Egypt Plans Specialized Fund to Finance Startups, Attract US Venture Capital
Egypt is seeking to attract greater investment from US venture capital firms into its startup and entrepreneurship ecosystem, as Planning and Economic Development Minister Ahmed Rostom concluded his participation in the B20 Summit 2026 in Washington, D.C., with a series of meetings with senior executives from American investment institutions.
The meetings took place at the Egyptian Embassy in Washington in the presence of Mohamed El-Molla, Egypt’s Ambassador to the United States. Discussions focused on mechanisms to channel foreign private-sector investment into promising Egyptian startups.
New financing initiative and dedicated startup fund
Rostom’s meetings included discussions with Bobby Franklin, President and CEO of the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA), and Brad Firstein, Partner and Co-Head of Corporate Solutions for the Americas and Head of Deal Origination at Apollo Infrastructure Group.
During the discussions, the minister outlined the main features of a comprehensive financing initiative that the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development intends to launch. The initiative includes establishing a dedicated fund to finance startups and entrepreneurs, with the aim of expanding access to capital, supporting business growth and attracting additional investment into Egypt’s innovation ecosystem.
Rostom said the initiative is intended to implement presidential directives and recommendations issued by Egypt Forum 2026. He added that the ministry’s strategy views financing as a tool for stimulating investment and seeks to align companies’ funding requirements with their respective stages of growth.
The proposed fund is expected to address financing gaps that startups encounter as they move from product development and business-model testing to commercial expansion and entry into new regional and international markets.
Linking financing with the Qimam program
The minister also highlighted the connection between the proposed financing track and the Qimam program, which supports fast-growing startups with high economic returns.
He stressed that funding should be accompanied by investment readiness support, stronger management capabilities and the adoption of governance standards. This integrated approach is intended to prepare companies to engage with international investors and access global investment networks.
Rostom invited US investment funds and institutions to participate in investment funds targeting Egyptian startups and explore opportunities in the local market. He noted that Egypt’s entrepreneurship ecosystem offers promising investment prospects and innovative talent capable of generating added value.
He also emphasized the importance of building sustainable international partnerships that can turn innovation into tangible opportunities for inclusive economic growth.
Discussions on strengthening Egypt-US economic ties
Separately, Rostom attended an official dinner hosted by the Advisory Council of the American Chamber of Commerce in honor of his visit to the United States. The event brought together representatives of major American companies and Egyptian entrepreneurs based abroad.
Attendees included the Chairman of the Advisory Council of the American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt; David Welch, Chairman of the Middle East Institute; Eric D.K. Melby, Co-Founder of The Scowcroft Group; and Omar Mohanna, Chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt and the Egyptian-American Business Council.
Discussions addressed ways to strengthen economic, trade and investment relations between Egypt and the United States and accelerate bilateral trade. The minister also presented key elements of the National Economic Transformation Program and highlighted positive developments in the Egyptian economy to encourage investors to explore expansion opportunities in Egypt amid the government’s ongoing reforms.
