    UBG

    Business Advisor

  • Slidebean AI logo

    2017 — 2023

    Slidebean AI

    Content Growth Strategy Advisor

Skills

My perspective comes from founding nine companies, completing three exits and directing M&A and due-diligence processes across technology, media and real estate. I support founders with market entry, product and growth strategy, fundraising readiness, financial modelling and execution.

US$200M

Institutional commitment negotiated at Qewam to support the launch of a venture-capital arm.

Education · Languages

Education

2026 — 2028 expected

BSc Project Management

Midocean University

Executive learning

Private Equity & Venture Capital

Università Bocconi

Languages

Fluent in Arabic and English.

Speaking, mentoring and judging

Where I support founders — through keynotes, masterclasses, mentorship and competition judging across Saudi Arabia and the wider region.

  • Startups Without Borders logoKeynote Speaker · Startups Without BordersSummit, Cairo2024
  • LEAP logoGuest Speaker · LEAPRiyadh2022
  • LEAP logoStartup Judge · LEAPRocket Fuel Competition2024
  • Startup Judge · MIT Enterprise Forum Pan Arab2021 — 2022
  • Startup Mentor · MIT Enterprise Forum Saudi Arabia2021
  • Prince Mohammed Bin Salman College logoMentor & Judge · Prince Mohammed Bin Salman College2025
  • Saudi Investment Bank logoBusiness Mentor · Saudi Investment Bank2025 — Present
  • Al Rajhi Bank logoBusiness Mentor · Al Rajhi Bank 
  • NEOM logoMasterclass Presenter · NEOMSenses, economic empowerment 
  • King Saud University logoStartup Mentor · King Saud University2022
  • Ministry of Human Resources & Social Development logoStartup Mentor · Ministry of Human Resources & Social Development2022
  • SMEs Support Centers logoGuest Speaker · SMEs Support CentersMonsha'at2022
  • U.S. Consulate General, Jeddah logoGuest Speaker · U.S. Consulate General, Jeddah2020
Wael Altorabi addressing founders at a startup event

Recognition and learning

Named Founder of the Year 2026 by the Global Startup Awards, Middle East Regional. My learning spans project management, private equity and venture capital, innovation management, AI, entrepreneurship and leadership.

Awards & Recognition

Recognition, credentials and the organizations connected to my work.

Built, advised and worked with

  • QewamQewamCo-Founder & CEO · 2020–2026
  • The Startup GateThe Startup GateCo-Founder & CEO · Exit
  • Successful Plan GroupSuccessful Plan GroupCo-Founder & CEO · Exit
  • Skullmapping / Le Petit ChefSkullmapping / Le Petit ChefRegional Partner · MENA
  • Samba Financial GroupCredit Card Sales Lead
  • General Entertainment AuthorityGeneral Entertainment AuthorityStrategy Committee
  • MeetupMeetupFund Creation Advisor
  • Ministry of EducationMinistry of EducationInnovation & Transformation

Selected portfolio

Coming soon

Portfolio details are being updated and will be published here shortly.

Awards and credentials

  • Global Startup AwardsGlobal Startup AwardsFounder of the Year 2026 · Middle East Regional
  • Università BocconiUniversità BocconiPrivate Equity & Venture Capital
  • Erasmus University RotterdamErasmus University RotterdamInnovation Management, 2026

Awards & recognition

  • Global Startup Awards · Middle East Regional logoFounder of the YearGlobal Startup Awards · Middle East Regional2026
  • Zayed University logoPartner Challenge Mentor, Spring '24Zayed University2024
  • Top 50 Organisational Startups in EducationGlobal Forum for Education & Learning2019
  • Hospitality Services AwardSizzle Steakhouse

Certifications

  • Erasmus University Rotterdam logoInnovation ManagementErasmus University Rotterdam2026
  • Kanz logoAI Training HackathonKanz2026
  • DeepLearning.AI logoAI For EveryoneDeepLearning.AI2025
  • LinkedIn logoExecutive CoachingLinkedIn2022
  • LinkedIn logoDigital TransformationLinkedIn2021
  • Università Bocconi logoPrivate Equity and Venture CapitalUniversità Bocconi2020
  • Technical and Vocational Training Corporation logoCertified Train-the-Trainer (TOT)Technical and Vocational Training CorporationCredential ID 719215632020
  • SMstudy logoScrum Fundamentals Certified (SFC)SMstudyCredential ID 8032882020
  • SMstudy logoDigital Marketing FundamentalsSMstudyCredential ID 6025312020
  • LinkedIn logoStrategic ThinkingLinkedIn2019
  • LinkedIn logoBusiness Intelligence for ConsultantsLinkedIn2019
  • Udemy logoManagement ConsultingUdemy2019
  • Udemy logoLean Startup ManagementUdemy2019
  • AASBC logoSME's ConsultantAASBC2019
  • Entrepreneurial AdvisorSBR Research Institution2018
  • Queensland Institute of Business & Technology logoMentorship CertificateQueensland Institute of Business & Technology2015
  • Product School logoProduct Strategy Micro-CertificationProduct School

Selected from 65 credentials across strategy, management, digital transformation, AI, consulting and entrepreneurship.

