Ibrahim Ajami
Showing 1–3 of 3 transcripts.
- Milken Institute1h 18m
Part 1: A Conversation with Steve Case | Part 2: New Entrepreneurs for a New Economy
Steve Case, Dan Premack, Nick Green, Jeanette, Irene, Ibrahim Ajami
Steve Case and a diverse panel of executives from companies like Thrive Market and AirAsia Digital convened to analyze the permanent shift of venture capital toward regional hubs and the integration of the internet into legacy sectors like healthcare and logistics. The discussion highlighted how remote work, accelerated pandemic trends, and a strategic pivot from pure travel to digital ecosystems are reshaping investment strategies, with leaders emphasizing sustainability, operational agility, and a "flight to quality" in the SPAC market. Key outcomes included the identification of a "Third Wave" of internet innovation where domain expertise in the Midwest and Southeast offers competitive advantages, alongside a renewed focus on closing diversity gaps and supporting Black founders through targeted partnerships.
- Milken Institute59 min
Venture Capital: The Rise of the Rest
Fahad AlSharekh, Ibrahim Ajami, Avi Eyal, Sarah Kunst, Jack Selby, Pule Taukobong
Leading venture capitalists from the Middle East and Africa, including representatives from Mubadala, Entree Capital, and Teal Capital, discuss a surge in regional capital inflows and the shift toward deep-tech sectors like AI and semiconductors. Despite persistent talent shortages and infrastructure gaps, panelists identify emerging local funds as critical gatekeepers that will validate startups before attracting tier-one international follow-on capital. Strategic partnerships are forming to foster founder-centric cultures and build indigenous expertise, positioning these frontier markets for potential growth that may soon outpace traditional U.S. and European hubs.
- Milken Institute51 min
The Emergence of Venture Capital Mega-Funds
Sumant Mandal, Ibrahim Ajami, Ron Cao, Fred Destin, Akshay Naheta
Masayoshi Son and Mubadala are reshaping global venture capital through massive capital deployment and a shift toward active, long-term partnerships that leverage sovereign wealth and private equity scales. Their strategies address evolving market dynamics by capitalizing on China's rapid technological expansion while restructuring traditional fund models to handle hyper-scaling companies and data-driven investment decisions. As the industry matures, these entities are prioritizing localized execution and ecosystem connectivity to navigate liquidity challenges and compete with increasingly sophisticated public market alternatives.