jordan pulse -

The Jordan Capital and Investment Fund announced the official launch of Manara Ventures, an investment fund worth JOD 50 million (approximately $70.5 million), dedicated to supporting the growth of promising Jordanian companies in the fields of technology and innovation. The fund has also secured backing from regional institutional investors, including Abu Dhabi-based Lunate Capital. Manara Ventures is registered in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) as a fully Sharia-compliant investment platform.
​Hani Al-Qadi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Jordan Capital and Investment Fund, commented: "The launch of Manara Ventures represents a major milestone in our strategy to expand into venture capital and innovation-driven investments. This initiative aligns fully with Jordan's vision to build a high-value-added, knowledge-based economy driven by entrepreneurship, innovation, and private sector growth. We believe Jordan possesses exceptional entrepreneurial talent, and Manara Ventures will provide the necessary capital and institutional support to enable these companies to scale and grow."
​Luma Fawaz has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of Manara Ventures. Fawaz is a prominent figure in the Jordanian startup ecosystem and venture capital development, bringing over two decades of experience in supporting entrepreneurs and high-growth technology companies. Prior to joining Manara Ventures, she served as the CEO of Oasis500, where she oversaw more than 180 early-stage startup investments and worked closely with over 2,500 regional entrepreneurs.
​Luma Fawaz stated: "I am honored to lead Manara Ventures at this pivotal moment for the Jordanian innovation ecosystem. Our ambition is to support outstanding founders and help them expand regionally and globally. Beyond delivering strong financial returns, the fund seeks to catalyze technological advancement, foster innovation, and deepen regional collaboration within the startup ecosystem."
​Manara Ventures aims to accelerate the growth of Jordan's digital economy, empower high-potential entrepreneurs, and strengthen the Kingdom's position as a regional hub for innovation and technology. The fund will invest in technology or tech-enabled Jordanian companies with strong growth prospects, targeting more than 20 growth-stage companies, with additional capital allocated to support up to 15 high-performing companies seeking regional expansion. Individual investment ticket sizes are expected to range between $750,000 and $3 million, including follow-on funding rounds.
​Faris Sharaf, CEO of the Jordan Capital and Investment Fund, added: "Manara Ventures embodies our shared commitment to unlocking the potential of Jordanian entrepreneurs and supporting innovation in sectors critical to the Kingdom's future economic growth. Through our partnership with Lunate, we are building a strong bridge connecting Jordanian innovation with regional capital, while establishing companies capable of competing and expanding beyond local markets."
​About the Jordan Capital and Investment Fund:
​The Jordan Capital and Investment Fund is the largest private-sector investment fund in Jordan, with a capital exceeding JOD 275 million (approximately $388 million). Owned by 16 Jordanian banks, the fund invests in high-potential companies across strategic sectors of the national economy by providing growth capital and institutional support to businesses capable of scaling, creating jobs, and contributing to sustainable economic growth in Jordan