Manama, Bahrain – Hope Ventures, the investment arm of Hope Fund and producers of Beban TV show, co-invests USD 330k in Koala Picks alongside the private sector comprising Kuwaiti investor Mr. Yousef AlSultan, CEO of Nuzha Ventures and Mr. Basel Alabdulkarim, Saudi angel Investor & President of EO Saudi East on the fifth episode of Beban Season 2.

Koala Picks is a brand that makes healthy snack boxes with natural ingredients for kids and adults, co-founded by Ahmed Mubasher, Aya Assaf, and Omnia Abdelhalim. The brand is on a mission to enable families to lead healthier lifestyles through its various refined sugar-free, preservative-free, trans-fats-free, and artificial ingredients-free products.

Commenting on the occasion, Fajer Al Pachachi, General Manager at Hope Ventures, said: “I am thrilled to be co-investing alongside regional private-sector investors whose vast network and expertise will strategically support Koala Picks in the expansion and product development and distribution on regional and international levels. The co-founders’ passion, drive, and forward-thinking echo our value of investing in entrepreneurs and the team behind the business.”

On his part, Yousef AlSultan, CEO of Nuzha Ventures, commented: “As an investor from Kuwait, Beban has removed the regional barrier and eased access to exceptional business opportunities which previously were not on our radar. The Koala Picks team is one that showcased commitment, while the business has the potential to scale and grow to become a household name in the Arab world through our guidance and expertise as strategic investors.”

While Basel Alabdulkarim, Saudi angel Investor & President of EO Saudi East, also commented on his co-investment alongside Hope Ventures: “The most prominent aspect of this investment is that it is a true testament to the fruits of Hope Ventures’ initiatives represented through Beban TV show. Beban carries a positive impact on entrepreneurs, investors, and both local and regional economies. I am optimistic about the co-investment between the public and private sectors, as the latter will bring their rich experiences to benefit all. Koala Picks will have our support to reach their desired aspirations, and we look forward to supporting them.”

Alongside Mr. Yousef AlSultan and Basel Alabdulkarim, episode 5’s panel of investors included Dr. Abdulelah Algosaibi, a Saudi investor in emerging technologies, and was moderated by His Excellency Aymen bin Tawfiq Almoayed, Chairman of Hope Fund, who was also representing Hope Ventures’ investments.

Beban season 2, which is 100% powered by renewable energy through Hope Ventures’ partnership with The Oil and Gas Holding Company B.S.C (closed) (“nogaholding”) and the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA), was filmed in Al Areen Palace and Spa by Accor, whereby entrepreneurs pitch their businesses in front of a panel of regional investors for immediate investment and business opportunities.

The show aims to shed light on promising entrepreneurs and matchmake them with strategic investors to accelerate their growth and expansion into international markets. The show can be streamed on the region’s first and biggest video-on-demand platform, Shahid, for free or watched as it airs at 6 PM (+3 GMT) on Bahrain TV, 9:30 PM (+3 GMT) on Alrai TV, and 10:30 PM (+3 GMT) on Dubai TV.

A new episode of Beban will air every Wednesday of this month. You can watch the next episode airing on the 8th of February 2023, on Bahrain TV at 6 PM and on AlRai TV at 9:30 PM or anytime on the region’s first and biggest video-on-demand platform, Shahid.

To stay up to date with all-things-Beban, make sure you follow the show’s accounts on social media @bebanme.

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About Hope Ventures:  

Hope Ventures is the investment arm of Hope Fund, a Fund established by the decree from His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and is governed and supervised by His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, with the vision to support youth projects and initiatives. Hope Ventures invests in promising Bahraini businesses and strategically accelerates their growth internationally.

Visit: www.hopefund.bh