Recommendations

Recommendations from founders, mentors and executives I have worked with — published on LinkedIn.

“I had the pleasure of coaching Wael in a working group where we collaborated on developing a sustainable entertainment event. Throughout the project, Wael consistently demonstrated creativity, commitment, and a strong ability to work collaboratively with others. He quickly grasped complex ideas, translated them into actionable solutions, and contributed valuable insights that elevated the entire group’s work. His passion for sustainability and forward-thinking approach made him a key contributor to the success of the project. I highly recommend Wael as a dedicated professional who brings both vision and teamwork to any initiative.”
Ali AlamriChief Strategy Officer · Events Investment Fund
“I had the privilege of mentoring Wael during the early stages of building Qiwam, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to watch his journey as a founder. From the outset, Wael demonstrated a rare combination of clarity, resilience, and willingness to challenge assumptions—qualities that have helped him successfully pivot his business model and push through early-stage challenges. What impressed me most was his ability to take feedback constructively and translate it into action. He didn’t just iterate—he evolved the startup with focus and purpose, and it’s no surprise that Qiwam is now reaching significant milestones and gaining traction. Wael leads with vision and integrity, and his growth as a founder has been remarkable. I’m confident Qiwam will continue to scale under his leadership, and I look forward to seeing what he accomplishes next. A founder to watch and support.”
Nawaf Al GainDirector General Innovation & Transformation · Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones
“I’ve known Wael Altorabi for years through our shared journey in the entrepreneurial and innovation community. He is someone who truly understands the pulse of the startup world, always bringing valuable insights, strategic thinking, and a collaborative spirit to every conversation. Wael’s dedication to fostering innovation and supporting founders is evident in how he connects people, ideas, and opportunities. His ability to navigate challenges, provide thoughtful advice, and contribute meaningfully to discussions makes him a valuable asset to any community, team, or initiative he’s involved in.”
Mohamed NawitoChief Operating Officer · Falak Investment Hub فلك للأعمال والاستثمار
“I have the privilege of knowing Wael and being closely involved with the inspiring vision he has for the entrepreneurial landscape in Saudi Arabia. He is a true visionary, playing a pivotal role in shaping and advancing the startup community across the country. His contributions are having a profound impact on the growth and success of startups in Saudi Arabia.”
Luis GonçalvesFounder · QeVentures
“I had the opportunity to work with Wael from Qewam as a product and growth advisor, and he is truly exceptional. As a visionary leader, Wael is full of innovative ideas and always backs them up with data. He is incredibly astute with his business decisions, learns quickly from his failures, and returns with a backlog of valuable lessons. His experience in building successful businesses and guiding them to acquisition is evident from our interactions. His expertise and insights are impressive, and any company would be fortunate to have him on their board or as an advisor. Any investor would be lucky to invest in his ventures.”
Shehab BeramHead of Product · Lumofy | لوموفاي
“Mr. Wael Altorabi is an outstanding mentor whose guidance has been invaluable. His practical advice and supportive approach greatly enhanced my skills during the Partner Challenge. Mr. Altorabi's ability to convey complex concepts simply and effectively makes him a remarkable mentor. Anyone looking to learn and succeed would benefit greatly from his expertise.”
Hajer Alsereidi
“Wael is an exceptional contributor to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's startup community. I wholeheartedly endorse him for his remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication. Wael's passion for entrepreneurship is truly inspiring laying the foundation for aspiring entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into successful ventures. As a mentor, Wael has a deep understanding of market trends, coupled with his strategic thinking and entrepreneurial mindset, these combined led him to the creation of several thriving ventures. Wael has a keen eye for identifying opportunities that others might overlook. In summary, Wael is an exceptional mentor and leader who makes a profound impact on the start-up world. His ability to build and nurture successful ventures, combined with his unwavering dedication to mentoring and growing great entrepreneurs, sets him apart as a truly outstanding individual.”
Silvia LupuChief Founder Scout · Founder Index
“As someone who has had the pleasure of working with Wael, I can confidently say that he is a remarkable leader who possesses a unique perspective and vision for the startup sector. His ability to inspire and motivate his team, even during the most challenging times, is truly unparalleled. Wael's unwavering dedication to his team's success is evident in every aspect of his leadership, from his exceptional communication skills to his keen ability to identify and solve problems. Wael has a gift for bringing out the best in people, and his mentorship has helped many individuals reach their full potential. He is indeed an exceptional leader with a unique outlook and unwavering dedication.”
Mansour GhamriDirector, Strategic Partnerships - Saudi Arabia and Middle East · IEEE
“قيادة المشاريع الرقمية أمر يتطلب مهارات جداً عالية واثبات فاعلية الأدوات الرقمية في إدارة المشروع أمر حتمي ولكن ان تكون هناك قيادة رقمية فهو أمر ليس باليسير أ. وائل أبدع في كونه قائد وتفرد بقيادة مشاريع رقمية بتشغيل رقمي 100% لم يكتفي بكونه مواكب بل يسابق ليبقى في المقدمة الرقمية "رحلة العمل مع وائل تسارع ابداع ابتكار مواكبة لضمان البقاء في المقدمة"”
