Sharif El-Badawi

CEO of Dubai Future District Fund

1 episode · The Perfect Pitch Podcast (Series)

Sharif El-Badawi is a pioneering technology investor and the Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai Future District Fund (DFDF), a landmark venture fund dedicated to driving Dubai's new economy and investing in the future of finance. A seasoned operator and serial entrepreneur, Sharif spent nearly seven years at Google before becoming one of the most prolific venture capitalists in the Middle East. As the former Managing Partner of 500 Startups' MENA fund (500 Falcons) and the Founding Managing Partner of Plus Venture Capital (+VC), he has executed hundreds of early-stage venture transactions across the region. Joining the first episode of The Perfect Pitch Podcast, Sharif dives deep into the realities of venture capital in the MENA region to equip entrepreneurs with the tools they need to navigate today's challenging economic climate. He breaks down the crucial anatomy of a successful founding team, the core traits that define a standout founder, and how startups can actually leverage existential crises to pivot and refine their business models.