Sherif Ramadan has over a decade of experience in both B2B and B2C sectors, working in managerial roles in multinational companies with a strong focus on digital transformation, big data, and analytics. His career spans both sides of the entrepreneurial journey, entrepreneur and investor, but the latter all started with Shark Tank Egypt.
“Our chairman, Ayman Abbas, is one of the Sharks on the show, and that opened the door for us to get more actively involved in startup investing. From there, A Ventures grew into what it is today – a structured investment arm supporting early-stage startups across various industries,” Ramadan said.
A Ventures is now backed by Intro Holding, operating as a corporate VC, and has invested in 28 companies across nine industries, supporting some of the most promising early-stage startups in Egypt and beyond.
Some of its standout investments include RawMart, an online platform that streamlines the procurement process for construction and finishing materials; AlProtein, a biotech company focused on sustainable food production; AgriKemet, which specialises in biotechnology and organic waste recycling; and Mrkoon, a B2B waste management platform.
“We are sector-agnostic, meaning we invest across various industries. However, we focus on early-stage startups – pre-seed and seed – where we can have the most impact and help founders navigate their initial scaling challenges,” said Ramadan.
AVentures’ primary focus is on Egypt and the wider MENA region, and the firm offers support that goes beyond capital.
“We offer extensive hands-on experience, deep industry knowledge, and access to a vast network. Our connection to Intro Group gives our portfolio companies unparalleled leverage in terms of supply chain access, strategic partnerships, and operational expertise,” Ramadan said.
Africa’s tech scene is one of the most dynamic and fast-growing globally, he said.
“We’re seeing a surge in digital adoption, fintech innovation, and scalable tech solutions tailored to local market needs. The region presents massive untapped potential, with startups solving fundamental challenges in financial inclusion, logistics, healthcare, and beyond. Investors who understand the local nuances and are willing to play the long game will reap significant rewards,” said Ramadan.
“While we’re seeing a growing pool of ambitious entrepreneurs, many African startups still face critical gaps in operational efficiency, financial discipline, and scalability strategies. Founders often focus on product development but struggle with unit economics, fundraising strategy, and sustainable growth models. That’s where investors like us come in – not just with capital but with strategic guidance to help them build enduring businesses.”
The global funding winter has, however, slowed down deal flow, especially at later stages.
“However, early-stage investing remains active, as investors continue to back promising founders who can demonstrate strong fundamentals. I expect the capital shortage to persist through 2025 but gradually ease as macroeconomic conditions stabilise. In the short term, startups need to focus on profitability and operational efficiency, rather than just chasing high valuations. Investors are being more selective, but great businesses will still get funded.”
AVentures’ plans for 2025? It will continue investing via Shark Tank Egypt, supporting high-potential founders.
“We’ll also expand our involvement as an LP in leading funds backed by top-tier MENA VCs, and lay the groundwork for transitioning into a full-fledged VC, allowing us to deploy capital at a larger scale while maintaining a hands-on approach with our portfolio companies,” said Ramadan.