Lamis Bakodah ،ASMEC®Business Consultant · Freelance
“I’ve know Wael little over a year now, and every time i talk to him i learn something new. A great person and great mentor.”
Meshal AlshammariProduct Activation · Boud
“Hail to the chief! Apart from the decision-making, communication, and overall professionalism, the most important thing I have learned from you is how to be a good human being. I really appreciate your understanding and support. It’s amazing to see you manage a bazillion things in a short time. And you do it so efficiently! Your leadership and ability to get things done are an inspiration to us all. Thank you, Wael!”
Amr DiabTechnical Lead · Avrio
“A short conversation with Wael is enough to find out why I recommend dealing with him, I worked with Wael up close and he is a natural entrepreneur.”
Mohammed Al GhubinCEO · PTway
“I worked with Wael for almost 1 year to build my startup marketing plan and develop my business model, his experience really help me to short the time and clear the vision.”
Hassan AlhajiIT Infrastructure & Operation Manager · Saudi Motorsport Company
“I have nothing but respect and admiration for Wael. He helped our startup to grow from just an idea and crazy one to be honest into a real business and a company we are proud of today our team grow. In one year we launched our first digital incubation thanks to him and the qewam team. Very proud.”
Adel AlsaadiActing CTO · Operater
“Wael has been by far a great leader to me throughout my journey in Qewam. I have learned a lot since the first day i joined the team and still learning as we go along. Thank you Wael for being the great person that you are and more like a mentor and friend than a manager.”
Aida ElhegazyExecutive Assistant to VP of AD&C MEA · Hilton
“Wael is one of the best people I've ever worked with. Wise, clever, amazing, and well-educated CEO who can be trusted. His performance at Qewam was golden. Working at Qewam is most challenging, and he battled the impediments. Wael always maintains very good relations with co-workers and clients. He is a really exceptional individual.”
Tamer SoliemanSenior Agile Programs Manager · Mozn
“Had the pleasure of working with him and under his leadership. Highly motivated and enthusiastic person. Leading the team from the front all the way. Best of luck with your endeavours.”
Muhammad IzhanChief Technology Officer · Moving With Sam
“Wael has been a highly resourceful and knowledgeable coach and guide on businesses and startups in the Kingdom. I chose him to coach me based on the recommendations of a number of people. He offered valuable yet practical advice given the limited resources that I had. His approach was also friendly and highly professional. This helped me quickly pivot the business model I had developed into one that was more attractive to investors. I highly recommend working with Wael. Mae Al Mozaini Founder & CEO, Nusf The Arab Institute for Women’s Empowerment”
Mae Al MozainiFounder + CEO · Saudi Women on Boards
“I had the pleasure to meet Wael and discuss some very interesting insights from his experience in business strategy, operations and market segmentation. Wael listens deeply and genuinely engage with his audience before he analyses the real issue and provide a useful advice.”
Abdulaziz Al QarraDirector of Advisory and Business Development, Real Estate Investments · alrajhi capital
“Mr Wael is an exceptional mentor. He provided me with very insightful feedback regarding my startup at an accelerate program. Advising me on my business canvas model, team building, sales, marketing, and how to grow my company. It was an honor to learn from him.”
Yara GhouthCofounder & Commercial Director · Nqoodlet | نقودلت
“I do not know what to say, Wael is a professional person, special, specific, who knows what to do ,, happy with our practical relationship”
Abdulaziz AL ABDLIDigital Programs Manager · Confidential Government
“You know the dreamer type when you meet Wael . Not just he’s ambitious in pursuing his career but also with a professional project management skills that can take an Idea to execution through quick implementation . I had a great honor to introduce Wael and have a discussion with him in StartupCEO as a speaker and a believer to share his journey with us . In the near future we will share the same passion to have a great impact in the entrepreneurial community not just locally but globally. Proud to meet and work with you mate.”
محمد إكرامي EkramyFounding Partner · Global Vision Investors Club
“Wael has been valuable to work with. He's provided a lot of important resources and tools, along with advice and has always been good at communicating concepts. He's very knowledgable on the market and business.”
Humaira KhanDirector · Stealth AI Startup
“Wael is a unique entrepreneur, knows what does it take to build a product and a passionate team. I admire his skills, knowledge & connection. I am glad that I'm part of his close-network.”
MOHAMMED ALHASSANChief Executive Officer · ShuttleKSA
“It was an honer for me to meet and know Wael. He is very energetic entrepreneur who love to help other, and try to evolve the entrepreneurship community in KSA. His entrepreneurial experience is very rich as he went through ups and downs that could allow him to lead a startup to succeed. He is very talented that you enjoy working with, and knows exactly what he wants. He is one of few people that I would not hesitate to start a business with”
Ahmed Abbas "أحمد عباس"Co-Founder & CEO · Lamha | لمحة

Publications / Media

49 essays for early-stage founders on product-market fit, fundraising, market sizing, pricing and growth.

Browse all insights

Also published

Contact

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